Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design that often gets overlooked. It has the power to transform a space, enhance its ambiance, and highlight its features. Whether you’re revamping your home or designing a new space, understanding the dos and don’ts of lighting can make a significant difference in the final result. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential tips to ensure your lighting design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Dos
Understand Your Room’s Orientation: Begin by understanding the direction your room is facing. Different orientations require different lighting strategies to maximise natural light and complement artificial lighting sources effectively.
Layer Your Lighting: Divide your lighting into layers—general, task, and accent lighting. This approach adds depth and dimension to your space while catering to different needs such as overall illumination, specific tasks, and highlighting architectural features or artwork.
Consider Colour Temperature: Pay attention to the colour temperature of your lighting fixtures, especially when illuminating artwork or decorative elements. Warm or cool lighting can dramatically impact the perception of colours and textures in your space.
Plan Lighting Early: Incorporate lighting into your design plans from the beginning. Consider the materials and finishes you’ll be using in the space and plan lighting accordingly to enhance their features and create the desired atmosphere.
Utilise Different Circuits and Dimmers: Install lighting on separate circuits and incorporate dimmers to provide flexibility and control over the lighting levels. This allows you to adjust the ambiance according to different activities and moods.
Don’ts:
Follow Lighting Trends Blindly: Avoid falling into the trap of following lighting trends without considering what works best for your space. Opt for lighting solutions that complement the architecture and style of the room rather than what’s currently fashionable.
Reveal Hidden LEDs: If using hidden LEDs, ensure they remain concealed. Placing LEDs too close to reflective surfaces can create unwanted glare and reveal the individual diodes, compromising the aesthetic appeal of the lighting design.
Illuminate Uninteresting Features: Avoid lighting elements that don’t add visual interest or value to the space. Instead, focus on highlighting focal points, architectural details, or artwork that deserve attention.
Choose Cheap Fittings: Investing in quality lighting fixtures may seem expensive initially, but opting for cheap fittings can lead to higher maintenance costs and a shorter lifespan in the long run. Choose fixtures that are durable and energy-efficient for lasting performance.
Overdo Recessed Lighting: Resist the temptation to design lighting in a grid pattern with an excessive number of recessed lights. Instead, carefully consider the placement and quantity of recessed lighting to avoid creating a harsh, overly bright environment.
By adhering to these dos and don’ts of lighting design, you can create a well-lit and visually appealing space that enhances functionality and comfort while reflecting your personal style and preferences. Remember, lighting is not just about illuminating a room—it’s about creating an atmosphere and elevating the overall design aesthetic.
Navigating lighting design can be challenging. If you’re still unsure, consider exploring our design packages. Lydia can offer her expert advice on how to approach lighting design in your home.