Impact of Lighting in Interior Design
You may have the most immaculate interior design but it’s of no use if the lighting is not at par with the overall aesthetic. Lighting plays a significant role in setting the mood and enhancing functionality. The role of lighting is far beyond mere visibility. Choosing the right lights for different areas in your home is surely an art and it’s always best to seek help from an interior design professional, someone who has done a decoration design course. There are several interior designing colleges in Bangalore which one can pick to master the art.
Through this article, we aim at delving into the profound impact lighting can have on our psychological and physiological well-being. We will also discuss how it sets the mood.
The Power of Lighting in Interior Design
Interior design professionals often talk about mood lighting. However, what is it? As the name suggests, mood lighting creates a certain atmosphere within a room by using light, shadow and colour. To set the mood, very bright lights are not used. Instead, dim lighting which suits the aesthetic is used. The primary purpose of mood lighting is to create a warm atmosphere, accentuate certain corners and add character to a room. Lighting has a significant impact on every minute of our life. The different types of lighting include:
Task lighting
As the name implies, task lighting supports visibility for better performance. For instance, a desk lamp or lights above the sink constitute task lighting.
Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting is indeed the most important lighting in interior design. It is the general lighting in a room, and supports tasks and visibility. It is usually bright enough so that one can comfortably achieve functionality in a room. A few ambient lighting examples include chandeliers, semi-flush ceiling lights and recessed lights.
Accent lighting
If you want to draw attention to details, a feature or a certain corner, accent lighting is ideal. A few examples of accent lighting include wall-wash lighting, concentrate lighting and built-in cabinet lighting. Accent lighting is primarily used in minimal interior design spaces. It not just accentuates the entire aesthetic but makes it look pretty as well.
Natural light
The best way to save on electricity bills during the day is by allowing heaps of natural light into your home. Ensure there are several windows around. It surely is key to better health, an improved mood and brighter spaces. It can also have a positive effect on the people living. Natural light is also a key driver of our circadian rhythms – the clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. Research suggests that the amount of natural light entering a home has an important psychological impact too. Inadequate natural light can also lead to feelings of depression or sadness. The best way to maximise natural light is by placing windows strategically, installing skylit roofs, and adding glass doors. It can also make a room feel airy, spacious and more in harmony with nature.
Layered lighting
Interior designers excel in the art of layering lighting. Ambient, task and accent lighting are put together to not just offer illumination but also functionality while creating a mood. It’s the best way to emphasize architectural elements. In order to layer lighting, it’s best to seek professional advice. It might seem easy at first. However, it’s an art.
The Fundamentals of Lighting
Utility
First and foremost, lighting is utilitarian. When lighting experts add lighting in a space, it’s mainly to execute tasks and activities within a home.
Visual Appeal
Besides its practical role, lighting considerably enhances the visual charm and appeal of a space. It brings out architectural details and focal points.
Ambiance
Lastly, lighting enhances the ambiance of a space. Whether the setting is cosy, intimate or vibrant, lighting plays an important role. Harsh lighting can even negatively impact one’s mood. Thus, it’s very important for lighting to be evenly distributed.
Final Words
The impact of lighting on interior spaces cannot be overlooked. It’s not just a mere source of illumination. It influences the mood, functionality and aesthetic. A well-thought-out lighting plan is of utmost importance. The trick is to find a harmonious synergy between artificial and natural light sources. To learn more about lighting in detail, consider a BSc in Interior Design course in Bangalore. There is an entire subject dedicated to lighting and spatial planning.
