Have you ever walked inside a room and felt extremely delightful at how the light was diffused? Probably not and that is because of a good reason. When room lighting is impeccable you hardly notice it. A New York industrial designer said that if a room is lit the right way, everyone looks their best and feels relaxed as well as comfortable, but they don't know why.
Carefully installed fixtures and bulbs make an inviting environment that encourages people to linger. One of the biggest missteps people make is overly bright lighting. You don't want your guests to feel like they're waiting in some hospital emergency room. So, here are a few tips for helping you strike the right balance.
Localize your light source.
A very common misconception is that you have to light the entire room. Instead, try to incorporate multiple light points. The best-lit-up rooms have layers of light that can easily blend. So, choose your light source first, and then work on determining how to diffuse it. Keep in mind that the right lampshade can make all the difference like using handmade pendant fixtures is preferred everywhere but the right shade is very necessary.
Don’t forget to add a dimmer.
For multi-purpose rooms, dimmers are essential because they allow for flexibility depending on the day’s time, mood, or event, and they serve as a great energy saver. It is indeed a worthwhile investment, as dimmers reduce energy consumption and at the same time increase bulb life. Aesthetically they are non-negotiable.
Know your bulbs.
Fluorescent tube lights are a big NO. They make everything look very off-color and lead to fatigued eyes. So, Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can serve as a great option, however, you need to be very careful disposing them of. Screw-in LEDs have a very long life but can turn out to be pricey for some of you.
Consider the function of the room.
Answering the questions like, What will the space be used for: Watching television? Cooking? Doing homework? In the dining room, an overhead flush mount ceiling light fixture with a dimmer works best.
If you are using track lightings, be sure that you don’t shine the light directly into the faces of guests sitting around your table. The kitchen lighting is more complex and can be completed with a wide range varying from Small CFL bulbs to satin nickel light fixtures. Pinpoint your working areas and then light them directly. Ideally, lights should be placed below your eye level.
