There are two opposite point of views on the role of lighting
fixtures in home design exists. The first point is tightly connected with prioritizing
a functional element in design and architecture. Followers of this point of
view are sure that lighting fixtures have to be purely practical, barely
visible, and not decorative. They believe that light is beautiful by itself
and it is just the matter of precise placement of lighting fixtures with
regards to layout and function of the space.
The second point of view is
absolutely opposite. Disciples of the second point of view agree that light
is beautiful by its nature, but this doesn't mean that you can't add to it's
magical glow. Moreover, there are thousands of ways to enhance lighting, known
by artisans and designers.
If
you share the second point of view our extensive collection of lighting fixtures
will definitely grab your attention. The past few years have proved to be a
designers and decorators dream as lighting fixtures have become more decorative.
From nostalgic reproductions to architecturally inspired designs, there are
models of lighting fixtures to suit any look in the form of table and floor
fixtures, wall sconces, chandeliers, ceiling lighting fixtures, fixtures for
indirect lighting, and novelty type. We offer a wide selection of lighting
fixtures to catch everyone's imagination. To create a sophisticated look you
should combine more than one type of lighting fixtures. Avoid matched pairs of
lighting fixtures, such as identical table lamps at either side of the sofa. Try
to coordinate your lighting fixtures, not match them. For more interest
select your lighting fixtures in different, but coordinated finishes. For
example, table lamps in antique brass finish can be complimented in the same
room with chandelier or wall sconces finished in antiqued gold leaf.
Moving far beyond the purely practical, by using our lighting
fixtures imaginatively you can create dynamic visual statements, enhance mood
and atmosphere, alter color and emphasize texture. When balanced with shadow,
lighting adds subtlety and excitement, tranquility and mystery.
Balanced Home Lighting
A well balanced lighting scheme is made up of three key
lighting types: a flattering general light, task lighting that performs a
functional purpose, and feature lighting that can put displayed objects in the
spot light. It is the use of a variety of lighting sources at different
intensities that gives a home define character. The quality of lighting we
live in affects our well being. It is scientifically proven that we learn
quicker and work better in warm lighting, and relaxing better with dim
lighting. All of these are consideration points to the importance of home lighting.
Today's home interiors are not only a thoughtful combination of architectural
forms and decorative elements, but lighting has become an integral part of home
design. Home lighting plays a very significant role in the overall look and
feeling of the home. With the help of lighting fixtures we can accent different
areas, define functional spaces, and visually improve a flow of the living
space.
With different lighting the same room can drastically change appearance. Some
professionals can base whole interior design on lighting alone. There are
endless possibilities of incorporating lighting fixtures into the home
interiors, and interior designers are constantly coming up with innovative
solutions, transforming rooms using lighting. For example, using
paintable wall lighting fixtures that direct light upwards you can add a soft ambiance to a
room. You can also customize the look of this type of fixtures to meet your decorating needs by painting or faux finishing them. Another example of
popular lighting effects used by interior designers is a ceiling highlights. Using specially designed
crown molding for indirect lighting where
light concealed inside the molding diffusing light upwards. This type of
lighting not only create a beautiful affect but visual lifts up the ceiling, making it appear higher.
Lighting should be flexible. Take into account the various activities that will take place in a room: reading, game playing,
TV watching, sewing, conversation, cocktail sipping. Think about your personal
visual comfort. Overhead illumination may provide
minimum level lighting requirements and general lighting distribution. Decorative lighting can meet specific lighting needs—over a
chair or in a nook—independent of overall needs. Decorative lighting can also impart an atmospheric effect. It is unnecessary to turn on
all the lamps in a room at one time.
Lighting Fixtures Location
There is no hard fast rules in regards to location of
particular types of lighting fixtures. Professionals can only recommend to
follow certain general rules of home lighting design. For instant, in the
hallways, walkways and other parts of the home where is a consistent need of
lighting, it is the best to use a lighting fixtures that will provide a
general lighting (ceiling lighting fixtures, chandeliers).
Home entrance lighting. The entry is the
first room encountered when arriving, and the last when departing. The
correct lighting makes it as beautiful as the rest of your home. Let your
entry set the mood for what's to be found deeper within your home. Use
lighting to accent your favorite pieces of art, visually expand the entry
space, lead the eye, and make your guests feel at home.
Living room
lighting. The living room is a gathering place for family and friends
that has to accommodate groups of people with warmth, comfort and style.
Your lighting can help. In the living room along with lighting fixtures for general lighting also use lighting
fixtures that provide a functional and localized for a particular activity
lighting (table lamps, floor lamps). Usually functional lighting fixtures
are located where they are needed - near sofa tables, armchairs etc.
Bedroom lighting is not just for sleeping, this more private
rooms need flexible lighting that can change from functional to romantic to
suit the need and mood of the moment. For bedroom choose lighting that
works, both technically and aesthetically, with decorative style of your
bedroom. Bedrooms that are designed in the traditional styles need gentle
lighting to preserve their mood. In the bedroom
use lighting fixtures that produce a reflective soft lighting.
Near the bed on the bed side table is a great place for a lamp with low
wattage light bulb. Lighting fixtures with the "color corrected" lamps to
obtain the best color distribution are needed near the mirror above dressing
table in the bedroom.
Kitchen lighting.
The kitchen is a very special room in the home. Today's
kitchens are both - a work space and a room for casual entertainment, the
kitchen must change its mood suit the moment and should have lighting for
every mood. For the kitchen is recommended a combination of general
lighting and task lighting. It is very important that working zones (places
where food are prepared, or for dish washing) have separate lighting
fixtures that provide plenty of light that highlights the work area.
Moreover in the kitchens commonly installed small lighting fixtures inside
the cabinets, shelves and other furniture to provide extra lighting for
functional purposes as well as esthetics
Creating Mood with Lighting Fixtures
"Light is among the richest experiences our senses have to offer, no other
medium can mach it"
Light can glow, create shadows, model forms, reflect from polished surfaces, pass through translucent and transparent forms, distort
shapes, be mystical and romantic – depending upon how light is angled, diffused, and positioned. Lighting is an element of design which should be used not only
for visual comfort, but also to achieve predetermined emotional responses the lighted environment. Click on followed link for information on
mood lightings
Lighting is one of the most powerful elements of
design. Lighting fixtures can infuse the simplest space with richness and
depth. Lighting fixtures can be manipulated to obscure and highlight, create
plays of shadow and color. Lighting fixtures can transform the atmosphere of a
room in the same way that lighting in theater transform the stage.
