Lighting in Interior Design
Lighting is such an important but often overlooked area in design and I don’t think people consider it when planning a room, it just isn’t the first thing that springs to mind but honestly, good layered lighting is key to creating an atmosphere where you can relax and feel at home. Most people think about colours and furniture and flooring when they first re-design a room but really you need to ask yourself how you want the room to make you feel and chances are this is not wired and over-stimulated. In this blog post I’m going to share some top design tips for the living and sleeping areas of your home to take you from grid spotlight hell to layered warm light bliss.
1. The big light
The central main light, AKA “the big light” are usually already installed in most rooms but truth be told in terms of planning a lighting scheme using them as the single source of light is best avoided. To improve the general ambience of a room and make it somewhere you want to stay and relax in, it’s best that there are additional lighting sources in the room. There are a few important things to consider about the ceiling light however; one being ceiling height and whether there’s space for the light to hang down and not be an obstacle. A good height is 7ft (213cm) from the floor. Also, I think ceiling lights are better when there is something helping shade the light a little rather than any bulbs being bare even if it’s just that they’re frosted slightly or even better on a dimmer.
Favourite light for low ceilings linked here
Best Google search term - flush ceiling lights.
2. Wall lights
Think brass fittings with soft smooth frosted glass orbs or stripped, pleated fabric lovelies or wicker beauties with wavy edges. Wall lights are fabulous, especially if on a dimmer switch. All you need to do is add a warm yellowing light bulb and you’ll be basking in warm orangey light all evening without the need for sunglasses. Also, do not panic if you’ve passed the stage where you can easily add them there are plenty of plug in options on the market too. A good height for them is 2/3 of the ceiling height as this rule of thirds is scientifically proven to be aethetically pleasing to us!
Opal glass shade linked here
3. Lamps
Now, this might sound obvious but lamps are key but there are different types for different purposes. Task lighting are slightly brighter ones for… tasks. This could be a reading lamp which you put next to your favourite snuggly armchair or a desk lamp to help you see what your doing at work. Then there are lamps we artistically place on sideboards with their sole purpose being to emit an orangey glow whilst we kick back and live the hygge dream. These provide the best atmosphere for relaxation and when looking for a bulb the colour temperature is measured in Kelvin. For a warmer more atmospheric glow, you should have a lower Kelvin degree between 2200K - 2500K.
Pleated fabric lampshade linked here
4. Candles
My personal favourite as not only do they give off a lovely flickering light which feels romantic and calming they also can provide a lovely scent which I will go into another day as home scent is another overlooked “design choice” in my opinion. I spoke about my favourite candle in another blog post which was all about autumn decor and being cosy linked here
To round it all up there’s one basic rule – avoid the central light as a main and single light source and layer up your lighting. All this means is have a few different light sources be that lamps, wall lights or candles. I hope this has served as some inspiration for you if you’re planning a whole new space or looking to spruce up an existing one.
To see more tips and tricks and to browse more of my design work head over to my Instagram. If you would like to arrange a free 15 minute discovery call to find out more about working with me please get in touch by clicking contact at the top of the page.