GENERAL OVERVIEW
• Lighting is the most important factor in interior design
• Expensive materials & interiors are never shown to their
fullest without a good lighting scheme behind them
• Incorporating Lighting as part of the scheme considering
how the light works with the materials and finishes and
creating different moods within the space is essential to a
successful interior
WHAT IS LIGHTING DESIGN?
Lighting Design is concerned with the
design of lighting systems, including natural
light, electric light, or both, to serve human
needs.
The objective of lighting design is the
human response, to see clearly and without
discomfort.
4 DESIGN ELEMENTS OF LIGHT
1. Intensity, or brightness of light in a space
2. Color
3. Distribution
4. Movement
THE DESIGN PROCESS TAKES ACCOUNT OF:
• The kind of human activity for which lighting is to be
provided
• The amount of light required
• The color of the light as it may affect the views of
particular objects and the environment as a whole
• The distribution of light within the space to be lighted,
whether indoor or outdoor
• The effect of the lightened system itself on the user
THREE MAIN TYPES OF LIGHTING
1. Ambient Lighting (General Lighting)
basically set the mood of the living space and
illuminate the overall space.
Common type of lighting, it adds not only
visibility but also interest and ambiance to your
environment.
Atmosphere: When used correctly, ambient light
creates a fantastic environment to relax from an
overly stressful day or to have a warm
conversation with an old friend. Ambient lighting
is often referred to as mood lighting, because this
light captures the soft curves of your face and
allows your pupils to dilate slightly (a physical sign
of affection). Some yoga studios have even begun
using the softer ambient lighting in their classes to
help draw stress from the body.
HOW TO GET AMBIANT LOOK!
•Recessed or Track Lights.
•Chandeliers and Pendants
•Wall Sconces and Wall Lights.
2. Task Lighting
Task light as the name implies, includes light
sources like table and bed lamps which have
a defined purpose, dedicated for a specific
task.
In fact, some people call it office lighting.
Atmosphere. Task lighting helps naturally
stimulate your brain. The contrasting light allows
you to be more alert and concentrated. This will
help you see more details as you work, creating
higher quality results. This is why many businesses
choose to use task lighting in their offices.
HOW TO GET TASK LIGHTING LOOK!
•Desk, Swing Arm and Floor
Lamps
•Under Cabinet and Vanity Lights
•Pendant and Track Lights.
3. Accent Lighting
This is a very concentrated light with the
intention of drawing the eye to its focal
point. Accent lighting is a way of adding
style and drama to your home.
Atmosphere. Accent lighting is one of the types
of lighting that creates a very sophisticated
atmosphere. It evokes feelings of meaning and
importance to the images it displays. This lighting
type is used a lot for museums, historical
buildings and art shows.
HOW TO GET ACCENT LIGHTING LOOK!
•Wall Lights.
•Recessed Lighting and Spot
Lighting
•Landscape Lighting
“Light is the magical ingredient
that makes or break a space; it is
one of the most important elements in
all my interiors”
Benjamin Noriega – interior designer
Hinweis der Redaktion
A recessed light or downlight (also pot light in Canadian English, sometimes can light (for canister light) in American English) is a light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. When installed it appears to have light shining from a hole in the ceiling, concentrating the light in a downward direction as a broad floodlight or narrow spotlight.
Task Light
Light is one of the most obvious elements of interior design. Either natural or man-made, without light other elements namely color, texture and pattern have no significance at all. Light sets in the mood and ambience into a living space and highlights the every other element including space, line and forms.
Lighting fixtures are often the heart of a room as they incorporate the surrounding furniture to the overall design and style objective.
Color is another important element of light. Color considerations include the warmth or coolness of the light, how well it allows us to perceive the colors of objects, and whether to use white light or colored light to achieve a project’s goals.
Distribution refers to the way that light is used to fill a space.
Movement is probably the least obvious element of light and refers to a change of any of the other three elements over time.
Common type of lighting, it adds not only visibility but also interest and ambiance to your environment
Ambient lighting blankets a space and provides the base or minimum level of illumination. Ambient light may be an important factor in establishing an impression or creating a mood.
It is a soft glow that blankets your space just enough for you to function without causing a harsh glare. In photography and cinematography, ambient light is considered the “natural light” within a room.
it is not ideal for working closely with things or to highlight things around your space.
It is because this light captures the soft curves of your face and allows your pupils to dilate slightly (a physical sign of affection). Some yoga studios have even begun using the softer ambient lighting in their classes to help draw stress from the body.
Recessed or Track Lights. Try using a series of these throughout your space. These work well with all types of ceilings, but if your ceiling is lower make sure the light isn’t too harsh for the room. Be careful not to over light the space. See the example with the track light system below. Try these in your bedroom, den, kitchen or living room.
Chandeliers and Pendants. These light fixtures work fantastic with taller ceilings. You can choose which height is best for your lighting needs. Notice how the chandeliers below are placed lower in areas people will not be walking near. They are also very classic pieces that work well in foyers, over the tub in the bathroom.
Wall Sconces and Wall Lights. These are so versatile they work almost anywhere. Use these carefully. If you use too many in one location it may cause a harsher light, but when placed sparingly these work great in hallways, patios and porches. Try to incorporate the wall sconces into your homes architecture.
Task lighting is meant to help you see when you’re doing projects in which you need a finer light, such as, reading, cooking, writing, sewing and many other things. Task lighting only works well when it is used as a contrasting light. For example, if you have a low lit room with a table lamp turned on, the light in that area will be more effective with less glare than if the entire room was lit with a brighter light.
Task lighting provides additional light in areas where the visual tasks require it. For example, the desktop of an office cubical would require a high level of illumination for task lighting, while the circulation area around the cubical would require a lower level of ambient illumination.
Desk, Swing Arm and Floor Lamps. Use lamps on your desks, bedside tables, coffee tables or anywhere you need a little extra light for working. Swing arm lamps allow you to adjust the light anyway you’d like. Since these floor lamps are lightweight and adjustable these are the ideal task lights.
Under Cabinet and Vanity Lights. These are the ultimate task lights. Under cabinet lights work great in your kitchen, like below. They add a flare to your kitchen and give the extra light you need for chopping and cleaning. Vanity lighting works well in the bathroom and on dressing mirrors. These lights also work in garages or workstations.
Pendant and Track Lights. Pendants are great because they can be placed in a lot of areas and can hang directly about work spaces. Track lights are great for the same reason, except they can typically cover a little more space. These lights are great for offices with rows of desks, above kitchen islands and in children’s play/homework areas.
Accent lights are meant for highlighting a particular piece or show item like artworks, structures, sculptures and so on
Accent light provides visual interest in a space by highlighting architecture or calling attention to important items, such as featured merchandise in a store, or decorative items, such as artwork. Accent light can also provide information or guide people through a space.
People use accenting for wall washing, artwork, bookcase displays, pieces of furniture, collections and the general architecture of their homes. Outdoor accent lighting is when you highlight parts of the architecture of your home or yard. This is very popular during the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas.
Wall Lights. Wall lights are fantastic for designing accent lighting. They come in a range of sizes that allow you the highlight big or small pieces of art. These work great on art walls and for showcasing the architecture of your space.
Recessed Lighting and Spot Lighting. These lights are often used for wall washing (when you illuminate an entire wall with light). Recessed can lights are great for accenting. Place them at the base of your wall to illuminate a beautiful brick texture, a colorful paint design or display a huge bay window.
Landscape Lighting. These lights are the best for showing off the outside of your home. Use landscape lighting to light up a pathway, prized garden or statue.