The Importance of Interior Illumination
Lighting is one of the most important elements in interior design. It not only provides illumination, but also affects the mood and atmosphere of a space. A well-designed lighting plan can accentuate the beauty of your home and make it more welcoming and comfortable to live in.
Types of Interior Lighting
There are three main types of lighting for interior spaces: ambient, task and accent.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the most fundamental type of lighting for any living space. It provides a general level of illumination to the entire room. Examples of ambient lighting include chandeliers, wall sconces, and recessed lights.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is used to illuminate specific areas for specific tasks. It is often used in kitchens, home offices, and bathrooms. Examples of task lighting include desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting and vanity lights.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features of a space. This type of lighting is often used to showcase artwork, architectural details or decorative objects. Examples of accent lighting include track lighting, picture lights and uplights.
Choosing the Right Light Bulb
Choosing the right light bulb for your home is essential. Here are some tips for selecting the right bulb:
Color Temperature
The color temperature of the light bulb affects the mood and atmosphere of a space. Cool white light (4000K-5000K) is often used in workspaces, while warm white light (2700K-3000K) is preferred for living spaces.
Lumens
Lumens refer to the brightness of a light, rather than the amount of energy used. A bulb with a high number of lumens will provide more illumination than a bulb with a lower number of lumens.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing energy-efficient bulbs can save you money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for bulbs with the ENERGY STAR label.
How to Layer Lighting
Layering lighting is the key to creating a well-lit, comfortable living space. The three types of lighting (ambient, task, and accent) can be combined to create a layered lighting scheme.
Step 1: Ambient Lighting
Start with ambient lighting, which provides the overall illumination for the room.
Step 2: Task Lighting
Next, add task lighting to illuminated specific areas of the room.
Step 3: Accent Lighting
Finally, add accent lighting to highlight specific features of the space.