Interior Lighting

There are three main categories that describe how light is diffused into a room and the type of fitting you select will affect not only the quality of light but the way that it is directed into the room. Each of these categories is discussed in more detail below.

Indirect lighting is really self-explanatory being achieved with light fittings that do not shine light directly into the room itself. Instead, the light is reflected from another surface resulting usually in an even glare-free light. Uplighters are an obvious source of indirect lighting as they are usually positioned so that the light bounces off the ceiling and then is reflected back into the room. Desk lamps can also be used as a form of indirect lighting as they can be swivelled to reflect light off the wall in the evening whereas normally it would be used for task lighting and therefore would be considered a form of direct lighting.

Direct lighting is achieved by using light fittings which shine directly into the room. The large majority of light fittings fall into this category but some are adaptable depending on how they are used such as the case of the desk lamp referred to in the above paragraph. By simply adding a shade to a light fitting can alter the effect from direct to diffused lighting.

When it comes to interior design or a remodeling project, one of the most important aspects is the lighting. Unfortunately it is the lighting that is often over-looked by most people when they attempt to complete their own remodel. Whether it is from crystal lamps, floor lamps, or over even recessed ceiling units, it is the light that is the lifeblood of any design. Ignore this fact and your design will most certainly be found wanting.

As a trained interior decorator knows, if you do not have good lighting to start with your design is destined to fail. While this is common knowledge to professionals, the concept is lost on the novice who attempts to complete their own interior makeovers. It is not hard to see why as they are easily distracted by the allure of the big, new leather couches and love seats. Also the more basic aspects like new carpet, rugs, and paint does not escape their attention. They plan their budget and financing around the purchase of these items and give little to no thought to the lighting. Only after they have exhausted the last of their funds due they realize the need. Needless to say, in the world of lighting you get what you pay for. Here is the problem in that people will just go cheap. They will make do with whatever they have or purchase the cheapest item they can find. When this happens the lighting is all wrong and takes away from the design. On top of that if the actual lamp or lighting unit is out-of-place for the design, it is hard to overcome the flaw.

Lighting of a space, or in this case the newly remodeled design, is the most important aspect. Who cares how fancy a couch is, or how detailed a piece of art is if you cannot see it. In turn, if too much light is applied it washes out the finer aspects of the design and just makes it look out of proportion. It is the lighting that sets the tone of a room. It is this same lighting that communicates the mood as well. For example a crystal lamp on a table might communicate a feeling of elegance in the space, while a spotlight unit might be used to showcase a very specific point within the room. A very bright light might set the tone of high energy, while a light with less brilliance and softer tone might make the space seem quieter and peaceful.

It is well acknowledged that once darkness falls there is a need to light up the rooms of our homes through the use of artificial lighting. There have been major improvements in the quality and styles of lighting available meaning there is now wide array of choices available in the market. However, this has led to people focusing more on the actual fitting itself as opposed to the taking into consideration the most appropriate type of lighting for their scheme. There are five key types of lighting which are discussed in more detail below.

Ambient lighting is the name given to general background lighting. Its main function is to achieve an all-round level of light which is needed for practicality and safety. Ambient lighting is essential for all rooms and the most common types of fittings are pendants and low-voltage downlighters. It is therefore not necessarily an attractive feature in itself but works best when used in conjunction with other forms of lighting to create character and interest.

Accent lighting is any form of lighting that is used to define and highlight specific areas or points of interest such as display objects. As well as creating a focal point in a room, it creates character and visual interest. Low voltage halogen spotlights are always a popular choice for this type of lighting as they can be recessed into a ceiling without detracting from the interior scheme. Another more traditional choice is brass picture lights and whilst still a popular choice they would also be a decorative feature and therefore should be in keeping with the rest of the scheme.