Apart from its many functional applications, well planned home lighting can contribute a great deal to the atmosphere in our homes. The position and style of the lighting fixtures, decorative lighting, pendant lighting, recessed lighting and track lighting amongst others, will determine the kind of light that they can give. Candle light and oil lamps have long been associated with a warm and cosy atmosphere and you can create an almost identical mood with modern home lighting fixtures using small spotlights, recessed lighting, and decorative lighting or shaded lamps to make isolated pools of light around the room. The mood may be enhanced where a dark ceiling or floor absorbs the light rather than reflects it. If, on the other hand, you want to create a fresh, airy appearance, use reflective light from pale coloured ceilings and walls. Alternatively, Led lighting could give a bright and funky feel to a room. Ideally lighting should be as flexible as possible so that you can arrange it to suit the occasion. This cannot be achieved merely by the fitting of dimmer switches.
For well balanced lighting, when you plan your lighting fixtures, first consider the size and position of the windows and the amount of natural light they bring to the interior. Some areas may have poor illumination and will need subsidiary lighting during the daytime. The most efficient method of achieving the correct balance is with a light sensitive switch: when the natural light level falls below a specific point, artificial lighting is automatically switched on. This is particularly useful in areas of potential hazard, such as a stairway where light should be thrown onto the stairs so that the edge of the tread is well defined. Ideally the light source should be to one side so that your shadow does not obscure the stairs when you are going up and down. Always avoid sudden changes in light level.
Bathroom lighting should be positioned to shine on you - not the mirror. Place the light either side of the mirror or around the perimeter and avoid lights which will reflect in it.
Outdoor lighting can be wall mounted - spot lights which incorporate motion detectors are useful to illuminate visitors, welcome or unwelcome! Or your outdoor lighting could be for aesthetic purposes to illuminate your trees and shrubs. Alternatively the outdoor lighting could be utility lighting for example to light a pathway.
Plan your lighting fixtures, such as pendant lighting, track lighting, recessed lighting and decorative lighting first before you decorate or build any furniture into a room. Position the lighting outlets carefully to give as much flexibility as possible. Place light switches within easy reach as you enter a room- a point to remember if you intend rehanging a door. Two way lighting switches are very useful placed at the top and bottom of a staircase or placed by the side of a bed. A reading light should be positioned to one side of a bed or behind it and shaded to avoid glare.
Bear in mind that light fixtures have to be cleaned and maintained so if you need a light in a normally inaccessible area, consider installing a flush fitting or a recessed light that will require less cleaning.
For more specific information on the different types of lighting fixtures available why not check out some of the other pages on our website.
Well planned lighting can contribute a great deal to the atmosphere in our homes