Good lighting is vital in any interior design, and it can make or break the look and feel of a space. A room can look sophisticated by adding the right lighting fixtures. But with so many options available, it can take time to decide what pieces work best for your space -- especially if you're looking to give it a polished look on a budget. In this post, we will explore chic and luxurious lighting set-ups that you can use in your home. So, if you're ready to transform your home with the best lighting, let's get started!
How Lighting Impacts Your Space
With any interior design, lighting is an essential aspect. It can have a dramatic effect on the atmosphere and mood of the space, which is why it is crucial to consider when decorating. Collaborating with the lighting designer is also a key factor in ensuring you get the ambiance and look you want.
Lighting can be used to highlight certain elements of space, provide a warm atmosphere, and can even be used to create moods. It is essential to consider the lighting most beneficial for the room. Natural light is always a cost-efficient option and won't require much work. However, if this is not available, then go for ambient lighting.
What's the difference? Natural light is light from outside - sunlight streaming in a window on a winter afternoon, for example. Ambient light refers to the lighting that already exists in your room (which could include natural light), for example, lamps or an overhead room light. Apart from those two, you're looking at creating other kinds of lighting treatments. Let's examine a few options:
Making Use of Natural Light
If you're lucky enough to live in a place with lots of sunshine, make the most of it. Natural lighting can provide a perfectly soft and warm glow for your room. Remember to open the curtains or blinds to let sunlight pour into your space. If you're contemplating a renovation, there are some other options for letting natural light that you might not have thought of, such as skylights, outset windows, or even a light shelf.
An outset window is a window that sits "outside" the normal wall boundary of your room. An example might be a window with a seat, or an addition to a kitchen or other room that provides extra floorspace enclosed by windows. Any of these can dramatically change the ambiance of your room, and give it a cozy yet softly-lit look.
And natural light has additional benefits other than simply providing light for everyday activites. Studies have shown that natural light actually elevates our mood. Simply being exposed to natural light regularly throughout the day may help the body’s circadian rhythms stay in sync, which improves mood and well-being.
String Lights
Not just for the Christmas tree, string lights are one of the most inexpensive lighting set-up options, and they can help create a dreamy atmosphere in your home. Look for different shapes and sizes — from warm yellow globes to starry fairy lights — to add visual interest. These lights can provide a "curtain" of light, perfect for the patio or gazebo.
Track Lighting
Track lighting is a popular option for good reason. It has a sleek, modern look out of the box, and can also be incredibly versatile. Some track lighting comes with a swivel for the lamps so you can point the light in various directions, allowing direct or indirect light that bounces off a wall or the ceiling. It can also be installed in different lengths, so you can have just the right amount of light for the space.
LED Lighting
LED lamps are an energy-efficient and affordable lighting option. Look for ones with adjustable brightness levels to create different moods throughout the day. Add LED lamps with different colors to the mix for a vibrant feel. LED lighting can take the place of the traditional chandelier and provide something completely modern and fresh looking. Also very versatile, you’ll find LED lighting in wall sconces, providing a soft, diffused lighting effect within a relatively small area, and it’s often used in strip lighting to give an “under stair” lighting effect.
Work With a Professional Lighting Designer
While DIY can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment, a professional lighting designer can take your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living area to the next level. Working with a professional lighting design is an art form. With their trained eye and years of experience, a lighting designer and your interior designer can turn any standard and dull room into a captivating space. An experienced general contractor can also help with design ideas, or recommend a local resource.
With some creativity, you can create a luxurious space without breaking the bank. Whether you go DIY or work with a trained lighting designer, consider the different factors when selecting the proper lighting for your home. You can create stunning atmospheres and add warmth to your space with the right choices.
