ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
Artificial lighting should be used to add layers to your space. A warm light (opposed to a
clear light) is the most welcoming option for residential spaces. As well as adding to the
overall interior design style of a space, artificial lighting can be used to highlight features,
create zones and alter the perceived proportions of a room. Always bear in mind the five
lighting categories (below) when planning your lighting scheme. Think about where you
you need what, how you plan to use your space and use a range of lighting effects to
create the desired look.
TYPES OF INTERIOR LIGHT
1. GENERAL LIGHTING
2. AMBIENT LIGHTING
3. TASK LIGHTING
4. MOOD LIGHTING
5. ACCENT LIGHTING
1. GENERAL LIGHTING
General lighting is the basic foundation of a lighting scheme,
providing a uniform glow over an entire room and illuminating
a space functionally rather than for aesthetic reasons.
2. AMBIENT LIGHTING
The next layer of lighting is ambient lighting which is a great partner to general lighting. Both
types share important characteristics—they’re primarily functional and used to light a complete
area.
The main difference between the two is in the direction of their light
Ambience lighting is generally used for entertaining—it creates drama.”
Ambient lighting is indirect and therefore softer than general lighting—because it doesn’t
usually use downlighting, it doesn’t create unflattering shadows
3. TASK LIGHTING
As its name would suggest task lighting is any light source used
for a particular task like reading or cooking.
By nature, these lights need to have a stronger wattage than
most other lighting. Always combine with adequate ambient
light, however, to avoid eye strain caused by the sharp contrast
from light to dark areas.
Reading and working areas (like this home office by Elicyon) are
some of the most obvious areas in need of task lighting.
4. MOOD LIGHTING
Mood lighting is as important to the overall look of a room than general and
ambient lighting and a space would be bare without it.
It makes a room pleasantly inviting by creating pools of light which counteract the
shadows caused by general lighting.
It’s also an important element of a room’s style as it tends to be equally concerned
with style as it is with function—popular options being table lamps and floor
lamps as seen in this Parisian living room design by Jean-Louis Deniot.
5. ACCENT LIGHTING
Similar to task lighting, accent lighting has a particular function
and is any lighting which has specifically been included to
highlight a particular feature in a room.
Spotlights which highlight artwork, sculptures and objects in
cabinets or on pedestals are examples of accent lighting which
enhance the pieces and prevent them from being lost in an
under-illuminated space.
Similar to task lighting, because of its nature, accent lighting
needs more lumens (the light output)—at least three times as
much—and therefore requires a higher wattage.
LIGHTING EFFECTS
1. DOWNLIGHTING
Downlighting is a very useful and most popular form of lighting in interiors—most central light sources or spotlights will be
downlights. It does cast unflattering shadows (especially for people) so it needs to be counterbalanced with adequate ambient
lighting.
2. UPLIGHTING
Uplighting is a much softer alternative to downlighting as it indirectly introduces light into a room by having it bounce off the
ceiling and reflect back into the room.
3. WALL WASHING
Wall washing evenly illuminates a vertical surface in a soft way. Place the light at an adequate distance so that the beam reaches
the entire surface.
4. WALL GRAZING
Wall grazing places a light intentionally close to the surface it’s to illuminate, effectively highlighting its texture.
5. SPOTLIGHTING
Spotlighting is used a lot in task and accent lighting to highlight a particular feature of a room.
6. PERIMETER LIGHTING
Perimeter lighting accentuates the dimensions of a room and expands its apparent size. Coving or cornice lighting is an effective
way to do this and is used often by interior designers and architects.
DO'S OF LIGHTING
DO Think of what your room will be used for and what furniture will be included in it—certain
pieces will require specific lighting.
DO Incorporate a dimmer system in your lighting design—it allows your lighting to be
responsive.
DO Consider the relationship between rooms when planning a lighting scheme—sharp changes
from bright to dark can cause disorientation and eye fatigue.
DO Place wall lights on shorter walls—this will balance out your room and take attention away
from long walls.
DO Pay attention to the lining of a shade—the thickness and colour of the lining will affect the
light emitted.
DO Think carefully about wattage—60- or 75-watt bulbs are too bright for mood lighting. A 40-
watt bulb is much more inviting.
DO Always conceal a bare light bulb with a diffuser.
DON'TS OF LIGHTING
DON’T Stick to one central light source because it causes unflattering shadows—a layered
scheme is essential.
DON’T Scrimp on outlets—there’s nothing worse than having to use an unsightly extension cord.
DON’T Leave wires on show—this results in an untidy look which spoils the overall aesthetic of
your interior.
Track lighting WALL SCOONES TASK LIGHTING
Rs- 800/- Rs- 1500/-
CEILING LIGHTING ACCENT LIGHTING
Rs- 565/-
Rs- deepens on Rs- 500/-
size/shape
Pendants AMBIENT LIGHTING LED
80/- meter
Rs- 500/-
Rs- 500/-
