Lighting to Emphasize Interior Decoration - By: Jeff A Hardy

Lighting is the deliberate application of light to achieve some aesthetic or practical effect. Lighting includes use of both artificial light sources such as lamps and natural illumination of interiors from daylight. Daylighting (through windows, skylights, etc.) is often used as the main source of light during daytime in buildings given its low cost. Artificial lighting represents a major component of energy consumption, accounting for a significant part of all energy consumed worldwide. Artificial lighting is most commonly provided today by electric lights, but gas lighting, candles, or oil lamps were used in the past, and still are used in certain situations. Proper lighting can enhance task performance or aesthetics, while there can be energy wastage and adverse health effects of lighting. Indoor lighting is a form of fixture or furnishing, and a key part of interior design. Lighting can also be an intrinsic component of landscaping.

Types of Lighting
Lighting is classified by intended use as general, localized, or task lighting, depending largely on the distribution of the light produced by the fixture.

Task lighting is mainly functional and is usually the most concentrated, for purposes such as reading or inspection of materials. For example, reading poor-quality reproductions may require task lighting levels up to 1500 lux (150 footcandles), and some inspection tasks or surgical procedures require even higher levels.

Accent lighting is mainly decorative, intended to highlight pictures, plants, or other elements of interior design or landscaping.

General lighting fills in between the two and is intended for general illumination of an area. Indoors, this would be a basic lamp on a table or floor, or a fixture on the ceiling. Outdoors, general lighting for a parking lot may be as low as 10-20 lux (1-2 footcandles) since pedestrians and motorists already used to the dark will need little light for crossing the area.

When designing your interiors, you have to be vigilant about balancing all the elements. Lighting is also one of the important elements for interior decoration. Any room can be given versatile effects and moods through proper lighting.

Whenever deciding on interior lighting for a room, ask yourself some questions such as what type of mood should the lighting create? What different activities will take place in the room? What decorative elements have to be highlighted?

Five to ten light sources in each room are enough to create an inviting atmosphere.

To make a room interesting, use light sources at varying heights. This will add depth by creating separate areas of light and shade.

Also allow varying intensities of light. Add dimmer switches or use three-way bulbs in lamps for flexible lighting. Alternate switching patterns among general lighting, task lights, lamps, and accent lighting can also be used. For instance, while reading, you'll need task lighting but when hosting guests, you'll want to be able to switch off the task lights and turn on the accent lights.

Too much even light gives dull effect to a room. Give contrast or shadow, or a combination of both, to avoid boring and depressed feeling in the room.

When there is heavily textured fabric, stone wall or grooved timber in a room, use texture in lighting too. Strong direct light have a flattening effect which cancels all textures, so avoid it when texture is the consideration.

Dark colors absorb light. Use more lighting in rooms having dark colors than in the rooms with light colors.

Lighting collections with similar finish and style for pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces, floor and table lamps are available to make your work simple. Using such collection in a room gives a unified look.