General Tips:
- If you are lighting a newly-built property check for the Low Energy compliance requirements.
- A good general light source is needed in most rooms. This can be supplemented by task lights such as spot lights or desk lamps. In addition, wall lights and uplighters can accent highlights such as picture and plants.
- Consider a crystal chandelier or other statement piece. Low ceiling rooms may need a flush or semi-flush light.
- Halls and staircases often need a low hanging light with longer cable or chain.
- Wall lights are an excellent way of providing soft, low level light, creating atmosphere and warmth.
- Floor lamps can be useful in providing pools of light and are an attractive way of brightening up darker areas.
- Bathroom lighting should be both practical and stylish and comply with safety regulations related to the installation.
Lighting in the home has 3 different aspects:-
Task lighting…. adequate to carry out a task, for example, preparing food in the kitchen, reading in the lounge, putting on make-up, and so on, this varies from room to room.
Ambient lighting…. to give a comfortable overall illumination, this will vary from person to person.
Accent lighting…. this gives interest or drama to the living space.
It is good to keep this in mind when selecting your lighting, as it should make our homes comfortable and inviting, enabling you to make the best use of the space you have. In each room consider the options available for your lighting - floor, table, wall or ceiling, making provision for flexibility of light levels as required.
Room by Room Guide
Entrances
- Entrances should be warm and welcoming – the lights used here can often be left burning for long periods, so consider using energy saving bulbs.
Halls
- A hanging pendant can be used in a larger space or consider wall lights or recessed downlights if the ceiling is low or the hall is narrow. A table lamp on a side table with mirror above can add extra interest.
Staircases
- Staircases should be well lit and the light directed to define the edges of the steps. This is another area where you might want to consider using an energy saving bulb. A bright pendant lamp hanging at the top of the stairs will create a shadow that adds definition to the stair risers, recessing LED or halogen lighting into the wall will add interest. If wall lights are used ensure that they look suitable from both top and bottom of the stairs.
Landings
- Often small areas with heavy traffic, flush fittings or recessed downlights can maximise space, when using wall lights consider designs that do not project out too far from the wall. Dimmer switches can be used to turn down light to a low level at night.
Living Room
The living room will need a variety of lighting for the space to work best. A combination of general overhead or wall lighting, as well as portable light sources such as table, floor or task lamps. These should be chosen and positioned suitably if required as a reading light.
A ceiling fitting will probably be the main light source. For larger rooms with high ceilings multi-arm lights, available with five, eight or more, bulbs. For smaller rooms, up to 5x4m, a three-arm light should be sufficient. Semi-flush or flush fittings are perfect for low ceilings, and many fittings are height adjustable.
Wall lights are a good source of additional lighting, whether focused up, down or in both directions. Up-facing on a low ceiling will help to give a more spacious feel. To create a more intimate feel use wall lights that take a fabric shade or down-facing designs.
Accent lighting hidden behind cornices, bookshelves and glassware displays. Highlight pictures and paintings with a picture light and use spotlights to highlight plants and ornaments. Concealed uplighters are ideal for a dark corner. When watching television a soft ambient light is recommended as an aid to relaxed viewing.