Amy Roberts Desgn: 7. Lighting

Lighting is a very important part of design. I think it is something that is also over looked and people tend to go with just the “basic” lighting elements for their space. I mean, you spend all this time and money on renovating a space and then you put one little light fixture in the middle of the room and it hardly does the job of showcasing what you’ve just accomplished. To quote Rihanna “All of the lights in here, baby. Extra bright, I want ya’ll to see this”. Well I’m not saying put some extra bright lights, but maybe understanding the types of different lighting you will put the right lights in your space.

The number one type of lighting would be overall lighting. This is the light in the space you would use the most and would illuminate the entire room. This type of lighting is usually recessed down lighting, also known as “pot lights”. This type of lighting is placed throughout the entire ceiling and depending on the size of room will determine the amount of appropriate down lighting. It is recommended to put this lighting on dimmer switches. Depending on the time of day, and the task happening in the space will determine the brightness needed at that time. This is why dimmer switches are a great idea for overall lighting and can save energy which in the end will save you money.

The second type of lighting would be task lighting. Directional lighting could also be in this category. Task lighting would be lighting used in a space, other than overall lighting, to illuminate tasking. The main example of task lighting would be under cabinet lighting in a kitchen.

Task lighting would also be table lamps used for reading or desk lamps for working. Although side table lamps in a bedroom could also be considered accent lighting, they are also used for tasking at times. Table lamps are good for accent and task lighting in front hallways, dining rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere else you may need to task.

A new design aspect of task lighting is illuminating your stairways. This is something that can be done indoors or outdoors. Lighting up pathways is not only a safe thing to do it can be a great design aspect to any space.

The main type of directional lighting that comes to mind for me would be track lighting. Although some use track lighting as overall lighting, I tend to find it not such a great overall lighting technique. Track lighting works well in a space where you want to accent something on the wall or in the space. Think art galleries and museums. If you want to showcase some great art in your space, or show the three dimensional aspects of an accent wall (brick wall, plaster, and modular wall) then this is a great form of lighting.

The third main type of lighting would be accent lighting. Accent lighting could also be considered task lighting; they definitely cross over on to each other. Accent lighting can also be a really fun way to bring additional lighting into your space. With funky table lamps, hanging paper lights, delicate chandeliers, or wall sconces, the possibilities are endless. The great thing about accent lighting is that it can be a part of the design aspect that you have a little fun with because it will not affect the overall lighting that you already have in the space. And with the overall lighting on dimmers, you have the opportunity to let your accent lighting shine, no pun intended.