Laura Quiggan casts some light on how to find the appropriate lighting for your home
Good lighting is essential for any home, not only to aid sight and security, but also as a simple and effective method of creating mood and atmosphere. But, faced with a choice of dimmers, downers, uppers, spots and clusters, you could be forgiven for feeling mystified. It is worth investing a little time and effort in seeking enlightenment.
Household lights should be chosen for their purpose, not just the way they look. Decide which kind of lighting suits each room in your home and consider the function of the room. Clear bright lights are practical for a working kitchen, but not for the more intimate atmosphere of the bedroom. Are there specific objects you want to highlight? Where will people sit? What overall mood do you want to create?
Light can come from the top, middle or bottom of a room, but make sure the overall effect is a welcoming glow and not a harsh glare. A well-lit room will have equal levels of light radiating from the floor and ceiling, with surrounding pockets of bright light contrasting with shadow to give depth and mood.
Understanding the variety of lights on the market and how they can be used to enhance your home helps to create the look you want to achieve.
Pendant lights
The most common type of fitting, comprising a bulb and shade hanging from a ceiling rose, which casts a circle of light downward.
Ceiling lights
These straightforward lights are mounted directly onto the ceiling in a closed unit. The lack of shade allows the beam to fill a room with a clear, even illumination. Ceiling lights are more commonly used for lighting kitchens and bathrooms where condensation and steam are likely to affect other fittings and shades.
Recessed ceiling lights
Fitted directly into a ceiling cavity to sit flush with the ceiling, giving an even illumination. These are particularly useful for rooms with low ceilings or for minimalist tastes where unobtrusive décor is required.
Wall and sconce lighting
Produces a soft outward glow that can be used in support of main illuminations. These lights are well suited to hallways and doorways, but can be used in groups to create higher levels of light.
Track lights
This versatile system consists of individual spotlights on a run. Track lighting is ideal for enhancing specific features by redirecting the beams, or for areas where support lighting is required. Small diameter track lighting can do more than highlight a painting – it can also serve to accent the perimeters of a room by helping to define spaces and create balance.
Fluorescent lights
Ceiling mounted fluorescent lights are activated by a starter mechanism. The bulb is a long glass tube containing mercury vapour, and these last up to eight times longer than conventional bulbs. Fluorescent lights have the advantage of giving off only a small amount of heat and are ideal for use above work surfaces in kitchens.
Light bulbs
To soften areas of lighting try varying your light bulb wattage, opacity and colour. Although initially more expensive than conventional bulbs, energy-efficient halogen and daylight bulbs have a longer life span and can save on bills in the long run. For lighting effects as dramatic as the price, search out individual bulb creations in colour and stained glass at trendy markets.
Up or down?
Downlighters and uplighters have become popular in the home and can be very effective in creating different moods. Downlighting with a solid conical shade will push the light out and down, allowing very little light to filter upwards. To enhance the illumination even more, use a shade with a white interior to reflect the light. Uplighting shines the light upwards onto the ceiling to create a soft light and a theatrical, inviting atmosphere. Small or redundant spaces between plants, furniture and the wall can be enhanced with uplighting to make the room appear larger.