How to choose the right lighting – part one

Lighting can be a tricky thing to get right.

At best it can add drama and atmosphere to your space – at worst it can leave you with a dull, thoroughly uninspiring room. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a beginners guide on how to choose the right lighting for your space!

Lighting tends to be an afterthought when most people plan their living spaces, one light in the middle of the ceiling as standard and maybe a table lamp or two – maybe?

If that’s all you need in your room then your work is done, but in most cases, carefully considered and well placed lighting will give your room a fabulous lift.

Once you’ve decided (accepted?) you need more, the next thing to do is choose the right type of lighting.

• Ambient (general) lighting creates your atmosphere. The types of lighting that comes as standard. Pendant lights, spotlights and track bulbs – but try to use these with secondary lighting.

• Accent lighting highlights or defines specific areas. Rope lights, LEDs, gel lights, picture lights, down lights etc.

• Task lighting provides functional qualities and minimises shadows – illuminates your tasks. Wall mounted lights, cabinet lights, floor lamps, table lamps etc.

• Decorative lighting rarely provides enough light for tasks or to practically use a room, they simply provide effect and interest. Installation art lights, fairy lights, decorative chandeliers etc.

Now you know how to choose the right lighting, where are you going to put them all?
Hint – head over to part two of this post for a nudge in the right direction…