INTERIOR LIGHT// CONCEPT OF LIGHTING DESIGN (Residential)

This topic covers the type of lighting, modes of lighting and the  lighting require in residential spaces.

Types of Lighting

There are three type of lightning__

General or ambient lighting

Task lighting

Accent lighting

General Lightning:

This is the type of lighting which gives an overall view of the space. It is essential for all type of spaces. The level of general lighting depends on two factors-1. Number of persons using the space at a given time 2. Number of activities taken place at a given time. The level of general lighting should be higher when number of persons and/or number of activities are greater and vice versa. If number of persons or number of activities in any particular space varies from time to time, the lighting design should be such that the level of general lighting during a gathering where number of persons and number of activities are more where as during an informal cozy reception, when both the above factors are low, the level of general lighting should be also lowered with a fewer number of lights being put on or with the use of dimmer.

For general or ambient lighting, depending on the level required, up lighting, down lighting or non-directional lighting can be employed with luminaires such as high upstand light, pendant light, chandelier, wall mounted or ceiling mounted lights etc.

Task Lighting:

This type of lighting is provided to illuminate a work area of specific function such as reading, sewing, cooking etc. the level of task lighting is usually medium to high and down lighting is the most suitable mode of lighting. In some exceptional cases like- lighting standing easels while painting, wall washing can also be employed. Usual luminaires are table lamp, wall mounted or ceiling mounted down lighter, under cabinet lights etc.

Accent Lighting: 

This type of lighting is provided to highlight any object of interest such as paintings, artifacts, sculptures or any other displayed item or even decorative wall surfaces or ceiling mouldings. Sometimes an area can also be emphasized with accent lighting to create a focal point e.g. a centre table can be accented to create a focal point of conversational group. The level of accent lighting can vary from low to medium or high depending upon the theme. Wall washing is the usual mode of accenting paintings, wall murals etc. whereas down lighting is the most versatile mode of accenting. Up-lighting ceiling mouldings or even for statues or indoor plants.

Modes of Lighting

Lighting can be directional or non-directional depending upon the requirement. There are three modes of lighting-1. Up-lighting 2. Down lighting 3. Wall washing

Up lighting:

This is the mode where light is directed upward so as to receive reflected light from the ceiling or soffit of the lintel, ledge etc. This reflected light is diffused and creates a cozy warm ambience with a uniform soft light. It is most suitable for general, lighting where a lower level of illumination is required. Luminaires most suitable for this purpose are floor standing high up lighters, wall mounted up-lighters or ceiling mounted hanging up lighters with opaque shade below. These up lighters can also be used to highlight ceiling or cornice ornamentation. For accent lighting of statues or indoor plants, small cylinder up-lighters can be used. For special effects, downlighting can be fitted above cornices or pelmets etc. This mode is not suitable for task lighting.

Down Lighting

In this mode, the light is directed downward from the source usually towards a horizontal surface e.g. floor or table etc. it is the common and versatile mode of lighting as it can be employed for general, task or accent lighting satisfactorily. Luminaires can be wall mounted, ceiling mounted or pendant. Luminous ceiling panels are another form of down lighting which can be used as a good source of general light. Wall mounted or ceiling mounted light can be employed for all types of lighting but pendants are more commonly used for task or accent lighting. Downlighting can be used for valence lighting or cove lighting for special effects.

Wall washing

In this mode, light is directed at an angle so as to fall on a vertical surface. Usually luminaires are mounted at an angle on the ceiling at a distance away from the surface to be lighted. This mode is used only as accent lighting for highlighting wall murals, sculptures etc. it is the most suitable mode of lighting for exhibition or art gallery.

Lighting Design of Residential Spaces

Proper lighting design is very much essential for residential spaces.

Living Room: Living room is the most versatile room in modern residences as it serves for entertaining guests and also for other family activities, like T.V. viewing, casual reading etc. So the lighting design of this room must be very flexible. While entertaining guests, when the number of people is often more, the general lighting level should be on the higher side. But for other family activities, general lighting can be level can be lowered and can be supplemented with task lights. Moreover, accent lighting plays an important role in lighting design of living room as artifacts, paintings or other showpieces are often displayed. For selecting the general lighting source, it can be distributed in more number of luminaires so that all of them would be sufficient for a gathering or such occasions, fewer sources can be lit up when the requirement is low. Another option for this flexibility is to provide dimmers. Chandelier, wall brackets scones can be a good source. Up-lighters can be employed to provide a soft reflected light for a cozier, informal ambience with floor standing high up lighters, wall mounted up lighters or ceiling mounted hanging up lighters with opaque shade below.

The main purpose of task lighting in Living room is for T.V. viewing, casual reading etc. Special light with silvered crown can be used for T.V. viewing which provides a soft background light for the television. For reading purposes, pedestal lamp or wall brackets can be provided.

