LIGHTING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

 There are three main types of lighting – ambient, task and accent. Ambient lighting is the light that provides the greatest distribution of light in a space. Task lighting is all about the lights you need to complete a specific task. Accent lights characterise a space and make it feel a certain way.

 Be sure to choose the right colour bulb when lighting a room. Warm white is a great option if you want to create ambient lighting that feels relaxing, while a neutral or cool white is better for areas that need to be brightly lit.

 Under-cabinet lighting is a must-have for high-traffic, busy kitchens. It’s perfect for adding that extra level of light when preparing food, but can also be used to create a cosy atmosphere if you want to turn the main lights off.

 Consider whether you want uplighting or downlighting. Downlighting tends to be the most popular and is when one central light or a group of spotlights are used to create a bright space. But this can be unflattering, so it’s a good idea to add layers of accent lighting, too.  Wall lights are definitely back on trend, especially in bathrooms. A useful tip is to install them on shorter walls to break them up and add a focal point. Remember, for bathrooms they need to have a minimum IP rating of IP45. A pair of wall lights either side of a bathroom mirror is a stylish and practical look.  With so many of us working from home, creating the right light in a home office is very important. Accent and task lighting can usually provide enough light to avoid glare on screens. A cooler-toned light is the best option for a desk space, as it provides better clarity of vision.