Lighting is one of the most vital and often overlooked aspects of creating an enjoyable space. How often have you walked into a friend's home for a dinner party expecting soft flickering light only to find the chandelier blazing as if they were searching for a lost contact lens? Come on, Marge, what about the mood?
Mood and function should be the key things you keep in mind as you begin to light a room. In developing a plan, ask yourself and your family the 5 W's, knowing there may be more than one correct answer to each one.
Who will be using the room?
What mood do you want to set?
When will the room be used?
Where is light needed in the room?
Why is the room being used?
With answers to their questions, you can conceive a plan that will meet the prescribed needs. Regardless of those requirements, I have some general rules that I always follow when lighting a room. Use these and you'll be on your way!
1. I can do anything you can do, BETTER. By this I mean buy lamps that can work harder. Three way switches on lamps and dimmers on ceiling fixtures allow you to produce soft or bright light from one fixture.
2. Corner the universe. Light belongs everywhere, whether you need it or not. I mean, imagine only wearing makeup on the left side of your face. By ensuring every corner of your room has some form of lighting in it, you will create a dispersed and even illumination of your room.
3. Have you met my sister? Some out there have an identical twin. And some choose to dress exactly like them. Fine, matching pairs are great, but don't forget the baby and the middle child too. Choosing lamps that relate to each other, but aren't exact, is the best way to give your room a layered look. And just as we all don't have the same hair color...the shades don't need to be the same either.
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