Why Is Lighting So Important In Interior Design?

Lighting is a vital aspect of the ambiance and overall mood of a room. The right lighting setup can actually make a room feel larger. Combining incoming natural and artificial lighting sources is vital to making an old, tired room feel brand new, or taking a new room design to the next level. These two light sources are the foundation upon which your entire home interior decor will be built on.

Modern designers have utilized these two sources quite well, with respect to traditional and contemporary design elements. Lighting is a game-changer in home decor and should be thought out and carefully considered. Homes, apartments, flats, office spaces, or any kind of residence; giving your lighting attention is far more important than you think.

The Importance Of Lighting In Interior Design

Lighting can make or break the architectural and stylistic features of any space. Well-lit rooms assure a warm, inviting, and functional atmosphere in your home. Hence, the use of proper lighting is the main aspect of interior design. It can boost and lift every single corner of a room, from the furniture, flooring, fittings to the finishes and textures.

Creative use of lighting can (and should) complement your decor. Lamps, pendants, fans, and other lighting elements should complement the style and décor of the space. Selecting the right light can help you achieve the perfect balance between style, comfort, and practicality.

The key to creating an appealing aesthetic and functional interior is understanding the trick to good lighting management. Creating your own individual and unique design palettes is key to making any space your own and letting your creative side flourish. Read more about making your own design palettes here.

Understanding Types of Lighting in Interior Designing

There are many different ways to implement lighting. We will cover the basics here, but for a more in-depth look into lighting types (this is for a garden setting) check out our blog on the subject.

Overall lighting is typically the most important for utility and the more obvious type of lighting used in modern interior design. It refers to any main light source used for the overall illumination and brightening of the rooms. These types fulfill the basic lighting requirements, making walls and surfaces look brighter, and breathing life into any space. Recessed ceiling lights or feature pendants can fit this purpose with ease. This type of lighting can be (and usually is) fulfilled by existing fittings, or created from scratch. This type is usually pretty reliant on the other two to give it a bit of life but can hold its own if need be.

Accent lighting is used to highlight the architecture, design, or decor features of a home. A well placed pendant over a dining room table, a spotlight on a tasteful piece of art, or a floor lamp that brings attention to a piece of furniture are all examples of accent lighting. When utilized properly, accent lighting can absolutely revolutionize your interior.

Task lighting, on the other hand, is used to fulfill a purpose within your space. This could be to provide some light for your kitchen prep area, illuminate your cabinets/cupboards for easy access, or make important aspects of your house more obvious for a guest (lighting pathways, stairs). While far more practical than accent lighting, there are still ways to make your task lighting less task-y and more w-o-w. If it’s not painfully obvious these lights are serving a direct purpose, it will make a world of difference in blending these types seamlessly.

Color Management in Home Decor

Color is also an important consideration when it comes to lighting your rooms. Darker colors can sometimes make a room feel smaller and claustrophobic. Lighter-colored walls can make spaces feel more open and welcoming.

Light bouncing off walls can create the illusion of space. This is very noticeable with something like a mirror, as it reflects the most possible light. Accent lighting can work well in this area by illuminating the walls and creating a more dynamic space. Directional lighting, such as a track light, can be effective at softening wall colors and creating “motion”.

Lighting is one of the – if not the most – important components in interior design and should always be carefully considered. The perfect design is all in the planning, knowing what you want your space to look like, and how you want your lights to influence the room and those within it. Correctly lighting up your interiors helps add a touch of elegance, sophistication, and style to your home.

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