Types of
lighting:
Ambient
lighting is overall illumination of a space, room, or area.
Task
lighting illuminates a work-surface or area for reading, working, or playing
games.
Accent
lighting highlights specific areas, objects, art, or surfaces.
Decorative
lighting can be ambient, task, or accent. The decorative light itself becomes an
element of the space.
Lighting
Dos:
Choose several
types of lights to have a variety of options and flexibility.
Provide reading
lamps with bright light next to comfy chairs and sofas.
Have lamps with
three-way sockets to supply soft, medium or bright light when
needed.
Place lights in
open spaces on different levels of intensity to create
contrast.
Highlight special
features or art with accent lighting.
Use dimmer switches
to allow you to soften light.
Lighting
Don'ts:
Have only or rely
on one ceiling fixture with a single bulb in a room. It creates hard
shadows.
Have all fixtures
illuminated at max wattage at the same time.
Forget how
important lighting is.
Placement
of fixtures is the starting point to determine lighting needs and solutions. The
placement will also dictate the maximum size of fixtures. Be sure to measure
your space before you purchase fixtures on-line. Looks are deceiving. You must
avoid buying fixtures too big or too small for your space.
Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer.
Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount
Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout
the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com
| www.DesignByMail.com
 |
The
photo above illustrates several lighting types in one space. Track
lighting illuminates the hutch and book case. Two three-way
lamps flanking the sofa provide enough light for reading. A
chandelier over the dining table uses a dimmer switch to provide atmosphere for
dining and brighter light for other tasks depending on the activity at the
table. Pendant lighting over the counter is task lighting at
the surface.
|
