Light is the most wonderful invention! Natural outdoor light is in its purest form, but we live indoors so light bulbs and fixtures are an essential component of everyday living.
The 3 Types of Lighting:
There are various aesthetic and atmospheric effects of lighting…for ambience, productivity and entertainment.
- Ambient is a soft diffused light which is gentle and relaxing. It’s often referred to as “mood lighting”. It has no glare and is ideal for general activity or quiet conversations.
- Accent creates visual interest and adds drama to a space. It’s a very concentrated light meant to draw the eye to a focal point, such as often sculptures, houseplants, paintings, etc.
- Task provides additional focused lighting that helps you perform specific tasks such as sewing, reading, writing, cooking or gaming. Ideally, task lighting should be free of glare while still be bright enough to prevent eyestrain. Task lighting often has a swing arm or flexible neck.
Warm versus Cold Lighting:
Let’s not forget the important role that light bulbs play! They’re essential for all light fixtures to work! Bulbs come in various forms and elements:
- Incandescent
- Energy Saving
- LED
- Halogen
- Fluorescent
- Vintage Edison
- Filament
Lighting can range from soft to bright…warm to cool. The Kelvin scale is used to measure the colour temperature in degrees.
Warm light emits a soft golden glow which is great for a relaxing bedroom or cozy living room (3300 degrees Kelvin).
Cool light is a brighter white with a blueish undertone (3500 and 4000 degrees Kelvin). It’s ideal for bathrooms or kitchens where visibility is paramount.
Types of Lighting Fixtures:
- Recessed is installed above the ceiling. The opening is flush with the ceiling, and it offers a narrow band of light in a single direction.
- Under-cabinet is typically an LED light strip that extends the full width of the cabinet to brighten up the prep area in a kitchen.
- Track is suspended or mounted from the ceiling. Consists of a linear housing that has several heads which are adjustable and can be positioned anywhere along the track to aim light at a specific object or area.
- Wall lighting and Sconces are perfect for accent lighting. They come in a range of sizes and are ideal for showcasing architecture and art.
- Desk, Floor and Table Lamps are versatile and portable. Most are directed downward, except torchieres. These lamps come in a multiple of sizes, shapes, colours and materials.
- Ceiling Lights are installed directly into the ceiling which lights up a large room or only the area directly below the fixture.
- Chandeliers are statement light fixtures ideal for a showstopping foyer, a formal dining room or primary bedroom. The light emitted has a wide radius.
- Pendant Lights hang from the ceiling on a long chain, rod, or cord. They can be used for task lighting and are decorative and striking. They can range from simple to ornamental. The radius of light is less than chandeliers and are best suited to hover over kitchen islands.
- Flush-Mount & Semi-Flush-Mount Lights are decorative but more subtle than pendants or chandeliers. They’re installed into the ceiling, but do not hang down too far, if at all.
With so many varieties, it’ll be fun to select the best type of lighting for your unique needs, preferences and spaces.
The proper lighting will illuminate your room and your life!
