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Ineffective lighting is common decorating problem that can affect the function of a room and make it feel uninviting. Proper lighting is not only functional, it can add a magical touch that can bring your room to life.

 

Plan the lighting for your room the same way you planned all the other aspects of your design, by considering the function the lighting needs to perform and the mood you want it to create. Also check to see that your lighting is balanced throughout the space.

 

Function: 

 

When planning for lighting, be sure to provide adequate light for the tasks you’ll be performing in your room, such as reading, deskwork or hobbies that require good visibility, like sewing or crafting. Table lamps, floor lamps and wall-mounted swing-arm lamps are good choices for task lighting. 

There should also be enough general (or ambient) lighting in the room to prevent it from being too dark. Use fixtures such as chandeliers, torchieres (floor lamps that shine light upward), sconces, recessed down lights and track lights for general lighting. It’s a good idea to have a dimmer switch on these fixtures so you can vary the level of light in the room. 

 

Mood:

 

There are three ways you can use lighting to influence the mood of a room: by the general feeling of the illumination (how bright or dim the lighting is), by the style of the light fixtures and by the use of accent lights.

 

The general illumination has the greatest effect on the room’s mood. A brightly lit room projects a more work oriented mood, such as the light needed in a kitchen. A dimly lit room is more intimate and romantic, such as the level of light desirable in a bedroom. Decide what mood you want to create in your space in order to choose the type of lighting that will work best for your needs.

 

The light fixtures that you select express a certain style or mood. Some fixtures, such as table lamps, chandeliers and sconces, are more traditional and some are more contemporary in style. Some are lavish and ornate; others are simple and stark. As with the furniture you selected, lighting fixtures should complement the mood and style of your décor. For example, a modern chandelier would not be suitable in mood or style for a Victorian dining room.

 

Accent Lighting:

 

You can provide accents of light in specific areas of a room to add a dramatic touch. This type of lighting is called accent lighting. A few examples are listed below:

 

♥ Use a floor can to shine light up through the foliage of a large  plant

 

♥ Showcase a piece of art using a picture light or wall-washer (either ceiling mounted or portable floor light that shines light onto the walls)

 

♥ Use low-voltage rope lights (tiny lights inside a flexible plastic tube) on top of kitchen wall cabinets to provide indirect lighting

 

♥ Use a lamp on a table to brighten a dark corner

 

♥ Use rope lights inside shelving units or curio cabinets to highlight collectibles

 

♥ Use rope lights behind each curtain valance to provide a pleasant glow at night and highlight the fabric of the draperies in your room

 

Accent lighting not only highlights special artwork and brightens dark corners, it adds drama and interest to your overall design. 

 

Lighting Fixture Choices:

 

The different lighting elements in a room need to work together to provide the right amount of light needed to perform specific tasks, as well as to achieve the overall mood you want in the room. Try to use a variety of fixtures, such as table lamps, sconces, chandeliers, floor lamps, recessed down lights, indirect lighting, low voltage rope lights and floor cans, but make sure they are compatible with your room’s décor. Lighting is an important element when decorating your space. Be sure to give it the time and attention it deserves.

 

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