Whether you’re designing a baby room, a home theater, or even a bathroom, there’s always one element that you need to consider above all else: lighting.
The colors, room scheme, or the general design of a room is dependent on what kind of lighting conditions you have.
The kind of lighting conditions that you allow to enter a room is in turn determined by your desired room scheme and the position and circumstances surrounding the room.
Balancing the lights and the ambiance of the room
Not every place of your home can have the same type of lighting because the function of each room is different.
There are different types of light, natural light, ambient light, accent light, and task light. It’s important the balance of natural light and artificial lighting should be right.
Natural light
Letting in the natural light is very important for the health and natural ambiance of your home. Rooms with a lot of windows tend to be more bright and cheerful.
Ambient light
Ambient lighting is lighting that provides overall illumination for a room. It usually comes from recessed lighting, track lighting, or wall-mounted fixtures.
Accent light
Accent lighting is used to highlight a particular focal point. For example, you want to draw attention to architectural elements, fireplace, or painting by placing a wall-mounted-fixtures or track lighting.
Dimmers are often be used for accent lighting. Low lighting to full brightness, a dimmer can accommodate multiple lighting needs.
Task light
The task lighting is a much more specific lighting condition wherein you are designating a lighting area to perform specific tasks like reading, cooking, or working. This could be anything from desk lamps to pendant lights that hang over a kitchen island.
It is usually the combination of these light that will create an ambiance. However, although everything is a personal preference, it is important to always create balance.
Lighting for each room
First, you need more than one source of light in a room. Every room can have different lighting, including ambient, accent, and task lights. Put a dimmer switch to allow light adjustment. Light fixtures are available in a different range of sizes, styles, and prices.
Kitchen
The kitchen and laundry room need bright ambient lighting along with task lighting for countertops and cooking areas.
Dining room
It is important to pick a light fixture that relates to the dining room table. Chandeliers are an excellent choice because they bring sophistication and a focal point to the room. Always add dimmer switches. While appropriate for most of the rooms in the house, dimmer switches are a must in the dining room.
Living room and family room
Living rooms and family rooms require ambient light and task light. In Addition to ambient light, use an accent light in one corner of the room like a fireplace or painting. You should also add a task light for reading.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are best lit with fixtures mounted above or on each side of the mirror. Also, use an overhead ambient light to illuminate the room.
Bedroom
Your bedroom is a place where you like to read, watch tv, and fall asleep. Bedroom lighting should create a warm, calm atmosphere. The bedroom is a room where dimmers are important also.
Table lamps are great for reading. You should make sure your closet is bright so you can easily see your clothes when you are dressing.
