Trust us on this: once you’ve lain in your darkened bedroom experiencing the warm glow of a rechargeable table lamp in UK, you’re going to start thinking about how you can light the other rooms in your house so they’ll be a cosy, welcoming space for everyone. Proper room lighting can make a huge difference in the mood each particular area of your house evokes, so it’s important to plan a lighting scheme that’s both attractive and safety-minded. Check out the common categories of lighting and how you can apply them to light up your home.
What are the three layers of lighting?
- Ambient or general lighting refers to the primary light source that provides the overall illumination for a room. Recessed lighting, overhead fixtures, chandeliers and track lights are frequently used in home lighting setups. The light should be evenly distributed throughout the room so there are no dark spots.
- Task lighting refers to light sources used to illuminate specific activities, and some examples you can easily find in your house are desk lamps, reading lamps, vanity lights, and under-cabinet lighting. This type of lighting should be bright enough so you can do your task comfortably but not so bright that it will cause glare or create shadows.
- Accent lighting is used to highlight specific objects, features, or architectural details so you can add a sense of drama or visual interest to a room. Some examples of accent lighting are picture lights, spotlights, wall sconces, and niche lighting. These are often used with narrow beam spreads and dimmers for creating mood.
What type of lighting should you use for the busiest rooms in your house?
Living room
Your living room is one of the most versatile spaces in your house. You can use it for entertaining, relaxing, and various other activities, so you need to be strategic in your lighting choices. You can use multiple circuits for the different layers of lighting so you can have more flexible controls. Warmer colour temperatures are preferred if you wish to create a cosy atmosphere.
- Ambient lighting: If your home has high ceilings, you can install a decorative chandelier to serve as a focal point. You can also add some floor lamps since these can provide a softer glow compared to overhead lighting.
- Task lighting: Put some table lamps on end tables beside your sofa or your reading chairs. If you prefer a floor lamp for reading, choose one with an adjustable length.
- Accent lighting: Place picture lights above any artwork that you’re displaying in the living room. If you have a fireplace, put wall sconces on the sides to highlight it.
Kitchen
You need bright, functional lighting for the kitchen so you’ll have no trouble seeing things while you’re cooking and cleaning. Go for cooler colours in your lights since these can ensure better visibility. Furthermore, make sure that your lighting fixtures are resistant to moisture and easy to clean.
- Ambient lighting: Choose recessed lighting for general work areas or walking paths. If you’ve got a smaller kitchen, you can opt for flush or semi-flush mounts.
- Task lighting: It’s crucial to have under-cabinet lighting for your countertops where you do your food preparation. LED strips are your best bet since they’re both bright and efficient. Pendant lights can be installed over kitchen islands but make sure they’re positioned to avoid creating shadows. You also need a recessed light or flush mount for your sink area.
- Accent lighting: If you wish to add a soft, indirect glow along the ceiling, then go for cove lighting. Meanwhile, subtle strip lighting under your cabinets can give your kitchen a modern look.
Bathroom
A bathroom needs to have shadow-free lighting for your grooming purposes, along with some ambient lighting to help promote relaxation. You might want to install some dimmers, too, for times when you wish to recreate a spa-like mood during your baths.
- Ambient lighting: Place some recessed lighting over the toilet, shower, and general areas, then use a flush mount for your central overhead fixture.
- Task lighting: Place sconces on either side of your vanity mirror so you’ll have an easier time when shaving or applying makeup. If you don’t like the look of sconces, you can choose a horizontal fixture that provides wide, even lighting and install it above the mirror.
- Accent lighting: Get some backlighting for your mirror so it’ll have a pleasing, ambient glow and install some niche lighting on any decorative shelves.
Check out other great lighting options on the lights&lamps website today!
