Tips And Trends In Lighting Design For 2010
The latest next big thing in lighting design is the ability to have better control
and more energy efficiency, also concealing lights in the walls and floor is very fashionable and creates a lovely layered effect.
If you only change one thing this year to improve the atmosphere in your home install dimmer switches!
Generally speaking there are three different lighting effects needed to really achieve the best possible lighting design in your home. The first of these is the ambient lighting which provides the backdrop for the rest of your lighting which you will then layer upon your ambient lighting. Ambient light source is usually from downlights, pendants and wall lights. The next lighting effect is task lighting which means it is for a specific purpose ( the light source should concentrate on the area where you need to see) an example of this would be a reading light or an under counter light, downlights are also included in this category. Another type of task light is lights for stairs. Leds are the most popular type of light for this purpose because they are energy efficient, they dont get hot and they have a very long life span. Then there is your feature lighting, sometimes called accent lighting, this adds the glamour and finishing touches to your lighting design. Examples of feature light are lights that you use to draw attention to an item such as a painting or sculpture or even a bare wall if you want to make it more intersting have a wash of light going upwards.
Most Important Lighting Tools Uplights and Downlights
Most Important Lighting Tools Uplights and Downlights are your main tools and consequently the key to getting your lighting plan correct. Downlights are lights that are recessed partially or fully into the ceiling. Where the bulb is set back by approx 30mm this will provide maximum focus with minimum glare. Downlights serve well for all types of lighting effects. Uplights direct light at the ceiling, which reflects it back. Uplights can be set into the floor, they can be free standing lamps or they can be set into the wall.
Light Sources
The closest thing to natural daylight in a light fitting is low voltage. It is ideal for a kitchen area where you really need a good light source. The traditional tung-sten lamp still serves a purpose in table lamps and gives a nice warm glow which is what your looking for in a table lamp. There are also LEDs which are very popular set into decking areas or lighting stairs.
What to avoid
Do not think of your room as just one space break it up into the different areas it is actually used for. This will help you to plan your lighting design more effectively. Gone are the days when your pendant had to be in the centre of the room.
How to get it right
Plan out what your room is used for and what levels of light are needed. Again this is very important in an open plan environment such as a kitchen, living and dining area it is in effect three rooms you are lighting! Create layers of light always using dimmers where possible. It is possible to create different scenes in the same room suitable for different times of the day and for different uses such as watching the television or reading.
Kitchen Tips
1. Low voltage recessed lights that won't collect grease.
2. Consider under counter lights to light up work surfaces so you are not standing in your shadow.
3. Where there are high ceilings uplights can be used on top of units to reflect light and reduce the number of downlights needed.
4. Recessed or spot lights over an island.
5. Leds set into kitchen unit plinths are great for effect and to high light flooring.
Bathroom Light
1. It is important to make sure that the fittings are bathroom suitable.(appropriate IP rating)
2. The most flattering look from mirrors would be to have your lights either side of the mirror.
3. To create atmosphere in your bathroom consider a light in an alcove or around the bottom of the bath or maybe colour changing behind your bath, again making sure it is all bathroom appropriate.
4. A downlight above the sink or bath is a nice idea as when they are full of water it can create a ripple effect on the ceiling.
5. Operate lights separately so that you don't have them all operating at once and also consider using a dimmer where possible. There is nothing nicer than soaking in a bath with dimmed lighting reflecting ripples across the ceiling.
Lighting Gardens
1. Less is more! You need to light features and not the sky line you don't want people thinking yours is a beacon for the local disco!
2. Consider versatility. Do you want to be able to move your lights? Spiked fittings are an option if you do.
3. Concrete or decking steps can be highlighted with built in step lights. This looks well and is also a safety bonus.
4. Dark green fittings blend well into the foliage.
Hallways and landings
1. Make more of your flooring by using low level lights in the walls it can bring your gloss tiles to life or really bring out the colour of your carpet. 2. If the hall and landing area is small it is a good idea to make the landing area brighter as it draws the eye and makes the space seem larger.
3. If you have art on the walls you can hi-light it with a picture light or directional recessed light.
4. Avoid having a straight line of recessed lights down the centre of your hallway it can make the space seem narrow.
Copyright (c) 2010 David Cahill
by: David Cahill
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