The Importance of Considered Lighting in Your Home
Summer? What Summer… Blink & miss it kind of event here in Manchester. Whatever it was
or wasn’t, unfortunately it seems to be well & truly over! Autumn is upon us & the shops are
already full of Halloween merch.
Other than the 8 legged nasties that like to become uninvited guests at this time of year,
Autumn is actually so lovely and exciting for me. The colours in nature (& conkers! I love
conkers!!) are just gorgeous. I love Halloween and Christmas too & the run up to the big FC’s
visit is usually full of fun & exciting diary entries!
The problem is, diminished daylight hours (hibernation vibes!), limited natural light &
insufficient artificial lighting in many homes could have a negative impact on our mental
health. However, with such a wealth of opportunities around how to light our homes in new
and imaginative ways we shouldn’t have to suffer.
Lighting, as with many elements of Interior Design is all about layering; combining different
types & different effects to create the desired ambience. Layering lighting effectively in your
home is key to creating a functional, comfortable, and visually appealing environment. To do
this, you’ll want to combine types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent lighting—each serving
different purposes. A perfectly lit room / space should consider a combination of the below:
Ambient Lighting (General Lighting)
This is the main source of light that illuminates the entire room and creates a comfortable of brightness.
- What to use: Ceiling fixtures like chandeliers, pendant lights, recessed lights, or track lighting.
- Where to place it: Spread evenly across the room or focused on the central area.
- How to adjust it: Use dimmers to control the intensity. This lets you adjust the overall mood of the space.
Task Lighting
Task lighting provides focused light for specific activities such as reading, cooking or working.
- What to use: Desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, pendants over workspaces, or swing-arm wall lights.
- Where to place it: Place these lights in functional areas where tasks occur, like above kitchen counters, beside reading chairs, or on desks.
Accent Lighting (Decorative Lighting)
Accent lighting is used to highlight particular features in a room, like artwork, plants, architectural details, or textured walls.
- What to use: Wall sconces, picture lights, spotlights, or hidden LED strips.
- Where to place it: Point these lights toward the objects you want to highlight, such as a painting, a bookshelf, or a unique design element.
- How to adjust it: Accent lighting should be about three times brighter than the ambient lighting. You want it to draw attention without overpowering the room.
Decorative Lighting (Mood Lighting)
This layer is less about function and more about adding style and ambiance. It can add a soft glow and create a focal point through beautiful fixtures.
- What to use: Statement light fixtures like chandeliers, pendant lights, string lights, or lanterns.
- Where to place it: Place decorative lighting where it can be both functional and visually appealing, like over dining tables, entryways, or cosy corners.
- How to adjust it: Ensure the fixtures complement the room’s design without overwhelming the space. These can work well with dimmers to soften the ambiance.
Natural Light Integration
Leverage natural light during the day by placing mirrors to reflect sunlight, keeping window treatments light or able to be drawn back / up fully and ensuring windows are unobstructed.
- What to use: Use sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight in while controlling glare. Fit blinds outside the window recess and high above the window so when open, they aren’t blocking light. If considering a new extension or structural refurb, ensure natural light sources are included and considered (roof panels or lanterns, letterbox windows, sliding doors.
- Where to place it: Arrange seating or key areas near windows to take advantage of natural light as part of your layered scheme.
Practical Tips for Layering Lights:
- Dimmers Everywhere: Install dimmer switches on as many fixtures as possible to allow for flexibility.
- Smart Lighting: Use smart bulbs or lighting systems that can change the brightness and colour temperature throughout the day.
- Balance and Contrast: Ensure the lights in the room are balanced—don’t have overly bright spots next to shadowy areas. Layering helps distribute light evenly.
- Temperature Matters: Use warm lighting in living areas and bedrooms for a cosy atmosphere, and cooler lighting in kitchens or workspaces for better visibility.
- Avoid Overlapping Shadows: Ensure lights are layered in such a way that they complement each other rather than casting unwanted shadows.
By combining these layers of light, you can create a versatile lighting scheme that’s adaptable to any occasion or activity in your home.
Good luck & enjoy experimenting. If you need any further assistance, I’m here to help!
Lots of Love
Jane xx
Ava Rose Interiors