Interior Lighting: This is how it works

We don’t realise it, but light is one of the most important elements in interior design.  Lighting plays a role on how we connect with a particular interior space our perceptions, creates unique sensations and experiences, and can completely change the outlook of the design.

The choose of lighting defines the experience that you want to create, accent lights, accent lighting or ambient lighting. Combining incoming natural and artificial lighting sources to breathe life into what could be a tired, dull space.  These two light sources are pivotal in putting together a good interior space that will provide a balance between style, comfort, and practicality.

Types of Interior Lighting

 Overall lighting is typically the most important for utility and the more obvious type of lighting used in modern interior design. It refers to any main light source used for the overall illumination and brightening of the rooms. These types fulfill the basic lighting requirements, making walls and surfaces look brighter, and breathing life into any space. Recessed ceiling lights or feature pendants can fit this purpose with ease. This type of lighting can be (and usually is) fulfilled by existing fittings or created from scratch. This type is usually reliant on the other two to give it a bit of life but can hold its own if need be.

Accent lighting is used to highlight the architectural details or decor features to create a dramatic effect.  Accent lighting can be used inside and outside the house.  Typically accent lighting is three times as bright as ambient lights. Accent lighting draws attention to a feature, such as sculptures, artwork, furnishings, or architectural details, converting them into focal points. These need to be adjustable fittings are preferred for this type of lighting, for precision focusing on small areas or objects.  Mounting position and angle are important to avoid glares.

Task lighting are used to fulfill a purpose or function within your space. This could be to provide some light for your kitchen prep area, illuminate your cabinets/cupboards for easy access, or make important aspects of your house more obvious such as staircase lighting, external pathways.

Some Task lightings can used over night to guide family members down the stairs and to the toilet without having to switch on the main lights.

Examples of task lighting:

• Recessed and track lighting
• Pendants
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Floor, desk, and table lamps
• Under counter vanity lights
• Wall Sconces
• Mirrors

Ambient Lighting or referred to as general lighting, this type of lighting provides overall illumination for a room and is intended to create a uniform light level throughout a space. It is controlled independently to the other special lighting fittings hat may be needed in targeted areas of a room.

Ambient lighting takes many forms, such as ceiling-mounted, down lights, recess lighting in ceiling recesses These types of fittings fulfill the basic lighting requirements, making walls and surfaces look brighter, and breathing life into any interior space.