Styling with Lights!

Lighting is one of the most significant ingredient of architecture & interior design, influencing the impression of a space. There are different types of light – warm, cold, soft & harsh.

Light has the ability to define volumes, impact colours and textures. Hence it contributes to the overall dimension, proportion and contrast of an interior.

However, lighting is not only used for visibility but to enhance the space. It can make interiors appear larger, smaller, inviting, functional or intimate. So, knowing how light works is essential to create the right effect in an interior.

To get most out of a room, it is advisable to use a combination of accent, ambient & task lights.

Natural Light:

• Saves energy by reducing the use of artificial lighting, thereby an important part of sustainable design.
• Can be filtered through the leaves of plants, sheer curtains or slatted blinds to give a calm, diffused light.

While windows & french doors provide excellent sunlight, direct sun can be a problem and must be controlled. Early morning or late afternoon in east or west orientations always require sun control.

Openings/windows facing north admit consistent light throughout the day. East & South openings receive sun later during the day, post afternoons, sometimes too much in summers.

Artificial Light:

• Draws attention to desired elements,
• Establishes zones,
• Totally adjustable in terms of brightness, colour, placement and quality.

Types of Artificial Lighting:

A.    Ambient Lighting:

1.Chandeliers:

a. Suspended from the ceiling, illuminating the whole space.

b. Acts as an ornament lighting.

c. Works fantastic with taller ceilings in foyer, dining area, stairways, living room etc.

2. Track lighting:

a. Linear cable with multiple adjustable heads fixed along a track.

b. Goes well in bedroom, kitchen, dresser, office spaces etc.

3. Recessed ceiling lights or down lights:

a. Installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling.

b. Band of light focused in one direction used for general lighting, mostly used in commercial spaces.

4. Uplighters:

a. Softer alternative to down lighting, creating a mood.

b. Light bounces off the ceiling and reflects back into the room.

c. Works well in family rooms, living areas, and semi open spaces.

5. Wall sconces:

a. Mounted to the wall surface, adding style to the space.

b. Direct light either upwards or downwards or in both the directions.

c. Suits in living areas, lobby, stairways, etc.

B.    Task Lighting:

1.Lamps (table, desk, bedside, swing arm):

a. Available in different sizes and shapes.

b. Excellent decorative piece for every home.

2. Under counter lights:

a. Mounted under the cabinets.

b. Mostly seen in kitchens, pantry, work desks, etc.

3. Directed track:

a. Linear cable with several adjustable heads fixed along a track.

b. Works well in the bedroom, kitchen and living areas.

4. Recessed lights:

a. Band of light focused in one direction from ceiling or floor close to the wall.

b. Create a wall washing effect for art walls, living areas, patios, garden/exteriors etc.

5. Vanity lights:

a. Installed above or alongside a mirror for a bright, focused light.

b. Standard in bathrooms and in dressing rooms.

6. Wall washers:

a. Mounted on the ceiling in the tilted way so that light is washed on the wall.

b. Hides blemishes and eliminates shadows.

c. For showcasing the architecture/ feature wall of your interiors.

C.    Accent Lighting:

1.Can-lights and up-lights:

a. Softer alternative to down lighting for creating a mood.

b. Light bounces off the ceiling and reflect back into the room.

c. Applicable in family rooms, living areas, semi open spaces, patios.

2. Picture gallery lights:

a. Mounted on wall just above the artwork used for highlighting.

3. Pendant lights:

a. Suspended from the ceiling, acts as a jewel.

b. Suits well in bedrooms, open plan kitchens, dining area, bathrooms, pathways, etc.

4.Lighting behind glass or wire door cabinets:

a. Mounted at the base of the top shelf in a cabinet.

b. Used to highlight the inside of the cabinets.

c. Kitchen, living areas, library, study etc.

5.Niche lighting:

a. Mounted at the base of the top face of the niche.

b. Used to highlight niche or object.

Candle light:

In today’s world, candles are used for décor, celebrations, and religious purposes or as a light source in case of emergency.

Tips:

• When making key decisions about colour, the direction of light at different times of the day must be well-thought-out. The simplest method is to test a sample of a colour in the intended environment during day and night with the lights on.
• Candlelight should be placed above eye level.
• Pendant lights need be hung at a height where they do not shine directly on the face of anyone sitting at the dining table.
• Ceiling lights lack warmth and cast shadows on work areas.
• The kitchen must be bright enough to allow people to cook in it, safely and efficiently, while the living room should be hospitable and comfortable, with soft lighting and task lights for reading, etc.
• Seating for visual tasks with their backs to windows cast shadows forward. The traditional “light from the left shoulder” serves best, although the light on the right is satisfactory for most tasks and suits well for left-handed people.