When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting home, lighting is one of the most important aspects to get right. Light fittings range from dramatic and statement-making to simple and easy-to-blend models. But besides acting as a design feature, the light fittings you choose should also provide your space with the right level of illumination.
Different rooms have different lighting requirements so you need to keep in mind the function of the room, the natural light that comes in through the windows as well as the bigger design feature to make the best choice. But before you start with the shopping process, it is good to have an idea of the different types of light fittings and their common uses.
Types of lighting
Generally, there are three main types of light fittings: ambient, task and accent lighting.
- Ambient lighting – This type is usually used as a primary source of light in a room and it ranges from recessed lighting to overhead fixtures. Bathrooms and kitchens typically need brighter lighting so keep this in mind when exploring the vast range of options on the market.
- Task lighting – If you can’t go to bed before reading a few pages of your new book, then you probably need task lighting in your bedroom. These lights are used for providing illumination for certain activities like doing makeup in front of a mirror or reading. They are never used for illuminating an entire room – just a small part of it. You can find them in different shapes and sizes, they can sit on a desk, be mounted on a wall or implanted into a mirror. Some task lights have rotating capabilities so you can move them at your desired angle.
- Accent lighting – These light fittings are the most decorative ones and are usually used for accenting a certain piece or spot in the room like a bookshelf, a fireplace or a painting. They are usually elegant and simple, adding a touch of luxury. Lamps, sconces, and chandeliers are all types of accent lighting.
Light categories
Once you get familiar with the different types of lighting, you can choose from the different models of light fittings.
- Sconces – They are mounted right on the wall and can hang down or be hardwired into a wall. Usually, people buy them in pairs, installing each sconce on each side of a fireplace or a mirror.
- Pendants – These light fittings are also wall-mounted but they hang very low from the ceiling usually on a wire, a chain or a cord. They are most commonly used as a task light and are most often installed above a dining room table or a kitchen island.
- Flush mounts and semi-flush mounts – Both types are rooted in the ceiling, which means they don’t take too much space but still provide the needed level of illumination.
- Lamps – Most of you probably already have a table lamp or a floor lamp, and if you don’t – you’re missing out on a great light source. These models don’t illuminate the entire area and that’s what makes them the perfect option for task light. Moreover, they come in plenty of designs, they are easy to move and rather inexpensive.
- Chandeliers – These are always mounted on the ceiling and can be both decorative or functional – depending on the area in which you choose to install them.
Room lighting requirements
No idea how to choose the perfect lighting for each room?
- Entryway – This is the first room people see when they enter your home, so it is important to make it inviting and friendly. Installing a bunch of accent or task lights may break the ambiance, so your best bet is installing a chandelier in the center of the ceiling.
- Living room – Since this is a room used for relaxation and entertaining, you need to have a light that is bright enough for when you have people over, and a few smaller ones to make the room dimmer when you want to unwind. Consider table lamps, floor lamps or sconces.
- Kitchen – This room may be the trickiest to illuminate the right way as different areas need different lighting schemes. The kitchen island needs to be well-lit, while in the areas that are not used that much dimmer lighting is a good idea. Pendant lights are the perfect choice for an open bar, a wide sink or a kitchen island.
- Dining room – This area should be bright enough so you can eat and converse at the dining table comfortably. A chandelier right in the middle of the table is a great choice. Don’t go with something that is too low – you don’t want it to hit your head while eating.
- Bedroom – Installing a dimmer switch in your bedroom is the real deal. For this room, you need warm lighting and that’s what makes task lighting the ideal choice. Also, if you decide on a dimmer switch you can change the lighting from bright to dimmer anytime you want.
- Bathroom – The light in this room is a necessity, which makes LED lights and sconces a great choice – especially above the mirror. For the ultimate effect, install them right around the height of your face.
