Lighting is the most important aspect in interior design and is often the most overlooked. In order to see the beautiful creation of color and furniture, the room must be illuminated properly. A single light can change the way a room is viewed. Overcome the common pitfalls and punch up your space!
#5 Output – Lighting should have a different brightness depending on its task. Use highest wattage (150W) for task lighting such as over a kitchen island or at a desk. Medium wattage (100W) should be used to highlight a piece of art on a wall and lowest wattage (60W) should be used for ambient table lighting. This will give your room some depth and interest.
#4 Function – There are different lamps for different areas and uses. Place a torchiere lamp in the corner or with a slope ceiling for some up-light and eliminate the cave effect. Use directional or down lighting by a work surface or a reading chair.
#3 Style – Lighting should add something to a room when it’s OFF. Think of your light as a piece of art. Look at the shape or finish and make it relate to another piece in the room. This will give your room some personality.
#2 Matching – All of your lamps do not have to match. Try mixing glass globes with fabric shades. Or try a colored ceramic base with something a little more open with metal accents. This creates interest through materials.
#1 Scale – Lighting should relate to its surroundings. Too often lighting is either too big or too small for the other pieces in the room. Take into consideration ceiling height or table size when selecting pieces. Lighting should gradually break up the visual plane in a room and draw your eye around the space.
this is great!
We’re glad you liked it! Thanks for reading!
great tips! very interesting and educating reading.
Thank you! We’re glad it was helpful and thanks for following.
Thank you for this very useful information. Unfortunately, life with Mom – in her house, with her furniture – prohibits my husband and I from taking advantage of your expertise. But someday, I’ll return when I can put your experience and advise into practice.
It can be difficult to live in someone else’s space. We hope you can find some small ways to personalize it for yourself in the meantime. Thank you so much for following.
I like to tell my clients that lighting is the jewelry of a space. The final touch that makes it come alive. Good post!
What a great way to describe it, Sue! Thank you for reading.
Great article about lighting. Being a Photographer I pay very close attention to the intensity and temperature (color) of the lights….thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading.
Reblogged this on Three Little Dogs and commented:
Really warm pics!
Thank you so much and thanks for the re-blog too!
Great advice. Thank you!
Fab post and great tips – thanks! I’m just re-furbing some lampshades at the moment and newd to now decide on lamp bases and placement. Very helpful x
We’re so glad you liked it! Thank you for following.