General illumination for the home

A Guide to Illuminating Your

Home

Why is Illumination Important?• Proper illumination ties

together home décor and finishes a room’s aesthetics

• A properly illuminated “well-lit” room refers to more than its brightness.

• A “well-lit” room can make small rooms appear roomier and large rooms cozier. It creates mood and personality, and enhances the room’s natural beauty.

Understanding Light Sources• There are 3 types of

light sources you can work with: General Illumination, Ambient Lighting and Task Lighting.

• General Illumination refers to lights that wash the room with illumination.

• Ambient lighting are pools of light that create emotion and mood.

• Task lighting are for tasks such as reading and cooking.

Working with Light Sources• Using a combination of general

illumination, ambient and task lighting creates dimension and atmosphere in a room.

• General lighting often comes in the form of single over head light, ceiling fixture, or high hats.

• Ambient lighting can take shape as dimmable chandeliers, wall sconces and accent lamps.

• Task lighting includes desk lamps, bedside lamps, work lights and kitchen pendants.

Different Rooms Have Different Needs• Bedrooms: Require a

combination of general (overhead), ambient and task lighting such as bedside table lamps or swing arm lamps.

• Kitchens: For kitchens use task lighting for countertops and kitchen islands. Install under cabinet lighting to help illuminate counter surfaces.

• Bathrooms: Will usually require vanity lighting over or besides mirrors in addition to an overhead light. Powder rooms can have wall sconces and/or an overhead light.

Different Rooms Have Different Needs• Living Rooms: Living

rooms need to be adaptable to different situations. Install permanent fixtures (ceiling lights) as well as floor and table lamps that can be added or removed when needed.

• Entryways: Use lamps or sconces to create beautiful accent lightings. Make a first impression with chandeliers or hanging pendants.

Working from Top to Bottom• When designing a

lighting plan, start with the ceiling and work your way down.

• On ground level, look at how sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, and ambient lights can enhance your area.

• Lighting in layers ensures you cover all the ground necessary.

Use Vignettes to Create a Story• In home design and

lighting, “vignettes” refer to the arrangement of lights, sculptures and books of different sizes and shapes to create a story.

• Vignettes pull a room together and add a designer element.

• To create a vignette, start with a theme and a light source, then find the objects that reflect the theme and arrange them around the light.

Create a Mood• Illumination is more

than about shopping for a lamp, it’s about creating a mood for each room.

• Each room has its own personality, and its style is a reflection of you.

• Create a vibrant mood in kitchens or playrooms, and subdued moods for relaxing rooms like bedrooms or bathrooms.

Buy from a Lighting Professional • A lighting professional

will be able turn your vision into a reality.

• Not only will they help you find the lights you need, but will guide you through the lighting plan design process.

• Remember, illumination is one the most important parts of home décor. Don’t be left in the dark and contact a lighting professional today. http://www.lightingpros360.com