Lighting Room by Room

Using Lighting To Enlarge Space or Make Large Areas Feel Cozy

Directing light can be a great way to change the effect of illumination and the very feel of a room.  For instance, if you happen to have a low ceiling, choose a fixture that directs the light upwards and bounces it off the ceiling like torchiere floor lamps.  If the opposite is true and you have grand, vaulted ceilings, then you can use decorative lighting aimed upwards to attain a stunning visual effect while unifying the space. 

In older homes, you are likely to find very high ceilings with rough or patchy surfaces.  In these cases, you don’t want to bounce the light upwards and display these features.  Instead, you want to use down light ceiling fixtures to keep the direct illumination away from the ceiling and unsightly surfaces.  Chandeliers or some form of flush-mount ceiling fixture will work great in this capacity.

 
Indeed, it is true that the perceived room dimensions can be altered significantly with the right light fixtures.  You can make a small space appear more expansive or warm up a vast space with the right light fixtures.  Small areas can be enhanced easily by washing the walls in soft light that augments the light toned paint.  For larger rooms, try isolating focal points or small areas in the room to help tighten up the space and make it feel and appear cozy and inviting.

How do I use lighting to highlight some of the beautiful features in my home?

To augment textured surfaces like you would find on fine drapes or perhaps a hard masonry surface, try skimming it with light.  You can attain this lighting effect by placing fixtures at acute angles near the surface.

To help make decorative objects in your décor stand out, try backlighting or bouncing light indirectly off of the object in order to attain this effect.  If you have a transparent display case, try illuminating from below to achieve a stunning visual effect.

 
What About My Entryway?

You definitely want your entryway illuminated but it is important not to overdo it.  Disorientation is quite common when coming in from the outside so it is vital that you avoid glare in this area.  Using more than one light source is a great way to spread the illumination between fixtures and lower the chances for glare.  It is at the entryway where first impressions are made so be sure that the area is warm and inviting.

Illuminating the Family or Living Room

The multi-layered lighting effect is perhaps most practical and effective in the family or living room.  You definitely want to use soft ambient lighting in these rooms where people typically watch television in order to reduce glare.  Reflective surfaces (like a television screen when turned off or perhaps a mirror) are notorious for creating glare so be sure to pay special attention when placing fixtures. 

 
There will almost certainly be areas in these rooms where you will need some task lighting.  Table lamps that are made in the same style as other fixtures in the space will provide additional illumination for tasks while also bringing unity and harmony to both the décor and the lighting scheme. 

Hallways and Narrow Rooms?

To avoid drawing attention to the long walls in a narrow room or hallway, try placing light fixtures on the short walls.  This will help deflect attention away from the long walls and thus make the space appear wider.  Wall sconces are perfect for this type of lighting scheme but be sure to choose a pair that augments the surrounding décor. 

The dining room is complete once I have found and mounted the right-sized chandelier…right?

In all honesty, you never want there to only be one source of illumination in any room—period.  Not only do additional light fixtures balance out the lighting scheme, they also contribute greatly to the overall decorative flare of the space.  You can add balance and sophistication to your dining room with wall sconces and/or buffet lamps that complement your lovely chandelier.  Now the chandelier will naturally remain the focal point but your accentuating light fixtures will actually add to the beauty of the entire room.   

I want to be sure and get the lighting right in the kitchen and bathroom—but where do I even start?

Ambient and task lighting are both essentials when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms.  You need to make sure and concentrate task illumination over typical work areas like an island or sink in which you would most like use some sort of pendant lighting.  You will want to make certain that your ambient and task light fixtures are on separate controls so that illumination can be adjusted and modified as needed.  Pay special attention and try to avoid creating any shadows or dark areas in the lighting scheme with furniture or elements of the décor. This is very critical with bathroom lighting.  The kitchen and bathroom are two areas where you definitely do not want to cheat on the budget where lighting is concerned as illumination plays a very critical role in the entire look and feel of these busy areas of the home.

In between my rooms, hallways, and stairs, how do I provide ample transition light?

If for no other reason than sheer safety, you want to be sure and provide plenty of illumination for hallways and stairs because these critical passageways are magnets for clutter and objects to trip or fall over.  However, try to remember and keep the transition light even.  When the illumination varies considerably between spaces, the transition will be overly harsh and rough on the eyes.  Try and keep the hallway light fixtures simple because large ornate pieces tend to create clutter and make the space feel cramped.  Just be sure that the space does not have any dark areas so that there people can navigate the space safely without over-illuminating the area and creating an environment that is hard on the eyes.

What about my lovely master bedroom—what lighting works best in this space?

As with any living space, the master bedroom benefits greatly from layered lighting schemes.  After all, there are a lot of activities that take place in many of our bedrooms including:  reading, watching television, getting dressed, and perhaps even putting on our make-up.  You will need to include task lighting in all areas of activity along with a warm but adequate amount of ambient illumination.  You certainly want to have a balanced lighting plan but this may not necessarily include placing light fixtures on both sides of the bed.  So long as you have included task lighting  for all areas where it is needed along with ample ambient illumination—then all bases should be covered.  Of course, including some soothing accent lighting (like some track lighting or recessed ceiling lighting fixtures) will provide even greater balance while creating a stunning visual effect.

How should I illuminate my home office?

While we are clearly going to need ample illumination and a lighting plan that is functional, there is no reason for the space to be sterile or cold.  After all, it is YOUR home office so you don’t be afraid to add some of your personality and style into the lighting scheme!  You know that you will need plenty of task lighting for the desk and work areas but there are plenty of options out there that will be both warm and functional.  Tiffany desk lamps, for instance, will softly diffuse light but still provide ample illumination to complete your tasks.  Just be mindful of computer screens and other objects that might create glare when placing light fixtures.  It is better to have the illumination coming from the side rather than behind or in front.

By following the lighting tips and suggestions listed above, you should be have no problems choosing fixtures that are both functional and decorative for your home décor.  Just remember to include multiple light sources, provide ample illumination in all areas of activity, and always be mindful of glare when selecting and placing light fixtures.