Category: Beauty of bandra

 

We all need that positive shaft of light to brighten our lives and the same is true for our homes too. The kind of lighting options one chooses for the home plays a highly influential role in setting up its ambience. Lights are also instrumental in impacting the mood of the home’s occupants. This article lists all the information you need to choose lights and make your home appealing and attractive for your family and guests.

Types of Lighting

Lighting can be divided into three basic categories, viz. Ambient, Accent and Task Lighting. Let us explore them in brief:

• Ambient Lighting: The primary purpose of ambient lighting is to focus on a specific space. It can create a dramatic effect and is generally used to highlight a décor piece, sculpture or a work of art. Using wall-mounted lights or track lights, it is possible to create an impact on the viewer.
• Accent Lighting: Tube lights, CFL or LED bulbs that cover a large area and have the potential to light up an entire space are categorized under Accent lighting. Choose lighting that is capable of providing uniform lighting and is pleasant too. Every room should have at least one source of accent lighting.
• Task Lighting: Areas that are created specifically for certain activities like kitchen, dining or study areas need task lighting. They are designed to enhance spaces to help certain activities and are dedicated to the task at hand. They should encourage productivity and should be pleasant. Choose task lights that are neither too dull nor too strong. It is recommended to choose white lights for this purpose as yellow lights can create a relaxing environment.

Styles and functionality

Lighting options are available in a huge variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary and a range of budgets too. You can choose from different shapes, sizes and materials used like metal, glass, fibre, crystal, and bamboo. Light fixtures like ceiling lamps, floor lamps, spotlights, chandeliers, wall sconces and lighting strips can be used according to your need, taste and application.

There is a massive range to select from vis-à-vis tones, colors, energy-saving options, and brightness. The modern customer is truly spoilt for choice while selecting lighting elements for interior and exterior areas as lighting options are now available for every part of the home like the main door, balcony, garden, passageways, staircases or verandas. Having said that, make sure that the purpose of the lighting is clear before selecting and deciding on its placement. Always remember, your aim should be to use less number of fixtures and maximize their effectiveness.

Lighting types and fixtures for different rooms

• Living Room: Your living room and the passageway that leads to it create the first impression on guests and you should ensure that it is a lasting one. Choose to light as per the size of your living room and it should complement the room’s décor too. The use of floor mounted lights can create a welcoming atmosphere that is relaxing as well.

You can create a pleasing and relaxing ambiance by combining the use of ambient and accent lighting. Bring out the artwork and sculptures now and display them proudly using focus lights which will highlight them beautifully. The use of dimmers can help in creating a comfortable environment as desired.

A word of caution: Too many lighting fixtures can make space look cluttered and gaudy, so choose prudently.

• Dining Room: It is quite obvious that the focus of the entire room is the dining table and the chairs around it. The use of accent lights can light up this space wonderfully. A set of drop lights or a good-looking chandelier can do wonders to the ambiance. Your fine dining chinaware and crockery can now find a place of pride as the use of wall-mounted focus lights can accentuate them handsomely.
• Bedrooms: This space needs an eclectic combination of accent and task lighting to make sure this private space has the right balance of warm and romantic vibes. Task lighting is mandatory in dressing areas where mirrors are placed and if there is a study in the bedroom, task lighting will be perfect here too. Every bedroom should have bedside lamps and floor lighting wherever possible. They are guaranteed to create a romantic ambiance and provide enough light to the room without looking too harsh.
• Kitchen: Choosing the right kind of light fixtures is extremely vital while designing the kitchen. A single source of accent lighting is mandatory in the kitchen to light up space while small LED focus lights can be spread across the kitchen at various vantage points. Activities like cooking, washing or cutting will benefit from the extra light that LEDs will provide.
• Bathroom: It is prudent to choose simple yet effective light fixtures that will illuminate the space. Ensure the lights do not cause shadows or harsh reflections in the bathroom. Place wall-mounted focus lights over mirrors so that daily activities like brushing and shaving can be made easier.

Apart from the above, areas that do not receive natural light or have steps, should be well lit to avoid accidents, especially if your family consists of young and young-at-heart members. Combine the features of lighting fixtures to create a pleasant and efficient living space, that’s not only great to look at but is practical too.