Decor 7
Defining the ideal kind of lighting for your home design ideas is essential to getting the right ambiance as a rule of thumb there are two design mantras that you MUST follow.
One, you should have a good mix of light sources at different levels to create a flattering ambiance
and two, you need appropriate task lighting for whatever you do in that space (reading, sautéing, getting dressed). Here we present a lighting guide for five key areas within the home:
Nº1 - LIVING ROOM:
Light three of the four corners,
focusing one of those lights on an
object (art, a plant, a striking chair).
Use a combination of table lamps and
floor lamps, some with a downward
glow and some that shine upward.
Allow for reading in as many seats as
possible with down-glowing lamps
on three-way switches. If you have an
overhead fixture put on a dimmer
Nº2 - DINING ROOM:
To draw people in, make the table the brightest spot in the room. Use a chandelier or a pendant above the table, limiting the total wattage to 10.. Elsewhere in the room, indirect light is the best – it’s relaxing and flattering.
Give the space a subtle glow with a pair of small table lamps on a sideboard or matching sconces on the wall above. Battery-powered votives inside a glass front china cabinet can be a nice touch.
Nº3 - KITCHEN
Focus on overhead lighting (on a dimmer that you can crank up when cooking), and add lower sources to illuminate work surfaces. Use pendants, under-cabinet lights or a sturdy table lamp (kept away from the sink).
Nº4 - BEDROOM
Aim for a cozy, insular atmosphere: Place reading
lamps or sconces by the bed—but not pointed
directly at it. If you have recessed or track fixtures, angle them away from the bed, toward the dressing area. On a low table, include a small,
intimate lamp with a tinted low-wattage bulb
to mimic candlelight.
Nº5 - BATHROOM
The best choice for applying makeup is sidelights, such as a pair of sconces flanking the mirror. An overhead light helps fill in any shadows on your face and also fully illuminates the room (important when cleaning). In a large space, you might also want a light directly over the shower.