Lighting
Lighting is crucial to interior design as it enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a space. It can influence an interior's mood and atmosphere, and make a room feel cozy, vibrant, or peaceful. Proper lighting can also highlight architectural features, artwork, and other design elements, while also ensuring adequate illumination for tasks and activities. Effective lighting design can also improve the perceived size and shape of a room which can create a more inviting and comfortable environment.
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Find lighting manufacturers for both residential and commercial here and look below for some lighting design considerations.
Considerations
Function
When first selecting lighting for a space, its important you know how it will be used. Depending on their function, interiors may require different lighting levels, types of lighting, or mixed lighting. In some cases, such as healthcare, fixtures may also need to include additional technology for disinfection.
Lighting Layers
One of the most basic rules of lighting is utilizing lighting layers. There are different applications when applying these principles to residential vs. commercial design. The three main layers are ambient (general lighting), task (focusing on specific activities), and accent lighting (highlighting features). When used in conjunction they can create depth and versatility.
Daylighting
In addition to ambient, task, and accent lighting, we have natural light, or, daylighting. This should be considered first in any design. Natural light can enhance moods, reduce energy costs, and create a more vibrant and dynamic environment. The WELL Building Standards have a lot to say on light and natural environments on the wellbeing of individuals in commercial spaces.
Color Temperature & Rendering
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) relates to the appearance of white light. It is typically separated into warm and cool and measured on a scale Kelvin (K). Warm light is measured from around 1000K-3000K and often has a more orange glow. Natural white light is about 3000K-5000K and appears white. When we approach 5000K and up, light becomes more blue and mimics daylight.
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures a light source's ability to accurately reproduce colors compared to natural light. In interior design, using lighting with a high CRI (typically 80 or above) ensures that colors appear more true, enhancing the overall aesthetics of a space.
Lighting Controls
Finally, consider how users of a space can control the lights within it. Do they need to dim or stay at a single level? Should the CCT be variable or at a specific temperature? Incorporating dimmers and smart lighting controls allows the adjustment of light based on different times of day and activities. This flexibility enhances comfort, saves energy, and extends the life of lighting fixtures.
Line Cards
Local Lighting Reps
Below are the line cards for two local lighting manufacturer's reps, Lightspec and Point Source Group. Each line card has a list of lighting manufacturers they carry and allows you to quickly and easily find the type and style of fixture you need.
