When it comes to lighting, there are no set rules. With the simplest alteration in levels and positioning, lighting can change the entire ambience of a room. Are you aiming for pockets of cosiness or the bright and airy effect, or even a combination of both? Follow these handy tips to brighten up your home…
A giant room can’t rely on a single lightbulb. In the same way a box room doesn’t need a landing strip worth of lights! There’s a super easy formula to find the recommended Wattage you need depending on the size of your room. Simply measure the length and width of the room then multiply together to get the metres squared; then multiply by 25 to get the recommended Watts needed for that room size (m² x 25 =y Watts).
Don’t forget the height of the room. The age or use of a room will affect its height. In a period Georgian property – expect high ceilings. Oldy worldly cottages probably the opposite and no matter the age of the house, chances are in your hallway, you’ll need to look up! For an average room – think 2(ish)m from the floor to the bottom of any fixture.
Layers… like an onion…For any room use these 3 layers as your illumination checklist.
General light or ambient lighting – your main light is often central – but some period properties may use wall lights. As your main light it should offer enough light to see when you are in the room but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Compliment large rooms with statement chandeliers or interesting shades in variety of colours and textures.
Setting the mood – the simple addition of smaller lighting can add interest; charm and highlight focal areas. Experiment. Try wondering around the room with a lamp to find cosiest reading corner. Accentuate prints or canvases with wall or picture lighting or create a hideaway with fairy lights or candles (just go careful where you put the candles!). Dimmer switches are also an economical and versatile way of using lighting to set the mood.
Spot lighting – this is a brighter light, focused on a specific area when and where you need it. This could include a bedside lamp or a desk light. For any area where a lot of activity takes place for example a hobby room or kitchen, spot lighting is essential. Maybe add under cupboard lighting to fully illuminate worktops or add a strong light above the sink or hob.
Don’t forget natural light – though it may not seem like we get a lot of it, the sun is a fantastic asset that we should utilise at every opportunity! Not only do countless studies show the positive effects natural light has on us psychologically but also… sunlight is free!! So, open your blinds. Remove heavy drapes and (optimistically) let the sunlight stream in!
Lighting your home does not need to be scary or complicated, it just requires a little thought. For all your modern day home interiors, contact Apollo, we would love to help you get the most out of your home.
