28. julij 2009

Discover the Elements of Lighting - Learn the Decorative Fundamentals of Lighting

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Discover the Elements of Lighting
Learn the Decorative Fundamentals of
Lighting
© Kristin
Abraham
Jul 26,
2009

Examine the types of lighting and they way they can be used to create
the best looks in your home. A cleverly lit home brings more depth and
excitement to the interior de

Lighting does more than simply
provide illumination, its layered effect can dramatically change the way your
home looks and feels. There are basically four different functions of lighting;
ambient, task, focal and decorative.

Ambient Lighting

The first layer of lighting in a room is ambient. Ambient light is the
general light in a room that lets you see where things are when it’s dark. In
the day time people often open curtains and let the sun work as their ambient
lighting. At night and when the sun isn’t shining overhead lights are typically
the ambient light source. Ambient lighting is essential but not usually as
effective as you want it to be and it typically doesn’t really add any
decorative elements.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is the next layer of lighting and it’s purely functional.
You’ll notice this most in your kitchen when you have under the cupboard lights
to help you see as you work on the countertops. Task lighting is also evident
with reading lamps or desk lamps used to brighten just the space below. Task
lighting should have its own switches and used only when needed as its just
wasted energy otherwise and can disrupt the more decorative aspects of
lighting.

Focal Lighting

The next layer of lighting in your home is focal lighting. Focal
lighting is more decorative than functional and is used to highlight certain
areas or aspects. You’ve probably seen focal lighting in art galleries or
museums where a particular light is used to draw attention to a work of art.
This technique isn’t just for public buildings but can be quite effective in
your home as well.

Decorative Lighting

The final lighting layer is decorative lighting, which is purely for
aesthetic purposes and actually isn’t used in many homes. By simply adding a
layer of decorative lighting to your home you can create more visual interest
and fun. Some decorative lighting can come in the form of really unusual
lighting fixtures, lamps that make you smile because of their architectural
lines or overhead lighting that is unexpected or twinkle lights strung in an
unexpected place. Decorative lighting can also have more to do with the light
itself than with the fixture. Lights come in all different colors and you can
adjust them to create a mood. Consider backlighting a shoji screen with
different colors to create a unique mood or atmosphere in your
bedroom.

The most effective decorating schemes use all four types of lighting
together, bringing one light up when needed and letting others slide into the
background when they’re not in use. With all four lighting elements you can
create multiple effects that give your decorating scheme new life and
excitement.