Basic Principles of Lighting Design
Nothing exists without light. We become aware of colors, textures and geometry when light meets matter. Lighting is everything when it comes to interior design. It plays a big role in how you perceive and experience a space, and it affects your mood and emotions as well. A good lighting plan depends on the characteristics of the light sources and how they are distributed in the space. Learn about the basic principles of lighting design, along with tips, ideas and concepts on how to light up any space like a pro, in this D.Signers video:
The basic principles of lighting design begin with understanding the characteristics of light sources. Any given type of bulb may or may not be good for your space.
- Color temperature describes the warmth or coolness of a light source. The spectrum of color temperature is measured in Kelvin degrees (K). These values are used to describe the color emitted from light sources. Warm white (3000 K) is cozy, calm, inviting and intimate, ideal for any space that requires an intimate and personal mood. Natural white (4000 K) is friendly, bright and vibrant and is best for kitchens, bathrooms and any kind of workspace. Cool white (6000 K) is clean, alert and invigorating and is adequate for offices, hospitals or other commercial spaces.
- Beam angle is the angle at which the light is distributed or emitted. If you want to highlight a particular object, a spot angle could be the right choice. In contrast, a wide angle gives a more general and softer light, perfect for lighting up a wider area.
- Lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light directed to the human eye from a lamp or light source. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the lamp will appear. When selecting bulbs, take into account the dimensions of the room and the activities that will take place in the space.
A good lighting design is all about layers. You need to blend different lighting sources in a space to create contrast, accentuate elements, and add color and texture.
- Ambient lighting is the base layer of light in any room. Its main purpose is overall illumination of a room that lets you see and move clearly throughout the entire room. Ambient lighting is meant to create a general and uniform lighting level and is the first layer of lighting and sets the tone of a space. It is typically soft and diffused. You can incorporate ambient lighting into your space through ceiling-mounted or recessed light fixtures with the light directed downwards, LED strips, wall and floor lamps that wash the walls and ceilings with light, or pendants that bounce light off ceilings and walls.
- Accent lighting highlights a specific object or area to draw attention to artwork, furnishings or architectural details, converting them into focal points. Accent lights add style, contrast and drama to a space, so if you feel your room is missing something, it may be accent lighting. This lighting layer is used to highlight design elements of your space in order to create more defined shadows that add depth to each object and to the overall appearance of the space. In technical terms, accent lights are typically three times as bright as ambient lights. Recessed spot ceiling lights, track lights or wall-mounted lights are very effective in living or common areas since they can be angled and directed to create a highlight.
- Task lighting, as its name suggests), is light for a particular task and for activities such as reading, writing, eating or preparing food. It focuses on the particular area where the task is performed, and it’s brighter than ambient lighting. Task lighting is the most functional layer of your lighting plan. Examples include recessed and track lighting, pendants, under-cabinet lighting, floor, desk and table lamps, and bathroom vanity lights.
A good lighting plan provides functional lighting, but it’s also an excellent element for reinforcing the room’s desired design style. At the time of selecting your lighting fixtures, don’t forget to select one that complements the interior design style you are looking for. Remember that a good interior design blends function and aesthetics.
