Whether you’re working with a tiny nook or a tight apartment, good lighting is key to elevating your space. Use the right fixtures to open up a room and make it feel like a dreamland escape.
Flush mount ceiling lights such as the Jodie decorative glass flush or the Ediso chrome semi flush sit close to the ceiling for a streamlined look. Try an exposed bulb style for a modern touch in powder rooms.
Natural Light
Natural light is a vital component of many architectural and interior design concepts, as it makes spaces feel brighter and more colorful. It also reduces dependence on artificial lighting, saving energy and lowering electricity bills. Additionally, it contributes to a healthier environment and promotes sustainability in buildings and homes.
The best way to maximize natural light is by using a ceiling fixture with a translucent shade or fabric that allows sunlight to shine through. In addition, installing large windows in the walls of a room or building, and painting them with lighter colors can help the space absorb more sunlight throughout the day.
If you can’t afford to install floor-to-ceiling windows, you can still boost the amount of natural light in a space by positioning furniture strategically near light sources and using mirrors that reflect light around the room. Incorporating natural lighting into a space is especially important in small apartments and rooms, where it can dramatically increase the feeling of spaciousness.
Natural lighting may seem like a minor factor to consider when renting, but it can have a significant impact on how a room feels and even your overall health. Incorporating natural light into a small apartment or room is easy and inexpensive, so it’s worth the effort!
Aside from reducing eye strain, natural lighting can also highlight textures, color, and architecture details in a space. This can make the entire living area more beautiful, as well as enlivening any artwork or books on shelves. Additionally, lighting with frosted glass, paper, or fabric shades will diffuse the light more evenly than metal shades and exposed bulbs.
Maximizing natural light in your space can also improve your mood and make you feel more energetic throughout the day. Moreover, it can enhance your sleep cycle and lead to a more restful night’s rest. In addition, it can promote better health and lower your utility bills. Lastly, it can increase home and property values, as buyers tend to favor homes with ample natural light. If you’re considering buying a new home, try to find one with tall ceilings so that you can take advantage of natural light.
Layered Lighting
Layered lighting is a design technique that brings beauty, functionality and comfort to homes. The artful blend of three lighting techniques – ambient, accent, and task lighting – transforms spaces into dynamic, well-rounded environments. Each layer serves its own distinct purpose – ambient lighting softens the space, accent lights bring out the best in individual features and functional task lighting makes everyday tasks easier. This combination of aesthetics and function positions layered lighting as a trend that’s likely to shape home designs into the future.
Ambient Lighting
Ceiling lights, like recessed and chandeliers, are often considered the “backbone” of a room’s lighting scheme. They are usually placed high in the room and provide glare-free, general illumination that’s essential for a well-lit environment. Ambient light is the base for a room’s overall lighting scheme and can be easily complemented by other types of lighting. For example, table lamps with a diffuser or a lampshade that reflects the ambient lighting’s hue and color can add depth to the space.
Ambient lighting can also highlight the best of a space’s features and create an engaging atmosphere. For instance, a wall art display can be highlighted by the ambient light from a hanging fixture, while floor and table lamps can be used as accent lighting to draw attention to a bookcase or other shelving.
Accent Lighting
Highlighting particular aspects of a room with accent lighting helps to bring out their unique qualities and make the area more exciting. This type of lighting can be a great way to transform dull, lifeless spaces into ones that are visually engaging and inviting.
For accent lighting, it’s important to choose a bulb with the right color temperature. For instance, a warm toned bulb will work better in a floor lamp than a cool-toned bulb that would produce too much blue light. The same goes for the intensity of a light bulb, as you’ll want to avoid overpowering the other layers in your room.
For a more automated approach to ambient and accent lighting, consider using smart dimmers or bulbs that let you create specific scenes that you can activate with the tap of a button or voice command. This allows you to set a mood for different occasions, making your apartment or room a welcoming place for movie nights or parties.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps are another option for illuminating a room without the limitations of overhead lighting. They offer a more controlled look while adding height to the space and can complement any style of decor. They also allow you to control the direction of light to provide a more focused reading light or to illuminate a desk area in your home office. There are many types of floor lamp to choose from ranging in height and shape, with the style of shade you choose dictating its overall appearance. Some of the most popular styles include torchiere floor lamps with upward-facing shades, arcing lamp options that suspend over a seating area or table, and traditional shaded floor lamps with fabric drums, mushrooms, globes or cones.
There are a number of other factors to consider when choosing the right type of floor lamp for your needs. First, you should determine what the purpose of your new light will be. Is it intended to be the primary source of lighting or will it serve as more accent lighting? The answer will help you determine the type of bulb and shade you need, along with the best placement location in your home.
If you’re looking for a floor lamp that offers both ambient and task lighting, check out this slender, minimalist design from Scandinavian brand Muuto. It doesn’t immediately look like a light fixture, which is ideal for smaller homes and apartments where space is limited. The matte-anodized aluminum shade emits a narrow vertical shaft of light that helps illuminate your favorite reading nook or coffee table while remaining out of the way and unobtrusive.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a floor lamp to add an eclectic element of design, try this rattan lantern-style option from Orangme. The contrasting materials and design make it the perfect choice for boho or midcentury spaces. Its dimmable functionality allows you to create a softer, more intimate atmosphere similar to candle- or early morning sunlight and is a great alternative to the harsh glare of overhead lighting.
Whether you’re seeking a minimal, modern or classic look for your home, Orangme’s collection of floor lamps has something to suit any taste and interior architecture. The variety of colors, sizes and shapes will add dimension and depth to your home while ensuring the proper illumination you need for comfort and functionality.
