By Clarissa Allison | October 21, 2016
“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own – Ben Sweetland”
Architects and designers balance three important types of light to achieve the desired effect for a space: task, ambient and accent lighting. Most inventive lighting concepts use a combination of all three. By layering these types of lighting in differing proportions, professional results are achieved. Now more inventive lighting arrangements are coming to the forefront to lend an air of personality and magic to homes and commercial applications. Read on for ideas on how you can implement some of these ideas into your own project.
Hidden Light – Hidden lights instead of, or in addition to, sconces, can add a general glow that bounces off the wall and into the room in an even subtler and more diffused way. Cove lights are built into niches that hide the light source (often a plain LED strip), but hidden lights can also be obscured by medicine cabinets, shelving or storage units. Not being able to determine where the light source originates from at first glance is a very powerful lighting trick used often in home applications.
Random Placement – Uniform lighting on a grid is a common approach and makes good sense when even light levels are important to framing the living space. This fun approach awes and inspires the viewer, making a bold statement about the home. Hanging the pendants at different heights carries the eye among the unique architecture. Small pools of light in a random pattern encourages circulation and gathering.
Be bold – Groupings of multiple fixtures always look great. Using a large number of the same type of fixture anchors spaces by defining an overhead plane and also act as a stopping point for the eye. Create an implied space by illuminating one particular space above the horizontal plane. This works especially well in a room with sparse or minimal decor and furnishings.
Kichler Lighting 42877 Brinley 6LT Pendant Brushed Nickel with Clear Glass Shades
By: Kichler Lighting
- Mirrors. Place a mirror on a wall adjacent to a window or opposite a window. When placed adjacent, the mirror will trick the eye into seeing more windows in the wall than there really are. When placed opposite, the mirror will reflect light and views from the window.
- Reflective surfaces like a painted glass back-splash can bounce light and give the impression of more light when actual windows are at a limit.
- Stop Shutting Out Light. Opt for diaphanous shades which provide privacy while still allowing light to penetrate the space. This will bounce light into the wall directly adjacent to the shaded window.
- Lighten the ceiling. If you have dark walls, go with a slightly lighter color on the ceiling. Try not to use white if the rest of the room has very rich colors. Matte paint is a good choice for reflecting light.
- Shine On. Keeping fixtures, bulbs, and windows clean will let the light you do have shine at its brightest!
Castore Table Lamp
By: Artemide Lighting
photo credit: http://www.turfmagazine.com/
We hope you’ve enjoyed this weeks blog. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for the latest in lighting trends. As always contact us at info@louielighting.com and 1-877-385-2104 for your lighting needs. The Louie Lighting Team wishes you a safe and happy weekend!
Leave a Reply