For accent lighting, the type of luminaire should be flexible to accommodate newer arrangement of furniture and display objects. Recessed adjustable luminaires or track lights are good option. For decorative wall surfaces or other wall hangings, wall washers are most suitable. For accent lighting statues or indoor plants, small cylinder up-lighters can be used. Down lighters can be fitted above cornices or pelmets etc for special effects.

As the living room colour scheme includes warm colours mostly, colour rendering factor of the light source should be high, so warm white lights should be employed in the lighting design.

Bed Room: General lighting should take priority in bed room lighting design. As the number of occupants is very restricted in a bed room, the level of general lighting should be lower to provide an intimate ambience. Floor-standing high up lighters or upward directed wall brackets provide a good solution. Beside this, ordinary wall brackets can always be used for general lighting. Ceiling mounted should preferably be avoided in the bed room, especially directly over bed.

In addition to general light, task light for reading and dressing should be included. Traditional beside table lamps in pair can serve the purpose of reading while in bed. Swing arm lamps mounted on the bed head board or on the wall above the bed are also a good alternative which do not take up space on the beside table.

Dressing light must be provided in the dressing region, preferably besides the mirror. Cross-illumination is almost mandatory to avoid shadows on the face. For best results, one luminaire should be installed on each side of the mirror. A more cross illumination technique is to provide translucent luminaire at eye level on the either side of the mirror.

Night lamp is another requirement in bed room. Low voltage light above skirting level just below the switch board of the room of the rom is a good option. Lighting along the underside of the edge of the bed provides a dramatic solution.

Accents should also be employed in bed room to create points of interest through it is not of primary importance. Small wall washers can be used for high lighting paintings or any other wall hangings. Ceiling roses with narrow beam, wall brackets or pendant lights can be used to accent any other articrafts.

As the bed room colour scheme includes cool colours mostly, colour rendering factor of the light source is not of prime importance. So incandescent or fluorescent, both lights may be employed in the lighting design.

Dining: When it comes to enjoying meals at home with family or friends, the dining room is a special place for making memories. So of course, you want to rev up your space with beautiful lighting.

Several things may impact a decision from the shape and size of your table to the number of lumens or watts you may need to set the right mood, especially if your space is multi use spot for various activities like crafting or homework. To help you illuminate things, we gathered our favourite tips and ideas for dining room lighting.

Shabby Chic Chandelier: To make this casual dining room that gets used daily feel more special for formal occasions, the designer installed an Italian inspired chandelier bought at shade of light. The shabby chic fixture elevates the space without leaving a fussy impression.

Branch Chandelier: In this impossible chic dining room by Regan Baker Design, a ceiling medallion anchors the Branching Chandelier by Lindsey Adelman. The fixtures sineway brass limbs and handblown glass globes refine the room without overpowering the rest of the décor.

Brendan Ravenhill Cord Lamp: When simplicity is key, consider something like the cord pendant by Brendan Ravenhill. Its triangular armature features three LED bulbs that generate 750 lumens each- all together that is brighter than a single 100 Watt Incandescent. In this home, by interior designer the fixture illuminates a minimalist dining room with custom wood furniture.

Vintage Warehouse Lighting: Vintage warehouse lighting can give a casual dining spot a functional makeover. Here a couple of rewired, old timey fixtures pepper on personality in a space designed by Moon Architect and Builder.

Kitchen: The most important part of kitchen which needs consideration during lighting design is the worktop. As the walls are usually occupied with the overhead cabinets, ceiling mounted or under cabinet lights may be used. Special consideration should be given while providing ceiling mounted light, because it can create shadows of the user on the worktop. To avoid this problem, cross illumination should be provided with at least two luminaires on either side of the work centre. This calls for a higher level of general lighting. Providing under cabinet lighting with relatively low level of general lighting is a better option. Care should be taken to guard this light from falling directly on the user’s eye. Under cabinet lights should be supplemented with ceiling mounted r wall mounted lights on any other blank wall as a source of general lighting.

Fluorescent lights are preferable in kitchen as it provides uniform light without sharp shadows which is undesirable for proper working.

Toilet: Appropriate task lighting for the vanity area is the most important part of a good lighting design of a toilet. Cross-illumination is almost mandatory to avoid shadows on the face which is undesirable while shaving or applying make up. For best results, one luminaire should be installed on each side of the mirror. A more recent cross illumination technique is to provide translucent luminaire at eye level on either side of the mirror. The dressing light should be never be mounted above the head level as it would cast shadows on the lower part of the face.

Besides, the vanity area other areas of the toilet, like tub, shower or water closet areas also need adequate general lighting. For this purpose, ceiling mounted or wall mounted lights are good options.

Fluorescent lights are preferable in toilet as it provides uniform light without sharp shadows which is undesirable.