Illuminate Your Space: A Guide to Choosing the Right Interior Lighting

The three main types of lighting are ambient, task, and accent lighting, and they can be combined to create a well-lit space: 

• Ambient lighting provides overall illumination for a room.

  
  

• Task lighting focuses on specific areas for activities like reading, cooking, or studying.

• Accent lighting creates a focal point by drawing attention to a feature or design element. 

Then there is decorative lighting. This type of lighting is used purely for aesthetic purposes, to add an extra bit of style.

Examples of this lighting type are mini chandeliers, wall sconces or pendant lights. Decorative floor lamps and table lamps can also act as decorative lighting.

Things to Consider When Choosing Lighting Solutions

• Purpose: What will the lighting will be used for?

  
  

• Style and theme: How will the lighting complement the space?

  
  

• Light quality: The color temperature of the light, which affects the atmosphere. Warm lighting versus cool. 

  
  

  

  

  
  

• Energy efficiency: How efficient the lighting is and what type of bulb it uses.

  
  

• Dimming: Whether the lights can be dimmed to adjust the brightness.

  
  

• Installation and maintenance: How easy the lighting is to install and maintain?

  
  

• Budget: How much you want to spend on lighting?

  
  

• Regulations and safety: Whether the lighting meets local building codes and safety standards. This will mostly relate to commercial spaces.

  
  

• Height: How low will the bottom of the light will be, and is there enough room underneath?

  
  

• Amount of light: How much light is needed for the room's function, such as reading or watching a film?

Most people do not think about lighting until after they decorate. Lighting solution decisions should be part of the design process. The right or wrong lighting can make or break a room's ambience and leave you either thrilled with your space or disappointed.