Lighting Design :

Light Designing

Lighting design plays an important role in architectural and interior design. Besides illuminating a space, lighting design also shapes the ambience, optimises functionality, and enhances the aesthetics of a room or space. From exclusive dining rooms to bustling commercial spaces, lighting design can transform any space into an oasis of tranquillity. In this guide, you will learn about lighting design, how different spaces should be lit, and why you need a professional designer.

Lighting Design Principles

Before diving into lighting design for different spaces, it's important to start with the basics. Master the principles of proper lighting design. Here are effective lighting design principles you should familiarise yourself with.

Layered Lighting

Layered lighting is all about using multiple sources of light to create more depth and dimension in a space. Ambient (also known as general) lighting, task lighting (used to illuminate spaces that require visual concentration), and accent (for decorative purposes) lighting are three main layers of lighting. The purpose of ambient lighting is to provide overall illumination. Task lighting, on the other hand, provides focused illumination for specific activities. Finally, accent lighting is used for highlighting architectural features, pieces of artwork, etc. within a space.

Colour Temperature

Used to define the hue of a lighting source for mood lighting, colour temperature can influence how people interact with a space. Measured in Kelvins (K), this lighting design principle can affect a space's mood. Warm light (which ranges from 2700K to 3000K) is ideal for creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, cool light (with a kelvin rating ranging from 3500K to 5000K) can energise a space, making it ideal for task-oriented spaces like offices, workstations, etc.

Light Intensity and Distribution

It's important to properly balance light sources to ensure even distribution and minimise glare or shadows. This enhances comfort, functionality, and usability.

Energy Efficiency & LED Lights

Finally, it's important to stick to energy-efficient lighting fixtures and solutions. These include LED bulbs, CFLs, dimmers, etc. Research shows that LEDs can save you up to 80 percent of energy, hence reducing utility bills and saving the environment.

How to Light up Different Spaces

Different spaces require different types of lighting and lighting designs. Hence, you cannot use the same lighting to light up the living room, kitchen area, and bedroom. Each space comes with its unique needs. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to light up different spaces.

Light Bulbs for Residential Spaces

Light fittings for residential spaces include living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

• Living Rooms: The living room should be inviting and comfy. Thus, consider combining ambient lighting fixtures with excellent floor or table lamps (to light up the reading area) and accent lights (for highlighting pieces of artwork and other architectural features). Use more traditional bulbs or dimmers to adjust the light according to mood. For instance, dimmers can adjust light to illuminate a space to create a soft and cosy atmosphere for relaxation.
• Kitchen: Bring bright, task lighting into the kitchen area. Install proper under-cabinet lights to illuminate your countertops, and pendant lights. Pendants can effectively illuminate kitchen islands because they provide functional and decorative lighting. Finally, install a recessed ceiling light to provide general illumination.
• Bedroom: A bedroom should be comfortable and relaxing. Warm, soft lighting can optimise the cosiness of these spaces. Bring in bedside table lamps and wall sconces featuring adjustable arms to help you read at night. Install ambient lighting fixtures like ceiling lights or floor lamps (opt for those with dimmers to help you adjust brightness in this space).
• Bathroom: To support glooming tasks, bring bright, even lighting into your bathroom. Combining overhead light fixtures with vanity lights on both sides of the mirror will minimise shadows. Install waterproof fixtures for showers.

Commercial Spaces and Ambient Lighting

Lighting plays a key role in commercial spaces. Besides offering functional illumination, lighting can also boost mood, and productivity, and minimise glare in office space. Here are a few tips and tricks for light output and lighting commercial spaces.

• Office Spaces: Eye strain can reduce productivity and impact your general well-being. That's why you need balanced lighting to minimise glare and reduce eye strain in the office space. Therefore, consider installing overhead fluorescents or LED lighting panels to offer general lighting. Also, bring in desk lamps to provide excellent focused task lighting. Make use of natural light.
• Retail Stores: Highlight your products with effective lighting. Transform your retail space into an inviting atmosphere with the right lighting. Combine ambient, accent (for displays), and task light (should be installed at checkout points).
• Restaurants: Effective lighting can set the right mood within a space. Restaurants should be inviting. Therefore, install warm ambient lighting to create a cosy atmosphere. Use accent lighting to highlight decor, pieces of art, or architectural elements in this space. Install task lighting in functional areas such as kitchens.

Why Hire a Professional Lighting Designer?

Lighting plays a key role in dictating the mood of a space. It lights up functional areas in any home, office, or commercial space. When done right, lighting can transform a space into an oasis of tranquillity. However, if you don't have the expertise, you may make mistakes. That's why you should bring in a professional lighting designer. He/she will bring expertise and creativity to your project, making sure that your lighting design plan enhances aesthetics as well as functionality. The following are the top reasons why you should hire a professional lighting designer.

Technical Expertise

A lighting designer is conversant with the science of light, such as how lighting can be manipulated to achieve a certain mood. He/she is well versed with the latest lighting technologies, such as LEDs, laser-based lighting, dimming technology, and energy efficiency.

Excellent Aesthetic Vision

A lighting designer knows the art of lighting design. He/she will ensure that your lighting complements and enhances a space's overall aesthetics. He/she has mastered the art of creating dramatic effects, highlighting important features, and setting the right mood.

Customised Solutions

Each space requires unique lighting. A lighting designer has the experience to tailor his/her approach to ensure specific needs are met. This ensures optimal light for each space.

Problem-Solving Skills

Lighting designers are trained to identify, address, as well as resolve a myriad of lighting challenges. This includes decreasing glare, removing shadows, and enhancing even lighting.

Optimise Cost Efficiency

Lighting designers know how to choose energy-efficient lighting fixtures and are considering more environmentally friendly options like LEDs over halogen bulbs. They are well versed with technologies, such as LEDs, dimmers, etc. that reduce energy wastage and save costs. They know how to optimise energy usage, which brings down energy-related costs.

Lighting design takes into consideration the art and science of lighting. From functional to residential settings, lighting enhances the functionality, comfort, as well as aesthetics of a space. A lighting designer helps achieve these outcomes because he/she has the technical and creative vision to light up spaces more effectively. Thus, when planning to illuminate a space, bring in a lighting designer. Choose an experienced lighting designer for optimal results.