Tripping the light fantastic
Colin and Justin break down the basic categories of home illumination
Fact: lighting will make or break your decorative scheme. And it’s not, as some commentators suggest, a difficult science. Under our watch, it falls into five distinct — and rather simple — categories: ambient, task, mood, accent and decorative.
AMBIENT
Significantly background, this lighting variant replaces (or bolsters) natural sunlight and, in doing so, allows you to see clearly from room to room. Your best friend? A $20 dimmer to vary illumination as required. Ambient lighting is typically achieved with ceiling-mounted shades, wall-mounted fixtures or chandeliers. It’s a scene setter, and the mainstay of most rooms.
TASK
This category aids any task that requires extra light and is typically associated with side lamps (to help when crafting, reading or sewing) or in the kitchen (under cabinets) to shed extra light on food prep, thus avoiding finger detachment as you dice carrots and slice meat.
MOOD
Always-good mood, of course, never bad. Right? Think shadow throwing lamps, positioned behind houseplants to cast frondy light/dark patterns on the wall. Generally speaking, we opt for fuzzy low-wattage lighting to warm dimly lit environments. Mood lighting is all about creating atmosphere; the final vibe set being more important than the fitting itself.
ACCENT
This illuminates aspects of which we want to see more. Think directional spotlights strategically positioned to pinpoint artwork, or track lighting beaming dramatically onto a pillar to amplify its impact.
DECORATIVE
Where form and function combine. Or, in other words, where the fitting itself is as important as the light it emits. Think antique style Lalique designs that proffer an eclectic air, snaking Arco lamps that whisper Mid Mod or fibre optic lamps that scream 1970s.
OUR SPACE BY SPACE CONTEXTUAL GUIDE: LIVING ROOMS
Many folk rely on a single pendant — or a couple of lonely table lamps — to illuminate. Our best advice, however, is to list the lighting aspects required (cosy lighting for TV viewing and sofa cuddling, overhead for the kids to play, or task lamps so you can read) and plan from there. Create attractive vignettes by placing a pair of decorative lamps one either side of a credenza, or by flanking a sofa with occasional tables and lamps. Floor level spots (on flex from a nearby plug) will highlight corners and send a flourish of light ceiling bound.
DINING ROOMS
The focal point of any dining experience is the table, so concentrate your efforts there. When hanging a pendant shade, ensure it’s low enough to create an intimate pool of light, but without glaring into the eyes of each diner. Remember, too, that electric lighting isn’t the only answer – few things are more romantic than a candlelit dinner so strike a match, light those wicks and let the food times roll.
KITCHEN
Our best advice? Keep it practical with the emphasis on task (to ensure safe food prep) and ambient options.
Mood may also be a consideration if you have an open-concept kitchen and want it to look swish when not in use. Under cabinet spots are a no brainer, whilst most modern extractors now include built-in lights to brighten counters. Avoid fabric-covered fittings as these absorb grease (and smells) and keep lamps off counters to free up work zones.
Finally, make more of glassfronted cabinets by installing internal down lights to showcase beautiful china.
BEDROOM
It’s not all about sexy lighting and being flung around like a wet track suit — you’ll also need ambient lighting for dressing and making the bed, side lamps (task) for reading, and floor standing lamps next to chairs. To free up nightstands, try ceiling pendants long and low either side of the bed and, to evoke the hotel-at-home vibe, try Anglepoise lamps wired into the wall above the bed. Whichever option you choose, make sure it’s dimmable and that it can be operated from the bed and as you enter the room.