When you switch on a light do you ever think of the creative potential of lighting in the room? Have you ever used it to accent a piece of art? Have you ever tried to set the mood for a room with light? If not why not?
When you say lighting fixtures, many think ceiling or table lamps. And yes, these are two ways background lighting is handled in many cases. But little mood or ambiance is created this way. And if you really think about there are many ways to light up a room. Layering light in a way that defines the space. Often by using recessed, pendant or track lighting, alone or in combination, to best affect.
As you know you can go for task, accent or general lighting. The first sheds light on a work space so you can see what you’re doing. The second is a way to decorate with light. Which the last provides background light. As you’d imagine there are many ways to do each.
Track lighting is quite good for task lighting. It’s directional. It’s easy to install. And you can get more light by simply installing more fixtures. This type of lighting lets you concentrate the light where you want it. Making this a useful option for kitchens, reading areas or anywhere else you need light so you can see what you’re doing.
Recessed lights have been around awhile. They are set back into the ceiling provide a more than decent amount of light without any distracting glare. Making this choice allows you to be discreet. By that I mean you can focus attention of whatever you’re casting the spotlight on rather than the light fixtures themselves.
Those looking to brighten kitchen counter tops often turn to under cabinet lighting. These are often out of sight too, and give you the ability to both incorporate an element of light in your interior design scheme and functionality.
Finally decorative style pendants add a bit of pizazz or elegance to a room. Pendant lighting is particularly good when hung over work surfaces. Like a game table, kitchen island or work bench. The light they generate is projected downward and bathes the work are in illumination. To avoid glare consider using frosted bulbs if the bulb is exposed.
Oh and let’s not forget that there are few situations that can not benefit from dimmer switches. They are an easy way to set the mood or put more light on the subject. Plus they offer energy savings not to mention extending the life of the light bulbs involved too.
Anyway these are but four ways to transform a room from underlit, gloomy and downright depressing to bright and cheery. While your lighting needs will vary, each type of lighting described here affects the mood in different ways.
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