3 steps to choosing the perfect lighting
Lighting is a key element of interior design. It not only impacts the use of the space, but also the overall look and feel.
Yet for many people, lighting is an afterthought – something seen as a functional add-on to a renovation or remodel. As exciting as it may be to engross yourself in kitchen layouts and furniture fit-outs, it’s crucial to think about lighting design early on in your makeover project.
Planning
Choosing the right lighting for your home requires some spatial awareness. This means taking the whole space and its dimensions into consideration. Thinking ahead will help you decide how many lights you may need, the size, type and even arrangement style.
Remember that it isn’t just the width and shape of the room you need to consider, but also the height of the ceilings. Pendants that are hung too high or are too small for the area will look out of place – as will an overly large chandelier in a tight corridor.
At the end of the day, lighting is all about balance. Not enough and you’ll end up with a dark and gloomy atmosphere – which, unless you’re striving for this look, will be impractical for areas like reading nooks and kitchens. On the other end, too much lighting can make your home appear sterile and hospital-like (not a good look by any standards).
Form
Gone are the days where lighting is thought of as a purely practical addition to a home. Lighting isn’t just about, well, light. It impacts the overall mood and helps create the desired atmosphere. Lighting should look good both on and off – this means choosing light fittings that are both decorative and functional.
For example, celestial lighting fixtures can create the perfect “wow” factor – they’re trendy and glamorous, drawing attention and adding serious style. They’re also versatile, fitting in as naturally in Scandi interiors as in mid-century modern homes – plus they commonly feature plenty of bulbs, which means they’ll have an open living space filled with beautiful light that helps elevate the rest of the interior.
Function
One of the most important elements of lighting in an interior is functionality. Light fittings need to serve a purpose – otherwise they simply waste electricity. Chandeliers, for instance, are not only used in open atriums and large entryways because of their grandeur and centrally themed placement, but also because they provide excellent illumination for such a vast space.
In addition to providing light and looking beautiful, lights need to be practical and make your life easier. This functionality extends beyond just lighting up a room or highlighting a design element – it’s also about being suitable for the particular space they are being used for. Kitchen pendants should be easy to clean and resistant to moisture and smoke – as well as being energy efficient.