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Lighting is best designed by asking the three important design questions: function, mood, and harmony.

Overhead lighting alone is often too harsh to create warmth and style in a room. While it is necessary for cooking, cleaning, or safely moving through a space, it does little to create a cozy or inviting atmosphere. Good lighting design goes beyond simply brightening a room. It helps define how the room feels and functions.

Function

When planning lighting, first consider how the room will be used.

Ask yourself:

• Where is task lighting needed?
• Where would ambient lighting work best?

Task lighting is important in areas where focused light is needed, such as reading corners, desks, kitchen counters, or game areas. Ambient lighting creates an overall softness and comfortable glow throughout the room.

Different activities often require different levels of lighting, so layering light sources at different heights throughout the room creates both function and visual interest.

Mood

Lighting has a powerful effect on the mood of a space.

A brightly lit room can feel cheerful, energetic, and active, while softer lighting creates a more intimate, relaxing, and restful environment. Once the main functional areas are lit, think about features you may want to highlight.

For example:

• a fireplace
• artwork or paintings
• shelving
• architectural details

Accent lighting can help draw attention to these beautiful focal points and add warmth and personality to a room.

Harmony

Lighting fixtures should also work in harmony with the room’s overall style. The fixture itself should complement both the function of the space and the furniture and décor within it.

A well-designed room usually includes a variety of lighting types and light levels. Combining end table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, recessed lighting, or pendant lights helps create balance, contrast, and comfort throughout the space.

Types of Light Bulbs

Different types of bulbs produce different kinds of light and atmosphere.

Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent lighting produces a cool light and generates very little heat. These lights are commonly found in offices, retail stores, warehouses, garages, and workspaces.

Incandescent Lamps

Incandescent bulbs create a warm, yellow-toned light that is flattering to skin tones and comfortable in living spaces. They have traditionally been one of the most common choices for residential lighting and table lamps.

Quartz-Halogen Lamps

Quartz-halogen bulbs provide an extremely bright light and are often used in modern lighting fixtures and contemporary designs.

Planning Your Lighting Design

When beginning a lighting plan, start by identifying the functional areas that need lighting first. Consider where activities such as reading, games, cooking, or working take place.

Next, think about the mood you want the room to create. Are there focal points that could be highlighted with accent lighting? Fireplaces, artwork, and decorative features can all benefit from carefully placed lighting.

Finally, consider harmony throughout the room. A successful lighting design includes a variety of fixtures and lighting levels that work together to create a warm, balanced, and inviting home. (5.22.26)

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