Lighting is arguably the most important element of interior design as it does not only determine the ideal illumination for your space but also has the potential to elevate its beauty. A lot of people are actively choosing to brighten up their space while also expressing their style. Decorative lighting lets you do it in the best way possible. Yes, we are taking the discussion from functional lighting to styling your light design because with appropriate decorative lighting, it is worth it. The question still remains, what is decorative lighting? Well, as the name suggests, it is lighting that is meant to draw attention and beauty or distinction to a room. These lights are used to set the mood regardless of where you install them.
Decorative fixtures can be used both indoors and outdoors as well. However, there are a lot of factors that one needs to take into consideration before choosing the ideal decorative lighting for a space. For example, colour of the room, placement of the furniture, purpose of the specific fixture. On the basis of these factors, every room requires a different style of decorative lighting than the other. Your bedroom would require certain fixtures to elevate its beauty but in the kitchen, you might also need the fixture to serve multiple purposes. Outdoors requires a different set of lamps altogether as garden lighting or pathway lighting.
How Should Decorative Lighting Be at Homes?
Decorative lighting, as the name suggests, is the decoration for your home which helps it shine and gives it a unique design. Also described as jewellery to your home, these lights work together with your functional lights to improve the illumination while also enhancing your décor and adding personality to your home. From a timeless chandelier to the modern styles of festoon lights, you can really unleash your imagination and creativity with this form of lighting. When it comes to choosing the ideal decorative lighting for your home, you should ensure that the visual effect of it should reflect your personality in just one glance. Your guests should get a good understanding of your style and taste from the kind of fixtures that you match with your overall décor. Other practical factors that need to be considered for decorative lighting are cost saving, energy-efficiency, affordability, the available space etc.
While earlier, one central pendant in a room was considered enough to light it up, the need for layered lighting is gaining more importance with people becoming savvier about lighting designs. You can not choose the ideal lighting for your room without considering the space, its architecture and the areas that would benefit from the lighting. Before you install your fixture, it is important to decide its placement and how you wish to light it. For example, you can choose to install your pendant light to your bedside or near spaces which are the focal point of the room. Further, considering the style of the room helps to choose the right light to compliment the natural scheme of that room. Similarly, do not forget to make a good assumption about the space or area where you will be using the lighting. For example, if you have picked a smaller pendant light for your hall, you can group a few of that pendant together to make it more impactful and ensure that they are not lost among other decorations of the room.
How Should Decorative Lighting Be in Cafes and Restaurants?
A restaurant's interior must be filled with shadows and shades to create a welcoming atmosphere that gives customers a visual as well as sensual and pleasant experience. Decorative lighting is an essential part of this design. In addition to design, utility and the proper use of the systems must be taken into account when selecting the appropriate decorative lighting for a restaurant. Every part of a restaurant, as well as the entire establishment, need a specific kind of decorative lighting. A restaurant's major rooms have a variety of lighting options, all of which must be practical and convey the overall feel of the establishment.
How Should Decorative Lighting Be in Offices and Workplaces?
Office is a place where you require a lot of attention and focus to be productive. This is why it is very important to be careful about the lighting design in a workplace as it has a direct effect on the mood, energy level and productivity of all employees. Lighting that is too bright can be hard on the eyes, disrupting one’s body’s natural circadian rhythm or even triggering minor headaches. At the same time, too dim light will make your employees feel exhausted and cranky. The right balance of light, its colour, its brightness and its availability has the potential to help your staff stay alert, creative and energised. For designing the decorative lighting in your offices as well, these factors become crucial. While everyone loves to see their office look gorgeous and well maintained, you can not have fixtures that disrupt the focus of anyone working there. Therefore, it is advised to go for subtle designs when it comes to decorating your office workplace.
For your cabin, use minimalist lighting such as a small pendant light grouped in three or recessed lighting for a refined brightness. For large rooms like the conference room, integrated ceiling lights with LED panels can do wonders and transform a dull conference room into a bright one. You can also use recessed lighting for a subtle design. If you love a bit of drama and class and wish to have a few statement lights, your office hall could be the perfect place for it. You can hang a gorgeous crystal chandelier along with installing cove and recessed lights to give it a luxurious and stylish look. You should also keep in mind spots for holiday lighting for example during halloween or Christmas. While a formal place, offices can do great with some changes in their look from time to time. It helps the employees to adjust better to the setting and give their 100 percent when working.
What are the things to Know before choosing the ideal Decorative Lighting?
Choosing the ideal decorative lighting involves considering several key factors to ensure the lighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a space but also serves its functional needs efficiently. Here are important things to consider before making your selection:
Purpose of Lighting: Determine what the primary purpose of the lighting is. Is it to illuminate a room evenly, to highlight specific features, or to create a certain mood? Understanding the purpose will guide your choice of lighting types and placement.
Style and Theme: Consider the style and theme of the space where the lighting will be installed. The lighting fixtures should complement the overall decor, whether it's modern, traditional, industrial, or something else. The design, material, and color of the lighting fixtures can significantly affect the room's aesthetics.
Type of Lighting: Familiarize yourself with the different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting is brighter and focused on areas where specific tasks are performed, and accent lighting highlights architectural features or artwork.
Light Quality and Colour Temperature: The quality of light, including its colour temperature (measured in Kelvin), affects the atmosphere of the space. Warmer tones (lower Kelvin) create a cozy, welcoming environment, while cooler tones (higher Kelvin) are energizing and better for concentration.
Energy Efficiency and Bulb Type: Consider the energy efficiency of the lighting. LED lights are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. This can lead to savings on electricity bills and replacement costs over time.
Dimming Capabilities: Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness to suit different times of the day or to create varying ambiances. Check if the lighting fixture supports dimming and whether you need to install a compatible dimmer switch.
Installation and Maintenance: Evaluate the ease of installation and maintenance. Some lighting fixtures may require professional installation or have difficult-to-reach bulbs, which could affect long-term usability and maintenance costs.
Budget: Determine your budget beforehand, as costs can vary widely based on the type of lighting, material, design, and brand. Remember to consider not just the upfront cost but also the operational and maintenance expenses over time.
Regulations and Safety: Ensure that the lighting fixtures meet local building codes and safety standards, especially for installations in specific areas like bathrooms or outdoor spaces, where waterproof or weather-resistant features may be required.
Size and Scale: Choose lighting fixtures that are in proportion to the size of the space and the furniture within it. Oversized or undersized fixtures can disrupt the harmony of the room.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select decorative lighting that not only enhances the beauty of your space but also provides functionality, efficiency, and comfort.
