When we talk about interior design, we think of spaces that look mesmerizing, makes you feel royal and the temptation never ends. You want to explore more. But is it the decor that makes you go WOW? No, it is the effect of lighting. The role of lighting in interior design is an art form. Lighting has the power to redefine spaces, create an atmosphere and evoke emotions. Be it the use of warm tones, bright tones or natural light, the impact of lighting is profound.
In this blog, we are going to highlight the significance and impact of lighting on interior design. We will also explore how lighting can elevate your living or working spaces. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
How significant is lighting in interior design?
Lighting is as important as every other design element. Good lighting acts as a backbone and gives a design a more dramatic and atmospheric effect. For instance, if you want to highlight the artwork on the wall, you will be needing a downlight to hit the artwork. It draws your eyes to the painting.
Lighting gives a room its space. It focuses on the highlights which impacts the overall feel of the room. A well-lit room can enlarge the space and make it look inviting, while a poorly lit room can do the opposite. Therefore, it is important to understand that lighting does play an important role in interior design.
What’s the science behind it?
Lighting has a direct relationship with our moods. Bright, cool-toned lighting can increase focus and concentration, while dim lights induce a sense of calmness and relaxation. That is why you will see a spa with very dim lights and office spaces with bright lights.
Exploring the types of lighting
The right lighting illuminates the interior design and highlights your home’s best features. There are 4 major types of lighting – ambient, accent, task and decorative.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Lighting is the foundation for any interior design, giving the space overall illumination, allowing you to move around safely. It could be natural light from windows or chandeliers.
The best place to use ambient lighting is the rooms in your house, towards the center of the room, closer to the ceiling
Accent Lighting
Accent Lighting can be best used to highlight the features of your room. Entrances, plants, artworks, fireplaces are the best possible options to use accent lighting. Accent lighting adds a character to your room and makes it look a little bit dramatic.
Task Lighting
Task Lighting highlights specific activities like reading, cooking or studying. It is brighter than ambient lighting and draws your attention where it is needed the most. It can be on a study desk, modular kitchens and bathrooms.
Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting is aesthetically pleasing and adds a charisma to a room. It adds an extra touch of style. Chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces are the best examples of decorative lighting.
Lighting sets the mood
Like I said in the beginning, lighting evokes emotions. Warm tones of light enhance intimacy and relaxation, making it perfect for bedrooms and dining rooms. On the other hand, a bright lighting room encourages productivity and improves concentration, making it perfect for kitchen, home and corporate space.
A study conducted by International Journal of Architectural Research states that 68% of people believe that proper lighting improves emotional well-being.
Aesthetics looks on point
Lighting is a crucial element to make your room look aesthetically pleasing. Accent lights can be used to feature artworks or create a unique shadow or pattern in a fabric or rug. Similarly, pendant lights can be used to create a striking centerpiece on a dinner table while recessed lights can make a room look more spacious.
Don’t forget about the natural light
Natural light is an invaluable asset in interior design. Not only ecologically efficient but natural light enhances the overall appearance of a space. Large windows, good ventilation and mirrors can maximise natural light. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy states that using natural light can reduce the overall energy consumption by 40% – 80% in a building.
Conclusion
Now that you know the importance of lighting in interior design, start assessing your space and experiment with different lighting and discover what’s best for you. If you are planning a career in interior design, AAFT offers various degree, diploma and certificate programs that will help you master the art of lighting in interior design.
Check out our website AAFT Noida and get ready to revolutionize your interior design with lighting.
