The right colors and floor plan are essential to have the home of your dreams, but lighting is the single most important aspect of interior design to make space come to life. It sets the mood, accents certain areas, or features along with providing the proper light for work and play. Whether you are renovating a room or building a new house in Ohio, it is important to plan how you will light the spaces before you start. Here are 10 designer tips for attractive and functional interior lighting.
1. Plan Ahead
When you first start planning your new home or renovation is the time to think about the lights. Once the work is finished, you will not have as many options as you have at the outset. If you know where you will hang a painting or what type of lights you want over your dining room table, you can consider it before the construction starts.
2. Check the Electrical Setup
For a new home, you can arrange the electrical setup exactly where you want your lights. For example, if you want three pendant lights, you can arrange for them in advance. If you are renovating, you may need to work with the electrical setup you already have.
3. Over the Table
Whether it is where you eat, play cards, work or engage in a hobby, the lights over the table can make a big difference in the experience. In general, the light should be 28 – 34 inches from the bottom light to the table.
4. Ceiling Lights
Unless you have your eye on a special chandelier, you may not be thinking about ceiling light. To compliment your room, the light should not hang too high or too low. The right distance is 12 – 20 inches below an eight-foot ceiling.
5. Uplighting
Table lamps and hanging lights may light the spaces at eye level, but you can improve the ambiance of a room with wall sconces or other uplighting that gives a softer light.
6. Stairs
It is tricky to light staircases so the steps can be clearly seen. Sidelights or embedded light in the risers are a safe and attractive solution.
7. Floor Lighting
Toe-kick lights are not just for restaurants. They are a useful and attractive way to make any area safe, especially at night.
8. Lightbulbs
While the appearance of the fixture is the main concern, the quality of light can be modified by the type of bulb you use. Some LED, halogen and compact fluorescent bulbs give warm light and some give cool light.
9. Color
If you prefer neutral tones for walls and furniture, using colored fixtures will add interest. Colored shades create different tones when the light is turned on changing the ambiance of the room.
10. Design
Light distribution can double as a design element. Once the required lights are installed, you may want to add a decorative light. It can replace wall art while providing ambient light.
Layers of light in a home may be created by using different types of fixtures and choosing the right locations. This is one trick that the designers at Alair Homes Hudson use to accentuate their interiors. It highlights the best features and eliminates harsh shadows in the room.