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Lighting techniques for creating an atmospheric space

22 July 2024
Interior design
Inspiration
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
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Daria
Daria
Author
Lighting is a crucial element in shaping a space's atmosphere. Properly selected and positioned light sources can drastically change a room's perception, adding mystery, coziness, or even drama. In this article, we will explore the main types and techniques of lighting that can help create the right mood.

Types of lighting

General lighting. Provided by installing ceiling fixtures or built-in lighting devices that evenly illuminate the entire room. It should not be too bright to avoid harsh shadows and discomfort.

Task lighting. Intended for performing specific tasks, such as reading, working, or cooking. It is usually brighter than general lighting and concentrated in particular areas of the room. Pendant lights positioned over work areas and desk lamps are excellent examples of task lighting.

Accent lighting. Used to decorate the interior and highlight specific objects, such as artworks or decorative elements. Directional lights, spotlights, or LED strips help create focal points and add extra depth and dimension to the space.

A detailed review of popular designer lighting fixtures can be found in this video:

yotube video cover

Techniques for creating atmospheric lighting

Using dimmers

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Adjustable lights with dimmers can change the brightness of the lighting depending on the time of day and the desired atmosphere. With such lights, you can create soft and cozy lighting for evening relaxation or bright and energetic lighting for morning wake-up.

Layered lighting

Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

Combining different lighting levels helps visually enlarge and zone the space. The primary light source can be a ceiling chandelier, while smaller lights illuminate individual areas of the room.

Wall lamp VENICEM Kitami
Wall lamp VENICEM Kitami
$130
Ceiling lamp Wigton
Ceiling lamp Wigton
$80
$72
Desk lamp HEATHFIELD&CO Amelia Midnight Large
Desk lamp HEATHFIELD&CO Amelia Midnight Large
$101

Use of color

Colored lights and lamps can dramatically change a room's atmosphere. Warm shades, such as yellow and orange, create a cozy and calming ambiance, while cool colors, like blue and light blue, add a sense of freshness and lightness to the space.

Playing with shadows and light

Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

Using directional light and shadows can create a dramatic effect. Spotlights or adjustable lights illuminate only specific areas, creating a contrast between lit and shadowed sections.

Spot lighting Xonara
Spot lighting Xonara
$18
Spot lighting Orrin
Spot lighting Orrin
from $33

LED strips

Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

LED strips can be placed under furniture, along walls, or on the ceiling to add style and sophistication to your interior. They can be single-colored or multicolored and controlled via an app or a remote.

Reflected light

Reflected light is directed onto a specific surface (such as a wall or ceiling) and then evenly diffused throughout the room. This method also creates soft, pleasant lighting and helps avoid harsh shadows. To achieve this, you can use wall-mounted lights directed upwards towards the ceiling or lights with reflectors.

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