The importance of lighting in an interior design project
Lighting plays a major role in interior design projects. Properly planning the number and arrangement of light sources is essential to enhance the characteristics and qualities of a room. Adequate brightness makes the furniture stand out and creates a welcoming atmosphere and a pleasant ambience.
How to design functional lighting in an interior design project
The lighting of a room, whether it is a home or a work space, must be designed with great care. The success of the interior design project depends largely on how well the amount of light in the space is planned.
An ideal lighting system ensures a perfect balance of natural and artificial light to maximise comfort at all times of day. When designing lighting points you should therefore start with the amount of natural light reaching the room.
Considering the number, shape and arrangement of windows is the starting point for understanding how the space is lit during the day. Based on these considerations, an artificial lighting system can be designed that is both functional and capable of highlighting the décor of the room.
It is important to provide several light points, which can adequately illuminate even large spaces. A general light point is usually provided in the centre of the room or workplace, illuminating from top to bottom. If the room or location is irregular in size or if there are areas that are more shadowy, spotlights can be added, such as wall lamps, floor lamps or free-standing lamps. This is a general rule.
Spot lighting is a great resource for designers because it helps to highlight specific areas of the room or visually underline certain pieces of furniture. A designer lamp, for example, can be a solution to make the reading station more comfortable and refined. A wall light can be used to highlight a painting, a sculpture or a plant. Spotlights are excellent for lighting the entrance area or an island in the kitchen, while LED strips can be the solution for lighting the mirrors in the house, bathroom or walk-in wardrobe.
A good lighting design ensures a perfect balance of natural and artificial light and includes a mix of light points, integrating overhead and underhead lighting, depending on specific lighting needs.
The right amount of light to make the most of the room
In modern interior design projects, the lighting system makes it possible to adjust the amount of light according to the time of day and the intended use of the room.
A domotic system that autonomously regulates the amount of artificial light according to the amount of natural light is the most advanced solution. But even without domotics, homes and workplaces can be fitted with a modular system that allows you to increase or reduce the amount of light needed. On the one hand, this is important because it allows the intensity of the light to be adjusted and, on the other hand, because it reduces consumption and improves energy efficiency.
Light, but at what temperature?
The temperature of the light is also important. Cold light is preferable in working environments to stimulate attention and productivity. Warm light is best for rooms in the home where you need to create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere, such as in the bedroom or living room.
In this respect, it should be borne in mind that the type of bulb chosen always influences the final result. Halogen lamps tend to provide a warm, bright light, whereas the temperature of the light generated by LED lamps is variable. To assess the intensity of LED light, the Kelvin value of the bulb must be checked: values between 2,000 and 3,000 degrees Kelvin indicate a warm light. Values above 6,000 degrees Kelvin are associated with a cold light. Finally, values between 3,000 and 4,000 degrees Kelvin indicate neutral light.
In a well thought-out interior design project, lighting is instrumental in creating an ambience in which people feel comfortable and in which the furnishings are enhanced to the full. Light should be used to direct the eye to the right places and to highlight the furniture and decorations that have been chosen.
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