Importance of Lighting in Interior Design

Lighting is an essential element of interior design. With proper lighting, you can create a welcoming and productive environment. At the same time, proper lighting can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space.

You can use different bulbs to achieve different results. LED bulbs have become quite popular since they can increase your energy efficiency. They will also last long and won’t have any heat emissions.

This guide will look at the essence of lighting in interior design. We will also cover the different types of lighting you can use.

What Is The Connection Between Lighting & Interior Design

1. Lighting Enhances Colour Perception

Proper lighting will enhance colour perception in a room. Something to note is that natural sunlight is the most important form of lighting, so you should ensure that the rooms have large windows. Once this is dealt with, you can use the right artificial lights to illuminate the indoor spaces. The lights you choose should be bright enough to make it easier for people to differentiate hues in the space.

2. Lighting Makes a Room Look Larger

Lighting can also make a room look larger. If this is your goal, you should consider using multiple light sources instead of relying on a single light in the middle of the room. In this way, you will be able to spread focus across the full area of the room.

Another tip is to use wall lights to enhance the corners. You can also use long pendants to emphasize the height of the room. This can especially be useful for people who have small floor spaces but reasonably high walls. Using a mirror to spread the light around the room will also enhance the size of your house. Similarly, you can use see-through furniture like glass tables.

It is equally important to focus on the colours you choose for your walls as these will make the room appear larger or smaller. Darker colours will make a room feel smaller and less welcoming. For a more open look, you should pick lighter colours.

3. Lighting Affects the Mood of the Room

The colours you pick for the room will also have a major impact on the mood of the house. A general rule to keep in mind is that higher levels of lighting have a stimulating effect while softer lighting encourages relaxation. Some people even use different colours of light to adjust the mood of a room. For example, the red colour would depict energy, warmth, and passion. Blue encourages people to be alert and active.

Different Types of Lighting in Interior Design

As an interior designer, you need to understand the types of lighting you can use. Let’s look at the three types.

Ambient Lighting

This refers to the general illumination of a room, and it is meant to enhance the warmth of the space. It helps to create a uniform light level in a space. You can use overhead lights like chandeliers and recessed lights to achieve ambient lighting. The lights should focus your eyes on specific parts of the house. For example, they can direct you to the artwork or bookshelf. Ambient lighting can even change the colour tone of the room, meaning it can help you adjust the mood in a room.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is meant to illuminate specific parts of the house. They help to create a shadow-free environment. Some common examples of task lighting are desk lamps, swing arm lamps, floor lamps, and under-cabinet lights. Generally, task lighting is used in facility management and is meant to add practicality to a room. However, interior designers can still add decoration to the house with task lights.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting focuses on a specific object or section of the house. Unlike task lighting, this one isn’t meant to make the space functional. It is simply meant to add style to the room. You can use accent lighting to personalize your space and draw attention to various architectural elements. Some examples of accent lights are wall lights, track lights, and wall-mounted picture lights.

You can use different types of lighting in your space. These include ambient lights, task lights, and accent lights. If properly used, these lights can adjust the mood of the room to match certain occasions or events. The lights you use can also make the room appear larger or smaller. Another thing to note is that lighting can enhance colour perception.