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Indoor Designer Lighting And Track Lighting

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Published: July 31, 2007

Nothing says home like pulling up to a warmly lit house on a dreary winter night. Indoor designer lighting provides a safe and inviting environment that is not only functional but a powerful decorating tool as well. Indoor designer lighting can be used to create atmosphere, mood and setting in an otherwise ordinary room; a kitchen can be transformed into a brightly lit workspace, a living room into an elegant gathering place, and a bedroom into a warm and cozy haven. A well thought out designer lighting plan is a necessary part of any successful interior design.

Many experts recommend taking into consideration how a space is to be used when creating a indoor designer lighting plan. The three main things to consider with designer lighting are: activity, atmosphere and accent. Rooms that see a great deal of activity such as kitchens and bathrooms require more brightness as opposed to bedrooms where soft, diffused designer lighting is more desirable. Furniture arrangements can be complimented with effective designer lighting choices. Take note on how the lighting is affected by the colors in a room; dark colors tend to absorb the light while bright colors can become too glaring. The atmosphere of a room is also an important consideration; will the room be light and airy or modern and dramatic? Accent designer lighting is the final decorator's touch used to highlight artwork, furniture or unusual architectural features.

Once a designer lighting plan has been created, the next step is to determine the type of lighting to be used in the home. General lighting is basic room illumination essential to any designer lighting plan. Good general lighting should come as close to natural light as possible, creating a room both comfortable and safe. Windows are a great source of daytime general lighting that can be combined with strategically placed lamps and overhead fixtures to inexpensively light a home.

Task lighting supplements general lighting to make activities such as cooking, reading and sewing easier to complete and enjoy. Good task lighting should provide extra light without being too bright, which can create eyestrain. Accent lighting creates drama in room by creating focal points and highlighting special features such as paintings, sculptures and china cabinets. It can also be used to illuminate stairs and hallways in ways that are both functional and decorative.

Designer track lighting is often the expert's choice for task or accent lighting. When combined with general lighting, designer track lighting is an inexpensive and simple way to create a versatile indoor designer lighting plan. Designer track lighting is easy to install once you understand the basics. The track is generally attached the ceiling with toggle bolts inserted in the track itself, but tracks can also be placed on a wall or a beam. When mounted to the ceiling the track should be placed over an electrical junction box to provide current to the power canopy that also serves to attractively hide the power connection. Next, the fixtures are simply snapped into place on the track and aimed at the point of interest in the room. There is a vast array of fixtures available; everything from the basic can design to fixtures attached by cables that float freely underneath the track.

While general room illumination is important when putting together a decorating plan, do not overlook other areas in the home that can become candidates for designer lighting. Accent lighting in closets, cabinets, hallways and along staircases can be attractive as well as useful. Designer lighting can be used to create a home's atmosphere; a fireplace or candles can create a romantic mood while paper lanterns add a festive touch. Good indoor designer lighting plans should also take into consideration the physical needs of the home owner. Designer track lighting can easily be adjusted to provide a flattering backdrop for the over-40 set or for seniors who need brighter lighting to aid aging eyesight.

Indoor designer lighting is a simple, effective and inexpensive way to decorate any home. Lamps and fixtures combined with the natural light from windows can create a safe and beautiful environment. Accent lights can create drama while task lighting provides essential illumination for everyday chores. Designer track lighting is an easy and inexpensive way to combine general, task and accent lighting. Designer lighting affects our moods and sense of well-being. Good indoor designer lighting is the most important factor in making a house a home.


Sources:
American Lighting Association. 2007. 12 July 2007. http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/info_lighting 2.php.

Seldon, Kimberley. "Design Lesson: Truly illuminating." Style at Home.com. 12 July 2007. http://www.styleathome.com/styleathome/client/en/D esignerTalk/DetailNews.asp?idNews=236959&idSM= />
Strandberg, Eric. "Light Guide: Track Lighting." Lightsearch.com. 2007. 11 July 2007. http://www.lightsearch.com/resources/lightguides/t rack.html.