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Lighting Fixtures
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Published: September 27, 2006
During the daylight hours a room comes to life with shades of yellow sunlight that pour in through windows and reflect off the walls. Once the sun sets and night falls, windows become mirrors and everything beyond them is black. Light sources then become the only way to see and enjoy night activities.
Lighting fixtures enable you to control your environment. They can recreate the sunlight, create a mood, or just shine over your shoulder while you read a book.
There are many types of lighting fixtures to choose from, but remember, style is subjective. What one person may find gaudy another may find gorgeous. You want to decorate with items that are a reflection of yourself, but more importantly you want to look for the right style that will fit your home. Choose something you can look at for many years to come.
Let’s begin with the basics. For interior spaces there are three main types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting surrounds the space with light. It does not give off many shadows and is not from an obvious source like a lamp. Task lighting, as the name implies, is a more intense light that enables you to see what you are doing. The lighting fixture should directly throw the light where it is needed. Accent lighting gives a room a special touch. It can add interest by highlighting certain features such as pictures or architectural aspects. Accent lighting may range from a small lamp to a built in ceiling or wall fixture. When used with ambient lighting, accent lighting can add texture.
Different rooms require special consideration in picking out lighting fixtures. The entrance way should set the mood for you home. The correct lighting makes a great first impression and a welcoming feel for you everyday. A nice over head lighting fixture, such as a casual chandelier, works well for ambient lighting. Try to match the over head lighting fixture with other tones in the space, such as the switch plates. A table near the entrance way is a nice place for a decorative lamp when you need more direct task lighting. Adding accent lighting to certain areas in the main hall can visually expand the space and should lead you along into the next room. Small wall fixtures can provide this lighting and add warmth.
The living room is by name the space where you will be spending most of your time. This room serves as a gathering place for family and friends of both large and small groups. The lighting should come from all different sources so you have choices depending on what the occasion requires. Ambient lighting fixtures should remain simple in design and color so the room has a feeling of openness. Light fixtures hung close to the ceiling give a sense of height to a room because the eye is drawn upward; recessed lighting can further this sensation by making even a smaller room seem large. A floor lamp provides task lighting for conversation and a table lamp for reading. Accent lighting can come from a unique lighting fixture displayed on a shelf or floor. It can also be more traditional, like recessed lights above the mantle or highlighting a piece of artwork. Cove lighting tucked behind a wide crown molding makes for great accent lighting.
Dining areas were once a traditional space with one overhanging light, such as a chandelier placed over the table. Nowadays, kitchens and dining rooms are opened up into one large space. A chandelier or other decorative lighting fixture is still very common. However, hang it higher up and closer to the ceiling. This allows the space to be used in many different ways. For example you could push the table to the side and use it for a buffet while still being able to walk under the lighting fixture. Task lighting fixtures should be placed above the kitchen sink, countertop, and other work areas. Recessed lighting works best because it makes all the counter space available. Accent lighting fixtures can really open up a kitchen/dinning area. They can be placed above the kitchen cabinets, behind glass cabinet doors, or in the corners of the room.
Having multiple light sources gives you options for different effects; adding a dimmer switch can give you even more options. Dimmers are easy to install, simply replace the old on/off switch with a dimmer toggle. These range in price, but are relatively cheap.
Keep in mind, repeating shapes, colors, and textures with the lighting fixtures and other elements in the room is pleasing to the eye and gives a decorative impact. The possibilities are up to you and what style lighting fixture you prefer.
Better Homes and Gardens: Decorative Lighting Ideas and Projects. 1st ed. Des Moines, Iowa: Meredith Books, 2003.
House Beautiul: Lighting. 1st ed. New York, New York: Smallwood and Stewart Inc., 2002.
Katz, Cheryl, and Jeffrey Katz. Chandeliers. Gloucester, Massachusetts: Rockport Inc., 2001.
McCloud, Kevin. Lighting Style: the Complete Guide to Lighting Everyroom in Your Home. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995
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There are many types of lighting fixtures to choose from, but remember, style is subjective. What one person may find gaudy another may find gorgeous. You want to decorate with items that are a reflection of yourself, but more importantly you want to look for the right style that will fit your home. Choose something you can look at for many years to come.
Let’s begin with the basics. For interior spaces there are three main types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting surrounds the space with light. It does not give off many shadows and is not from an obvious source like a lamp. Task lighting, as the name implies, is a more intense light that enables you to see what you are doing. The lighting fixture should directly throw the light where it is needed. Accent lighting gives a room a special touch. It can add interest by highlighting certain features such as pictures or architectural aspects. Accent lighting may range from a small lamp to a built in ceiling or wall fixture. When used with ambient lighting, accent lighting can add texture.
Different rooms require special consideration in picking out lighting fixtures. The entrance way should set the mood for you home. The correct lighting makes a great first impression and a welcoming feel for you everyday. A nice over head lighting fixture, such as a casual chandelier, works well for ambient lighting. Try to match the over head lighting fixture with other tones in the space, such as the switch plates. A table near the entrance way is a nice place for a decorative lamp when you need more direct task lighting. Adding accent lighting to certain areas in the main hall can visually expand the space and should lead you along into the next room. Small wall fixtures can provide this lighting and add warmth.
The living room is by name the space where you will be spending most of your time. This room serves as a gathering place for family and friends of both large and small groups. The lighting should come from all different sources so you have choices depending on what the occasion requires. Ambient lighting fixtures should remain simple in design and color so the room has a feeling of openness. Light fixtures hung close to the ceiling give a sense of height to a room because the eye is drawn upward; recessed lighting can further this sensation by making even a smaller room seem large. A floor lamp provides task lighting for conversation and a table lamp for reading. Accent lighting can come from a unique lighting fixture displayed on a shelf or floor. It can also be more traditional, like recessed lights above the mantle or highlighting a piece of artwork. Cove lighting tucked behind a wide crown molding makes for great accent lighting.
Dining areas were once a traditional space with one overhanging light, such as a chandelier placed over the table. Nowadays, kitchens and dining rooms are opened up into one large space. A chandelier or other decorative lighting fixture is still very common. However, hang it higher up and closer to the ceiling. This allows the space to be used in many different ways. For example you could push the table to the side and use it for a buffet while still being able to walk under the lighting fixture. Task lighting fixtures should be placed above the kitchen sink, countertop, and other work areas. Recessed lighting works best because it makes all the counter space available. Accent lighting fixtures can really open up a kitchen/dinning area. They can be placed above the kitchen cabinets, behind glass cabinet doors, or in the corners of the room.
Having multiple light sources gives you options for different effects; adding a dimmer switch can give you even more options. Dimmers are easy to install, simply replace the old on/off switch with a dimmer toggle. These range in price, but are relatively cheap.
Keep in mind, repeating shapes, colors, and textures with the lighting fixtures and other elements in the room is pleasing to the eye and gives a decorative impact. The possibilities are up to you and what style lighting fixture you prefer.
Better Homes and Gardens: Decorative Lighting Ideas and Projects. 1st ed. Des Moines, Iowa: Meredith Books, 2003.
House Beautiul: Lighting. 1st ed. New York, New York: Smallwood and Stewart Inc., 2002.
Katz, Cheryl, and Jeffrey Katz. Chandeliers. Gloucester, Massachusetts: Rockport Inc., 2001.
McCloud, Kevin. Lighting Style: the Complete Guide to Lighting Everyroom in Your Home. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995
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