Modern design and advanced technical solutions give us more and more opportunities in the design of interior lighting. This is an issue as important as the selection of appropriate finishing materials, wall colors or decisions on the style and layout of furniture. This is because it has a significant impact on the aesthetics of rooms, bringing out even more space, making it more plastic, giving some places lightness and others character. Consequently, it has a huge impact on our well-being and even on our lifestyle or work results.
Lighting in a modern form
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Technical issues
On average, modern man spends 90% of his time indoors, lit by artificial light. The solutions used should therefore be carefully considered to avoid both the effect of a gloomy, underexposed interior and overexposure if we install too many light bulbs.
With the help of lamps, we are able to seemingly correct imperfections in the space and give atmosphere to places without character. Light directed upwards optically raises the room, directed downwards lowers it, while points that focus light on the walls affect the perception of the width of the interior. Wall colors also affect the intensity of light. Dark and matte structures absorb light. Light colors, glossy surfaces or, finally, mirrors reflect and multiply the light effect. It turns out that white is able to reflect as much as 80% of the light, while graphite gray only 12%.
Depending on the purpose of the interior, or the element to be illuminated, we can use three types of lighting. The main light, or ceiling lamps of various types, are a staple in any room, but its traditional central position, illuminating the entire space symmetrically, is an increasingly rare solution. Work light is the lighting that will serve us to work, so it will be placed over the desk, countertop in the kitchen or by the mirror in the bathroom. Decorative lighting, on the other hand, will emphasize the style of the interior, the atmosphere, or serve as a practical solution by illuminating, for example, the steps of a staircase.
We can choose from spot or diffused lamps. Our choice will depend on the style and function of the room in question. One will require soft, subtle light, while others will require expressive highlighting.
We can also distinguish between light colors, measured in Kelvin:
- warm (1000-3000K)
- natural (3000-5000K)
- cold/daily (5000-7000K).
Lamps must be spaced at the right distances, so already at the stage of construction or renovation we should analyze the positioning of furniture and arrange the light points and distribute as many contacts as possible.
Effective work
The most suitable type of lighting when working is natural daylight. However, when it cannot remain the only source, artificial lighting should be designed, taking into account several important issues, such as the size of the room, the nature of the workstations (that is, the lighting needs of employees) and determining the mode of work (night or day). There will be different requirements for the lighting of a multi-station hall, and others for a small office in a townhouse.
Good lighting skillfully combines a natural light source with an artificial one. This is important especially in autumn and winter, when artificial light becomes the base light. Most often cool-colored light is used in offices. Scientific research confirms that most information reaches us through sight, and the right intensity and color of light have a positive effect on mood, motivation, stimulating the body to work and increasing its efficiency by up to 20%. On the other hand, inadequate lighting or the use of warm-colored light translates into a worse mood, drowsiness and leads to excessive relaxation.
Countertop lighting in a modern kitchen
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Practical and elegant kitchen
The primary source of light in the kitchen is central lighting. It shouldn't be the only one, but it's good when it's strong enough to reach the entire room, so that there's no discomfort caused by a lack of light anywhere. Depending on the style that dominates our kitchen, we can choose a suitable cover, or bet on unframed bulbs. In a Provencal, classical or glamour style interior, decorative chandeliers will work well. When installing them, it is worth paying attention that they do not interfere with the doors of the upper cabinets. On the other hand, more modern, industrial kitchens should be illuminated with halogens, mounted on discreet plafonds or busbars. The light emitted by them can be controlled, directing it to any area.
If the kitchen has a dining area, it will be important to use a separate hanging lamp above the table. The suggested height for its placement is a point a few centimeters below the eyes of the person standing. The setting of such a lamp depends solely on our imagination. This is an element with which we can significantly emphasize the style of the apartment.
Illumination under the upper cabinets will very nicely illuminate our work surface. This is important, because when we use it, using overhead lighting, we will probably at the same time with our own figure shade our work area. Most often halogens are used here, because their light does not change the colors of objects and is close to daylight, and also in connection with the possibility of power supply with significantly reduced voltage, which is a safe solution. Due to the short duration, classic incandescent bulbs lose here.
The basis, therefore, will also be to illuminate the cooking area. We will solve this with halogens, classic incandescent lamps or LEDs installed in kitchen hoods. So when buying a hood, it is worth analyzing the power of the bulbs used.
In the kitchen, it is also good to think about using decorative light, for example, under the island or in furniture with glass. On the other hand, the currently fashionable installation of led strip in the lower plinth is not the best idea, because it highlights the dust accumulating on the floor.
Living room lighting
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Atmospheric living room
By carefully arranging the lighting, we can achieve a unique character for our living room, depending on our needs, and thus provide the right mental comfort, soothing or stimulating the senses. Light here plays a mainly decorative, aesthetic role, creating mood and atmosphere.
Lighting is important here mainly above the coffee table and/or dining table. It should organize the layout, and the style of the installed lamp has a chance to be an interesting dominant of the whole interior. We will relax adequately for sure can dim the light, for example, with Ledare bulbs from Ikea's offer.
Side lighting in the bedroom
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Soothing bedroom
This is definitely a place where it should be moody and cozy. It's worth emphasizing this with lighting - subdued main light and bedside lamps, designed not to shine into our eyes and not to illuminate the other sleeping person while we are still reading a book. A lampshade built in from below that shines to the sides or upwards will work well here. Some lamps will also help to calm down before bedtime or assist in getting up at night for the baby.
It's also good to remember to arrange the switches in such a way that you don't have to get out of bed wanting to turn off the light. Remote-controlled light bulbs are available from Ikea. They can be turned on or off and dimmed using a remote control or an app on your phone.
If the household members have different time modes, it is worth thinking about function lighting, so that you can, for example, search for clothes without waking others.
In the bedroom, we also can not forget about the most important source of light, that is, the sun, because it is what will wake us up in the morning, but it can also effectively hinder us from sleeping during the day. Therefore, in this interior, also think about blinds or curtains that will help regulate the lighting. Complete darkness not only makes it easier to fall asleep, but also stimulates the senses.
Bathroom with a striking chandelier
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Bathroom with atmosphere
It is still often a small dark room, without windows. The most important thing here is the working light near the mirror. It is best when it illuminates from the left and right sides at face height. One longer lighting element above the mirror is also used.
The main light depends on the size of the room. If our bathroom is spacious we can even afford a decorative, large lampshade, in keeping with the character of the place.
With a view to creating a favorable climate, let your imagination run wild with relaxing lighting garlands.
Stylized lamps
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Reader's corner
It is appropriate to plan a reading corner near the window and use a suitable lamp. It can be a wall lamp near the chair, or a standing lamp with a movable arm. To avoid eye problems, the light color should be as natural as possible.
Cabinets and accessories
It is also very practical to install small light sources with a switch-on sensor. This will work well in closets, cabinets, or as backlighting for stair treads. With modern RGB LED strips, we can set a specific color of lighting. LED strips are also an excellent background counterpart when our eyes get tired because of the only source of light above us. Backlights can also highlight the aesthetic qualities of decorative objects, such as ceramics, paintings or plants.
As part of decoration, we can also use garlands and light strings, and decorate our spaces with them throughout the year.
Playing with light, in conclusion
In the design of interior lighting, we are limited only by our imagination and feeling. Today we have a huge selection of lamps that are sophisticated, designer and meet the highest aesthetic requirements. Some of them, properly exposed, can be a work of art in themselves. Keeping in mind the basics, it is worth giving in to your imagination and creating the most favorable climate for a given place.
