With great home lighting, you can make a plain space look great and a great space look fantastic. Light affects how we perceive spaces and the items within them. A good lighting plan should create a cozy, inviting space and add sparkle to treasured art work and furnishings.
Besides the electric lighting fixtures, natural light should also flow uninterrupted into the rooms. You can achieve this by removing secondary glazing on the window, replacing heavy curtains with light drapes. Also, placing a mirror near the window makes it look larger and brighter.
One should have the knowledge about the basic type of lighting fixtures that can be used in our homes before choosing any.
The first category is that of general lighting. It is used for general illumination purpose in the home. These are ceiling mounted lighting fixtures which include florescent and halogen lights. Halogen lights can be dimmed and gives a more flattering glow in the room.
The second category includes task lighting fixtures. These are used for specific purposes like reading, cooking, applying makeup and so are used in various areas of the home. Lamps with adjustable arms are the most common lighting fixtures in this category. These should be glare free so that one does not have to strain his/ her eyes.
Accent lighting – is focused lighting that is used to illuminate a sculpture, piece of art, or architectural element in a room. Accent lighting is about three times as bright as ambient lighting.
Decorative Lighting – Their sole purpose is not illumination but decoration. Decorative lights like dramatic chandeliers and colorful silk lanterns will look good even when unlit.
The key to good lighting is layering. Using just one light source for the whole space might be the easy way out, but it wont be able to bring your interiors to life. Know the different types of lights and the kind of illumination they provide. Then use a mix to create a captivating ambiance, depending on the function of the space. As with all of your decorating efforts, do a little planning before you rush out and purchase your home lighting fixtures.