Every time we enter a room we need light to find our way around it and to see what’s in it, which is very basic, of course. Lighting is also the most basic function that every architect plans in any space, taking into account as much natural lighting as possible. In places where this is not possible, lighting fixtures come to replace the sunlight and they are supposed to do a job that has two functions: light and visibility, and it is not for nothing that they are related to each other. Lighting is very important in any interior design, and when you combine it wisely and with good taste in the design of the rooms, the result is both spectacular and useful.
The importance of lighting
The lighting we install in every space where we live and lead our lives is the one that determines not only the general appearance but also affects the way we feel. Despite this, for many years we left the choice of lighting means to the end, at best, or we simply ignored the need to consider them at worst. Fortunately, lighting has returned and taken its rightful place in recent years in any interior design.
In fact, proper planning begins with considerations of the design’s visibility, so it is impossible to even begin to plan it without taking into account the requirements and the basic conditions of each such space. This includes the degree of natural lighting and the adaptation of artificial lighting to it, and it also includes the size of the room and the needs of the occupants and users of the building.
Considerations to take into account
- The size of the space – lighting must take into account the size of the space, so its intensity will be adjusted accordingly. This is true for hallways as well as bedrooms. In addition to the intensity, the angle and the position of the lighting fixture must be adjusted, and thus we are blessed today with an abundance of options that are not just a single bulb that hangs from the ceiling, but also recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling, walls, and even the floor, to save space in a space that is too small.
- The role of the space determines the distribution of lighting – lighting fixtures must match the role of the space in which they are installed. For example, in the kitchen today we see a complete match between the division of fixtures and lamps throughout the room so that there is ideal and comfortable lighting at every point, especially above work surfaces, inside the pantry and storage cabinets, various corners designed in the kitchen. We also find the same thing in work rooms, when the lighting must be focused on the desks and in places like libraries and reading corners.
- Style and taste – this is a consideration that can affect the design of the lamps and their adaptation to the design style. Classic lamps for rooms that are elegantly designed, lamps from innovative materials and a vibrant and unusual design for young and unconventional places such as a clothing or shoe store, a hair salon or a dedicated cafe. In such a case, it is also possible to order lighting fixtures that will be specially designed according to the customers’ ideas, because they sometimes know what the image they have in mind and how to complete it with these items. Here the sky is the limit and you can design anything, with the only limitation being the budget, most likely.
- Limitations of the room structure and specifications – there are various limitations that require the installation of lamps that will utilize the full potential without compromising the quality of the lighting. Thus, we can use the walls to hang recessed lighting fixtures if there is no other choice and if it will be more convenient and efficient than fixtures hanging from the ceiling. In other places we will use standing lamps to bring lighting into corners and places that are hard to reach otherwise.
- Colors and materials – although today you can find lamps in all possible materials and styles, it is still advisable to adapt the design to the recurring motifs to complete them. Thus, it is recommended not to clash too much with the overall look because of a too prominent light fixture that does not blend in with the look. This will detract from the enjoyment of the overall designed look.
