Designing with Lighting

 

Home lighting is the art of painting light and shadow onto a dark canvas. The best lighting designer is a problem solver, determining where light is needed and then directing it there with economy and flair. Professionals approach lighting with the following arsenal of terms and tools; you can, too. 

Lighting designers have traditionally split light­ing into three basic categories: task, accent, and ambient. But as a counterpoint to the current trend of making basic fixtures unobtrusive, a fourth type is emerging: decorative light, using fixtures that are deliberately featured. Here are definitions of all four categories.

Task lighting. This bright light illumi­nates a particular area where a visual activity takes place—reading, sewing, or preparing food, for example. Task lighting is often achieved by means of individual fixtures that direct a tight pattern of light onto the work surface. Adjustability is important for task lighting. So is shielding—hiding the bulb from direct sight. It's best to aim task lighting at an angle so it won't cause "hot spots" or throw shadows onto the work area. Where possible, two sources are better than one.

Accent lighting. Similar to task lighting in that it consists largely of directional light, accent lighting is used to focus attention on art­work, to highlight architectural features, to set a mood, or to provide a sense of drama. Beam spread, intensity, and color are often critical considerations for accent light. Low-voltage halogen bulbs produce especially clean white accent light, and they are available in a wide variety of intensities and beam patterns.

Ambient lighting. With ambient light­ing, the undefined areas of a room are filled with a soft level of general light—say, enough for someone to watch television by or to navigate safely through the room. An ambient glow not only makes a room more inviting, it helps people look their best, filling in harsh shadows created by stronger point sources. Ambient lighting usually comes from indirect fixtures that provide diffuse illumination. Direc­tional fixtures aimed at a wall can also produce a wash of soft light. Or consider built-in lighting coves, cornices, valances, and soffits. These simple architectural devices ensure that light sources are shielded from view, allowing light to spill out around the shields.  

Decorative lighting. These fixtures draw attention to themselves as objects. The classic chandelier is an example; newer options include zoomy low-voltage pendant fixtures, neon, and fiber optics. Decorative strip lights can add sparkle and warmth to a room while highlighting architectural lines. And don't forget candles, either the traditional kind or electric ones.