How to Transform Your Space with Lighting Design

Lighting in a home is quite different than it was 50 years ago. A single incandescent light bulb in lamps and one main ceiling light was as much as you could hope for. While the basic purpose was served, lighting did very little to enhance the mood of a room. Today's lighting choices are able to work together with space and furniture to create improved style, functionality and a specific mood.

The 3 Types of Lighting

Mixing different types of lighting provides a tasteful and inviting presence to a balanced room design.

1. Ambient lighting works to enhance an overall feel of a room. From wall sconces to overhead recessed pot lights, this type of lighting enables you to adjust the overall amount of general light depending on the time of day. Dimmer switches are often used for better control. Wall lamps are also great for using in a small space instead of setting lamps around the room.

2. Accent lighting draws attention to architectural features or pleasing art work. Certain objects shine without having an unnatural appeal. Directing light to a flower arrangement in a foyer or a bar top can add significant character to a room without being flashy. Consider recessed lighting in a floor for vertical accent lighting instead of ceiling track lighting.

3. Task lighting brings a direct focus on a project. Halogen bulbs are often used in lamps to create a good angle without bringing a glare to the work.

Coordinating Color and Space

Lighting has the ability to enhance color and to change the illusion of space. By installing track lighting or recessed can lighting, the directional flow of light is able to reflect off of walls or floors. This can soften wall colors, create the illusion of more space or make an area appear lighter or darker. For example, by placing the overhead lighting toward a light-colored floor, the impression of more floor space will become possible.

Using Light with Mirrors

Mirrors serve a purpose only when the light is perfectly mounted. There are many options for bringing a bright natural reflection to mirrors of today. One of the latest trends is the Halo light glow that tucks away the bulbs and delivers only a fresh glow of light from within. Hidden LED lighting can create a natural daylight effect or a warm white appearance, depending on the wattage. This design is perfect for bathrooms where mirrors are an asset.

Selecting a lighted mirror for use in a bathroom, hallway or bedroom begins with quality and reflectivity properties. High quality mirror manufacturers, such as Clearlight Designs, use only corrosion free materials, 100$ aluminum backing structures and highly rated mirrors. Mirrors also have a special quality of helping to scatter light where needed. By using in a small room, your space will appear larger.

The right lighting design can change the entire look and feel of a room, regardless of the style and color. Never begin your interior design project without first considering your lighting options.