The Basic Stages of Lighting
Lighting can add dimension, character and ambiance to your home. It can give a boost to colors, add drama to art and set the mood for the entire decor. When choosing lighting fixtures think of them as functional accessories and use them to enhance and accent your decorating scheme. There are many types of light fixtures available, making it easy to choose just the right one for your lighting requirements and your taste. So, incorporate lighting into your decor and illuminate your style.
The First Stage
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When considering lighting for any room of the home, think of it as a 3-stage process. The first stage is ambient lighting. This refers to the light that simply illuminates the room, such as that from a chandelier or recessed lights. Ambient light also includes natural daylight from windows. Don’t discount light from windows, as it can play a major role in your decorating scheme.
The Second Stage
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The second stage of lighting is task lighting. When you want to read or work on your computer, the proper lighting makes that task easier on your eyes. In the kitchen task lighting is important to the cook, especially in prep areas. Task lighting includes table lamps, floor lamps, or a desk lamp. For the kitchen, this can be directional ceiling spot lights or attractive kitchen island lighting.
The Third Stage
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The third and most fun, versatile stage of lighting is accent. This is where your imagination can run wild, creating dramatic coves and showcasing beautiful artwork or special collections. Accent lighting adds visual interest and brings character to your rooms. It is picture lights that mount over or under your treasured artwork, illuminating your walls with warmth, character and depth. Install decorative wall sconces on each side of a mirror to magnify radiance in a room.
When you begin with a lighting plan set in these three stages, the result is layers of light that not only serves as basic illumination but goes beyond to offer a beautiful accent to your rooms. There are many options available for achieving your lighting needs and wants. If your room lacks character or warmth, adding light can bring out the natural beauty of woodwork, the different textures of a wall hanging or enhance the color of the room.
See all of your lighting fixture options on ArcadianLighting.com
Tags: accent lighting, ambient lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, task lighting
