Showroom quality: Unique lighting styles for your home

When you’re ready to update the lighting in your home, there are numerous factors to be considered. Style, price, and efficiency are at the top of the list for many. But what about quality? In this blog I’ll share how showroom quality light fixtures help your home function at its best, highlight your home décor, and how to get each type of lighting just right.

 

TYPES OF LIGHTING

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There are three basic types of lighting found in your home. These types work together to illuminate and help your home function at its finest. Let’s take a look at what these are and where each type is found in your home. Much like a wardrobe, it is the basis or foundation to build upon a great outfit.

1. Ambient lighting is also known as general lighting. It is the majority of light that is found and used to navigate through your home. Ambient lighting surrounds an object or environment. This type is the starting point that designers, contractors, and engineers use to determine the best way to light a space. You can achieve this with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lights, and lanterns on the outside of the home. In some cases, ambient lighting can also be the source of task lighting. Back to our wardrobe example, this is the white shirt and great pair of jeans we all need to get started.


2. Task lighting
provides illumination for workspaces or task areas. It allows you to give these areas attention when you want and how you want. Some examples of task lighting include desk or reading lamps, pendants, track and under-cabinet lights. Placing task lighting to the side of the task, not in front, will help reduce glare and shadows. If you are right handed, place your light to the right of your work area, and vice versa for left-handers. I recommend using task lighting with ambient and accent lighting. Think of it as the cardigan to compliment the outfit, highlighting the staple and serving a functional purpose.


3. Accent lighting
is used to highlight a focal point such as paintings, art sculptures, or architectural elements of your home. It is intended to add drama by creating layers of light to a room. Whether you prefer a predominant or soft emphasis in your space, accent lighting is the way to achieve the perfect amount of “pop”. Its common to see this type of lighting in wall-mounted picture lights, side lamps, and recessed lights. To be done properly, accent lighting deserves three to five times as much light on the focal point as the general light surrounding it. These are the accessories that bring the outfit together – the statement necklace or pair of bold shoes that seal the deal.

The Importance of technique and Placement

Lighting is an extension of your home design. Knowing the needs of each room in your home will help determine the types of light. Once you have that identified, it’s time to sit down and develop a lighting plan. Give this plan thought, attention, and emphasize the details. How many outlets are sufficient? Have you considered dimmer switches? How much spacing is appropriate? An effective lighting plan should incorporate all three types of lighting styles. Don’t worry if these questions aren’t on your radar. There’s a science and balance to it all.

Showroom quality lighting brings this all together in one place. Not only can you see the options in person, you get a feel for the light that each unique lighting style gives. It’s one of the many advantages to working with a lighting expert. It brings the outfit, aka your home, to life.

 

Lighting is technical and one of the most complex areas of design. It can be a bit overwhelming with all of the lighting styles to consider. Working with a lighting expert will help you achieve the desired results, ask the right questions, and put the right light in the right places. The Lighting Gallery is more than just a showroom full of lamps. We’re the ultimate solution for all things lighting.

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