Lighting Basics plus 14 Fantastic Ways to Switch Up Your Style
Some design elements take center stage, like color, pattern and texture. We notice them right away. Others, such as space, line and form, work more subtly to define a room and the objects within it.
The other design element, lighting, is quite often the unsung hero of the group. It’s one of those things that we tend not to notice unless it’s done poorly.
On the blog this month, I’m aiming to elevate lighting to its rightful place as one of the essential elements of a room.
We have three main sources of light to use: natural sunlight, candlelight, and electric fixtures. In Feng Shui, light of any kind activates the energy in a room, and it’s best to have a balance of these three sources.
Natural Sunlight
We enjoy natural light all day long and probably don’t think twice about it. Sunshine streams in through our windows, and who doesn’t love a beautifully sun-lit space? Witness the popularity of window walls and French doors. Natural light is one of the most requested features of a house.
However at dusk, what do we all do? We reach for the light switch so that we don’t have to fumble around in the dark. We may not actually need color or pattern, but we really do need lighting. Without that, it’s kind of impossible to get things done.
Candlelight
For centuries, people used candles to light the way. Now we use them as accent lighting, or in devotional practices. A collection of candles on the dining table brings a calming glow that sets the mood for a delicious meal. A fire in the fireplace draws us in to warm our bodies and mesmerize our minds. The Fire element represents passion, energy and happiness, so the flame of a simple candle can activate them when lit with intention.
Electric Light
Most of us have table lamps and at least one of those dreaded overhead fixtures. Floor lamps are another familiar choice for electric lighting. These are so common that we may not even consider anything else. But I’d like to lift up two alternatives: the wall sconce and the pendant light.
Sconces
We often see sconces outside by a front door, but they can work wonders inside as well. Mounted on either side of a bed, they’re great for nighttime reading and they give more space on the nightstand because a table lamp isn’t necessary. Since they “wash” the wall with soft ambient light, sconces also work well along a hallway, and in the bathroom, a pair of sconces flanking the mirror is the best way to light your face evenly.
Pendants
That cheap metal hanging fixture that came with your dining room? Go ahead and ditch that thing because there are so many beautiful pendant lights on the market now. And they’re not just for the dining room. Pendants can make a stylish first impression in an entrance hall, and they also work in the living room on either side of a sofa. If space is tight, they free up room on side tables too. They sparkle and shine, almost like earrings for your home.
Granted, these fixtures involve more set-up than just plonking a lamp on a table. Some styles can hang on the wall or ceiling and plug into a nearby socket, but they look best when hard-wired. Either way, they’re an easy way to make a big style statement.
Until Next Time,
Nan
P. S. If you’re in the mood to browse, I made this Sconces & Pendants collection to show you 14 new and different ideas. There are seven styles of both types, and I think they’re all fabulous options for lots of settings. No pressure to buy, just check out the collection for inspiration. If you do make a purchase, I will earn a small commission.
About Nan
I’m an interior designer who helps people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been working as a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about interior design is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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