Lighting ~ Don’t get Caught in the Dark

Lighting can often be overlooked, but if you don’t think about the overall affect it can have in your room, then you could be left in the dark.

Your first decision in regards to lighting is from the time you are making your paint colour selections for your room. You should make your paint choices when the natural light is most optimal. My rule of thumb on this is that between the hours of 11a.m-3p.m. the light is at its best. Too early in the day the illumination of your room won’t be at its maximum, then too late in the day is exactly the opposite the maximum light is reducing towards dusk. I don’t necessarily worry if the day is overcast or not because if you get as close to the natural light in your room to make the right colour selection, then gloomy days or not the colour will still look correct. It only stands to reason that your room colour will look darker or shadowy on those overcast days and lighter and brighter when the sun is shining.

The other area of lighting is in regards to the electrical lighting that you are going to select for your room. First and foremost consider the use and function of your space in making lighting decisions. If the room is a working space such as a kitchen then that will require “task lighting,” as opposed to a master bedroom that would be a softer reduced lighting requirement. Its always best to discuss how you will utilize this space, and would you require the assistance of an electrician, or wish to have decorative lighting as an accessory.

Lighting can be for task work, reading, mood and ambiance. With today’s choices in the lighting department you can have great fixtures that have the best of technology, as well as the best in creative designs.

Written by Sharon @ IDQ