You can’t have “camera and action” without lights. In fact, the crucial role of lighting is not only for functionality but also as an important aspect of interior design. Lighting may not be top of mind when considering design elements in the home, but it can change a room’s mood or even the perceived size of a space.
Let’s look at three general types of lighting:
1.) AMBIENT LIGHTING
This is one of the most common types of lighting. The term used in photography to describe this is “natural light” within a room. Essentially, it is a soft glow that blankets your space just enough for you to function without causing a harsh glare. When you think about adding artificial lighting to a room, consider how much or how little natural light the room gets so that you can find the right balance of functionality and aesthetics. It’s not ideal for working closely with objects or for highlighting objects. You can use the following lights to help create ambient atmosphere:
Recessed or track lighting – These are a highly practical, multi-functional lighting solution that blends well with most design schemes. Recessed, also referred to as “can” lighting, come in several sizes, so make sure not to over light the space. You’ll see these types of lights a lot in the kitchen, living room or lower levels. There is no specific function or place for track lighting; with endless applications, the vast options include sleek track heads and pendants that are easy to incorporate into any home.
Chandeliers and Pendants – These types of fixtures work great with higher ceilings. Based on your lighting needs, you can choose the height that works best for the room area. When considering ambient lighting, think about how you want the room to feel. Chandeliers are not only used in large, open foyers, entryways and rooms because of their centrally themed placement but also because they provide excellent illumination for the room.Think about installing dimmer switches with chandeliers and pendants so that you can control how much light each fixture gives off.
2.) TASK LIGHTING
This type of lighting is mostly used for working situations. It’s said to naturally stimulate your brain. Some people refer to this as “office lighting.” These tasks are best accomplished using a finer light, like for sewing or cooking or reading. The following fixtures help to create task lighting:
Desk and Floor Lamps – These provide extra light anywhere you need it. A benefit is that they’re generally light weight and easy to move around. A good example of this would be your favorite reading chair where you may want a floor reading lamp that offers directional lighting onto the page of your book. You can keep task lights on their own switch so that unused areas don’t need to be lit up until you need to use them.
Pendant and Track Lighting – Also mentioned above, these lights help illuminate larger areas where you perform tasks, such as a children’s play area or above a kitchen island. With their versatility, you can also adjust your track heads along the length of the track to better illuminate a new configuration, if you choose.
Under Cabinet and Vanity Lights – The most popular location for under cabinet lights, is of course, in the kitchen. Not only do they provide extra light to see when you’re chopping or mixing, but they add style and a nice glow. Vanity lights are especially useful in the bathroom for putting on make-up or personal grooming.
3.) ACCENT LIGHTING
This type of lighting is designed to draw your eyes to things you want people to notice in your home, like a piece of art, for example. The following is great use of accent lighting:
Under Cabinet Lights – Maybe you can display some treasured items on shelves or in nooks or placed inside glass-front china cabinets where under-cabinet lights could be installed.
Wall Lighting – These are probably the most versatile of all lighting in that they work almost everywhere – bedrooms, hallways and even porches. Wall-mounted picture lights can be angled and directed to create a highlight on your object of choice. From elegant to simple, wall sconces are a beautiful way to light your space.
Call Mosby Building Arts today at 314-909-1800 to explore the best lighting options for your home remodeling needs.