Lighting needs to be planned with a purpose. An insufficiently lit room can feel dark and uninviting. It can also appear unsafe if the tiny space is disproportionately cramped with a lot of furniture. On the other hand, an overly bright room can appear unappealing.
Lighting can create a mood, highlight specific areas or elements or make a functional area look tasteful and elegant. It all depends on the placement and style of the lamp you select. In interior design, the right lighting can transform a lifeless space into a home or office interior that you always dreamed of. On the flipside, improper lighting can lead to a severe waste of electricity.
In today’s world, it is important to know how to light your room, entryways, hallways and kitchens in eco-friendly ways.
Lighting to Create an Effect
Proper use of lighting can create interesting effects. Wall lighting, for instance, enhance the colours in a room. Use it wisely and a small room can seem larger or a spacious room can look cozy. Light reflecting off the walls can create an illusion of space. Directional lighting through track lights can create softer effects. Recessed lighting pointing downwards can highlight floors while chandeliers can illuminate the centre of the room such as the dining area. See how you can use different lighting to create different effects.
Track Lighting
To highlight specific areas or elements, track lighting is effective. Track lighting are light fixtures attached in a row on a track device fitted with electrical conductors instead of electrical wires. You can mount the device on the ceiling and adjust the necks and lamps to highlight works of art on a wall, an artifact on a corner table, a bar area or kitchen island. Recessed lighting can be used on floors as well as the ceiling to throw ribbons of bright light instead of creating a soft halo-like glow.
Floor Lamps
If you are looking to create a warm, cozy effect in one corner of the room such as a reading area, you may want to consider floor lamps. Just make sure the lampshade conceals the bulb or the harsh glare can blind the eye. Position the lampshade next to the sofa, not behind it so it doesn’t cast a shadow. A table lamp also works well to create a warm, luminous effect around the corners of your living room or your bedroom. Matching table lamps placed at either end makes the look cohesive.
Pendant Light
To add more drama, a chandelier is best. Hand it 30” above the dining table for an 8” ceiling. You need at least a foot of table space around the bottom of the chandelier to make sure no one bumps their head. For more subdued elegance, use a hanging pendant light.
Sconce Lighting
Sconce light fixtures are affixed to a wall to create a spotlight or soft brightness. The light is usually directed upwards although there are several other variations that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Scones need an electrical box for installation. You can place scones over your headboard in the bedroom or create a romantic ambience with a shadow casting wall light sconce.
Elm Ridge Lighting & Interiors
Elm Ridge Lighting & Interiors Inc. located in Stoney Creek, Ontario, a suburb in Hamilton, has been in business since 2003. From the onset, our approach has been to help homeowners achieve not just the right lighting for their residential or commercial office space but also the right ambience. This is why we offer more than just lighting fixtures. We also have a large number of ceiling fans for interior and exteriors for you to choose from, small decor pieces, and of course an impressive range of lamps, and much more. Visit our showroom to have a look.
