Lighting in Interior Design: The Secret Ingredient to a Beautiful Space
What comes to mind when you think of transforming a space such as your living room, office, commercial environment, or even a cozy reading nook?
Maybe it’s the color of the walls, the furniture layout, the artwork, or that perfect rug you saw online. But there’s one design element that often flies under the radar, even though it can make or break a room: Lighting.
It is an important part of an interior design project as it brings the project to life. If you are wondering why your current space doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe it feels too cold, dim, harsh, or lifeless. Then, this article is meant for you.
Importance of Lighting in Interiors
Lighting in interior design is the deliberate and strategic use of natural and artificial light to bring functionality, aesthetics, and atmosphere to an indoor space.
The role of lighting in design can not be overemphasized. Poor lighting can undermine the best interior design, making it look dull, sterile, or cramped.
It interacts with the color, texture, and materials of a space. When used skillfully can add a vast interest and depth to each room. Even with the right lighting, a small room feels spacious, boosts productivity, and adds warmth to cold environments.
To tell you for a fact, if you’re an aspiring interior designer reading this article. Lighting is one of the core concepts you need to master.
An image showing the interior decor lighting of a living room designed by Teal-Harmony
What Are The Four Types of Artificial Lighting in Interior Design?
Perhaps you already know about the various types of lighting. If not, well, now you do!
1. The Ambient Lighting
I refer to this as the foundation of illumination, as it sets the base level for brightness. These are the ceiling lights (chandeliers, pendants, flush mounts, and recessed lights), wall sconces, floor lamps, table lamps, and natural light from windows.
Where to use ambient lighting
- Every part of the room; living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room.
- Hallways and entryways.
A chandelier image used in a home decor by Teal-Harmony
2. Task Lighting
Referred to as precision and focus lighting. They are designed to illuminate specific areas where tasks are performed to reduce eye strain.
Examples: Desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, vanity lights in bathrooms, reading lamps, and pendant lights over a kitchen island or workspace.
Where to use task lighting
- Kitchens: Over countertops for food preparation
- Bedside for reading.
- Vanities for grooming
- Bathrooms: around mirrors for shaving
- Home offices
A bathroom vanity spot designed by Teal-Harmony
3. Accent Lighting
Referred to as the lights to add drama and depth. They are more decorative as they help to highlight architectural features of a space. It’s 3X brighter than the ambient lighting to create focal points.
Examples: Track lighting, spotlights, wall sconces to highlight artwork or fireplaces, picture lights, and uplights to accentuate walls or plants.
Where to use accent lighting
- Bedrooms: To emphasize headboards, artwork, or decorative niches.
- Any room: To showcase plants, textured walls, or collections.
- Hallways: To highlight artwork or create a sense of depth
A wall artwork design by Teal-Harmony
4. Finally, Decorative Lighting
As the name implies. Decorative lights are used purely for decorative purposes, to add an extra touch of style.
Examples: Chandeliers, decorative pendant lights, wall sconces with unique designs
Where to use decorative Lighting
- Entryways and Foyers: Chandeliers, decorative pendants to create a statement.
- Dining rooms/areas: Elegant chandeliers or pendant lights above the dining table.
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Living Rooms: Stylish floor lamps, unique table lamps, decorative wall sconces
Tip: The secret about lighting in interiors is the mixing and matching of layers. Getting one sweet spot right can make your space look pretty good.
A dining section decorative chandelier designed by Teal-Harmony
Natural Lighting in Interior Design
The most valuable source, I call it. It brings warmth, vibrancy, and balance to interior spaces. Aside from the health benefits, it serves. If well optimized can be energy efficient.
Image showing how natural lights impact the living area decor – Designed Teal Harmony
Lighting Interiors with Teal-Harmony Designs
At Teal-Harmony, we shine in the spotlight among every interior designer in Lagos, Nigeria. As an award-winning interior design company with over a decade of experience, we pride ourselves on helping individuals and businesses design their interior lighting.
Book a free consultation with us today!
Common Lighting Interior Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some lighting mistakes to avoid
- Over-lighting or under-lighting a space: Too much or too little lighting in a room can make the best interiors look wacky.
- Using the incorrect color temperature of light: This can alter the room and even the appearance of colors in a room.
- Treating all rooms the same: Each room has a different function and requires a tailored lighting approach.
- Ignoring natural light opportunities: While natural light is important, it should complement artificial lighting.
- Size mistakes: Choosing lighting that is too big or too small for a space can look awkward.
- Not using task lighting: Cooking or reading under ambient light can be straining and inefficient. Instead, use dedicated task lighting in areas where you need focused illumination.
- Not using dimmer switches: Ever want a cozy room? With dimmer switches, you can adjust the light intensity for different activities and times of the day.
ALSO READ: Top Living Room Color Trends
Tips for Choosing The Right Lighting Interiors
So I have addressed how lighting is a secret ingredient in interior design. Picking the right lighting for your home seems like a big decision, with so many options out there.
Here are expert tips to consider;
1. Consider the function of the room
What exactly do you do in this room? Is it for reading? Is it a space in the kitchen where you chop veggies? Is it a space set aside for relaxation?
For task-oriented spaces: choose brighter lights to keep you alert.
For relaxation spaces like the bedroom, home cinema: choose softer, ambient lighting.
2. Size is also a factor
Imagine yourself trying to have a conversation with someone across a huge football field – your voice, no matter how clear, would probably get lost in all that open space, right? Instead, a loudspeaker will do a great favour.
This scenario applies when you have a tiny pendant light in a large living room with high ceilings. It will get lost for sure. Inversely, a massive chandelier will overwhelm a small living room.
3. Layering is important
The beauty of successful interior lighting is mixing it up. Think of combining different types of light to create depth and interest. Combine accent, ambient, and task lighting to create a dynamic feel.
4. Energy Efficiency
Now that we are in an era of skyrocketing electricity bills. Energy-saving bulbs will save you a lot of money.
5 Last but not least, Experiment
Research, go on Pinterest, and interior design blogs to pick inspirations. If you feel a lighting fixture resonates with your style. Give it a try.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are designing or redesigning your space, never underestimate the power of lighting. Every light in a room tells a story, be it a beautiful chandelier in the living room, a task light in the kitchen countertop, or a side lamp in your bedroom.