Lighting Basics for Interior Designers: The Types of Lighting Fixtures
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Lighting is crucial for creating a well-designed interior space. It has the power to transforms the mood, highlights architectural features, and enhance the perception and functionality of any room. Whether you're designing a cozy living room or a modern kitchen, here are the 4 main lighting techniques you need to know that will take your interiors to the next level.
1. Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, provides overall illumination to the entire room. It sets the ambiance or tone as its name suggests. Creates a comfortable and inviting environment. To achieve ambient lighting, consider installing recessed lights, chandeliers, or track lighting that spreads the light evenly throughout the space. Refer to a light calculator to evenly distribute the light based on the fixture’s lumen output, or amount of light emitted.
2. Task Lighting
Task lighting focuses on specific areas where activities such as reading, cooking, or working take place. It's essential to ensure that there is ample light for these tasks. Place task lights strategically, such as table lamps, under-cabinet lights, or pendant lights, to provide direct and concentrated light where it's needed. Place fixtures just over a worksurface.
Task lighting can help reduce glare and eye strain, slowing down vision deterioration over time due to improper lighting.
3. Accent Lighting
As accent lighting suggests it emphasizes certain objects or architectural features in a room while providing additional brightness to a space. It adds depth and visual interest to the space. Use spotlights, wall-mounted fixtures, or track lighting to draw attention to artwork, sculptures, or focal points like a fireplace.
4. Natural Lighting
Where possible, make the most of natural light as it brings warmth and a sense of openness to any space. Maximize windows, skylights, or glass doors to allow natural light to flow in. You can also use light-colored window treatments that enable privacy while still permitting sunlight to illuminate the room.
Layer Your Lighting
Add visual interest by adding a combination of the four types of lighting to achieve the perfect lighting composition: ambient, accent, task, and natural lighting. Start by establishing ambient lighting, which provides overall illumination and sets the general mood of the room. Next, add accent lighting to highlight elements that make your space unique. For task lighting, focus on providing ample illumination for your favorite activities. Lastly, don't forget about natural lighting, which brings the outdoors in. Layer your lighting to highlight best highlight your interiors.
XO,
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