When it comes to interior design, lighting plays a pivotal role in how a space looks and feels. By experimenting with different light sources, it’s possible to completely change the atmosphere of any room.
Here, you’ll discover why lighting is so important in living rooms and how to use it to your advantage.
Why is lighting so important?
The lighting in the home isn’t just functional – it can also really alter the way the room looks and feels. It can also have a surprising effect on your health. Did you know for example, that fluorescent lighting can lead to headaches and increased stress? Natural lighting on the other hand can enhance our mental health.
So, in terms of how we feel in the space, lighting does play a key role. It can instantly transform a room so finding the best lighting to fit your interior is crucial.
Using multiple light sources
Most interior designers recommend using multiple light sources in each room. That way, the lighting can be adjusted to suit your particular mood, as well as to fit whatever task you’re carrying out.
A table lamp or wall sconces for example, can provide soft lighting that’s perfect for reading. The main light can be used when you need maximum light, while dimmable lighting can help to set a more intimate, cosy feel to the room. Mixing it up and combining different light sources is therefore highly recommended. You can find a range of stylish, high-quality light sources from companies such as Cox & Cox.
Maximising natural lighting
Of course, you’ll also want to focus on natural lighting. As mentioned earlier, natural light is important for our health and wellbeing. So, if you tend to spend a lot of time in the room you’re transforming, it’s worth trying to get as much natural light into the room as possible.
Placing mirrors facing diagonally towards a window for example, will help to reflect the natural light back into the home. You could also invest in daylight mimicking or LED bulbs, rather than using fluorescent lighting. If the room doesn’t have much natural light coming into it, you could also consider adding a skylight or additional windows. You’ll just need to check that you don’t need planning permission before doing so.
These are just some of the ways you can use lighting to enhance the home. Remember, it’s better to focus on multiple light sources. Before choosing the lighting for each room, make sure you consider what the room is used for and the tasks you’ll largely be carrying out there. This will help you to choose the best type of lighting to match.
