How to Create Dramatic Interiors with These Great Interior Design Lighting Ideas
Lighting is an important element of interior design that is usually overlooked. When you think about it, however, a lack of proper lighting can have a significant impact on your space.
Because lighting can affect your mood and even the overall perceived size of an interior, it's an essential component of any design scheme.
Proper lighting can enhance the colors used in your decor, can drastically change the atmosphere of your room, and even prove useful in marking the different areas of your home. Designers essentially use three types of lighting to create functionality and style: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
General lighting illuminates the major part of a room, making it visible. Task lighting is used to facilitate close-range work such as food preparation, reading, and working on hobbies or crafts. Finally, accent lighting is used to alter the ambiance and mood of a space. This lighting is used to create a certain feel and drama by directing light to a focal point in the room, and it is one of the most difficult types of lighting to create. That's where the design experts from Jarvis Interiors come in. But, we've rounded up great lighting ideas that will help you understand how to properly light the different rooms in your home.
Watch How To Choose LIGHTING for Your Home INTERIOR DESIGN | House Design Ideas + Home Decor Tips to get you started.
And, if you want to dive a little deeper, watch INTERIOR DESIGN Lighting Design 101 Principles, House Design Ideas and Home Decor Tips.
So, to help correctly light your space, you must first identify all of the possible scenarios in which you will use that specific room and how lighting will be needed. Imagine yourself in each scenario and consider where your light will come from.
For example, in the living room, try to imagine how that space would be used at different times of the day. Will this be the location for your family's Game Night? Are your dinner guests going to retire to this room after they've enjoyed the meal? Will you spend time curled up in your favorite living room chair, reading? Each of these scenarios necessitates a different type of lighting. After you've decided how you'd like to use your space, you can decide what kind of lighting and light fixtures you'll need.
INTERIOR DESIGN GUIDE TO LIGHT EVERY ROOM PROPERLY
1. Foyer & Entryway
This is the first point of entry to your home, and it's nice to make a good first impression. The lighting in your foyer should be warm and welcoming. Hanging pendant lights, chandeliers, and wall sconces will look great here.
2. Living Room
Because we spend the majority of our time here, it is vital that the lighting is functional and easily controllable (think dimmers). Try combining overhead lighting with different types of floor and table lamps. Remember also to make use of natural lighting available in your living room. Allow daylight to filter in by opening shades and draperies. It will not only save energy, but will further beautify your home.
For more inspiration, take a look at 15 Ways to Create Drama With Light Fixtures.
Also visit 18 Dramatic Lighting Ideas To Change The Ambience In Your Home.
3. Kitchen
All of your kitchen's lighting should be practical and task-focused, pointing downward toward your work surfaces. A good ceiling light (for example, recessed lighting) is also necessary. The kitchen is an excellent place for merging aesthetics and functionality. Under-cabinet lighting will greatly define the character of that space while also adding functionality.
4. Dining Room
Your dining room is a place to feel relaxed where you will host dinner parties and share many memorable family meals, so lighting is absolutely vital in this space. Above the dining room table, strategically placed pendant lights or chandeliers will look wonderfully. And, definitely don't forget to have dimmers in your dining room lighting. It's a great way to add drama and enhance the ambiance. A well-planned lighting will absolutely boost your dining experience.
5. Bedroom
To help you unwind and relax at the end of the day, use soft, ambient lighting in your bedroom. Wall lights (with dimmers) and bedside lamps are ideal in this space.
Once you've figured out what kind of lighting you need (and like) for each room, have fun exploring and try different layers of light to highlight architectural features in your space. Never forget that the right lighting can alter your room's feel and vibe.
QUICK TIPS FOR BEGINNERS IN INTERIOR HOME LIGHTING
1- Consider (i.e. maximize or minimize) natural light in a room
2- Consider energy consumption costs
3- Think about utilizing all types of lighting (e.g. portable, wall mounted, ceiling mounted)
4- Imagine the mood of the room
5- Consider the uses of the room
6- Utilize this rule of thumb: triangle patterns in lighting placements
7- Utilize dimmer switches to control the level of brightness
8- Maximize task lighting with tracks
9- Create a clean look with recessed lights
10- Utilize natural light (when possible) by installing economical tubular skylights
For additional helpful lighting hacks, read 20 Designer-Approved Apartment Lighting Ideas for the Living Room and Beyond.
Lighting has the power to transform a space from plain and unfriendly to warm and inviting. So, make sure to select and install lighting that not only complements the style and function of your space, but will also enhance the feel of your interiors.
Shopping for lighting fixtures to give your room a makeover? Check out Interior Designers Share Their Lighting Ideas and Tips.
Lighting is an essential element of interior design when creating your perfect space. Contact Jarvis Interiors for a customized home design advice or book an appointment with our expert designers.
If you wish to explore and learn about how you can create Zen space in your home, read our article Zen Room: A Space of Blissful Escape Everyone Needs.
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HOW TO PROPERLY LIGHT YOUR HOME FOR INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE AND FUNCTION