Lighting in Interior Design

Perhaps one of the most overlooked area in interior design by amatures is lighting. The reasons for this is unknown however, considering the magnitude of the effect it brings to the room, it is definitely something that could make or break the design's success. The implications of this factor is vast in the areaof interior design, let's take a moment to analyse the effect and features this element adds to a room.

1. Space (Illusion of course)

So you're stuck with a room you think is not big enough, and you cramming stuff into it doesn't help the cause. Well don't worry, a well lit room can take care of the problem. A space can appear bigger...much bigger if you follow a bright lighting pattern. Try throwing in a mirror as well into the mix, which would help to reflect the light. Stay clear of dark colours in a small room, it only helps to confine the space further.

2. To see stuff (Obviously)

Depending on functionality try to analyse the purpose of a room, is it designed to do something serious, for relaxation, or just for show. The quality and quantity of light used for each of these purposes are different. You definitely need decent bright lighting in your study or wherever it is that you do your reading, or work. For places like bedrooms and halls you would want to have both bright and dim lights, consider using a dimmer in these cases, just to set the mood. To show off your show pieces us e dim lighting techniques, a bit cliched but it works.

3. To set a focal point.

 Lighting can be very important to set a focal point in a room, just consider the purpose of a spotlight. A focal point is a single point of focus which would stand out in a room. Correct lighting condition can help to emphasize the focal point in a room. Bright light would not be reccomended for such a purpose since it would tend to drown all the beautiful shades and highlights that a less intense light would provide.

4. To beautify.

 Without the play of light a 3-d object would appear bland and uninteresting. This is especially applicable to photography and interior design. The perfect lighting in a room would serve whatever purpose its supposed to serve and also imparts beauty to a room. Lighting can be used to emphasize, de-emphasize, brighten, darken, highlight and shade particular areas or objects in a room. This can be done by using three types of lights

. Ambient - The general light or the ambient light in a room.
. Task     - Task or work light is used to illuminate small areas where      intense lighting is neede.
. Accent  - Accent light is used to illuminate objects or areas you wish                                                            to highlight.

 

5. Decoration.

  Light by itself is a decoration in many sense, since it beautifies a room and adds and element of interest, but when you add a decorative element to the light it becomes even more attractive. The chandeliers and those neat lamp shades could so a long way in creating a beautiful design and ensure a flow in the theme of the design.