Light Up Your Life: The Importance Of Lighting In Interior Design

Here’s something that every interior designer should tell you, and it’s a bit of a hard truth. 

It doesn’t matter how much money or time you spend on furnishings, decor, art, or those porcelain tiles you spent seemingly weeks stressing over, if the lighting of a room isn’t there and working in your favor, your room will look nothing more than blah.

Seriously.

Think about a restaurant you love. 

Now, picture that same restaurant but with harsh fluorescent lighting that washes out the colors and creates a sterile atmosphere. 

Not so appealing anymore, right?

Or consider a cozy living room illuminated solely by a single, dim light bulb. The furniture might be luxurious, and the décor was impeccably chosen, but the lack of proper lighting renders the space uninviting and difficult to enjoy.

My favorite example is imagining you’re curled up on the sofa reading a good book, but the lamp next to you is just a naked bulb without a shade. 

Is that a pleasant experience? Probably not.

Today, I want to talk you through everything there is to know about lighting in interior design. We’ll cover what it is, how you use it properly with the space you have, and essentially, how to get the best results in your own designs.

Right, intro done; let’s get into the info!

The Foundation of Lighting in Interior Design

From experience, I would say that the blah feeling you get from walking into a room and not feeling right is nine times out of ten bad lighting. 

It can make a room feel cramped, dingy, dark, or completely overwhelming. Sure, this works if you’re composing a photograph or want to build a horror-themed escape room, but to live in? 

No thanks.

Take a look at a room like this.

Or like this.

Or even like this.

Notice the balance in the light and the rest of the room and the way everything is aligned around the light itself. It’s proper light that shows off the colors and makes the whole room pop, no matter what style or design you’re going for.

Another way to think of this is: the light is to a room what a soundtrack is to a movie.

It sets the tone, creates atmosphere, and subtly influences how you perceive everything around you.

So, let’s get down to the basics of lighting in interior design. In the world of interiors, we typically talk about four main types of lighting:

• Ambient Lighting: This is the general, overall illumination of a space. It’s like the foundation of your lighting scheme, providing a comfortable level of brightness for everyday activities. Think ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, or even natural light streaming through windows.

• Task Lighting: This one’s all about functionality. Task lighting is focused illumination for specific tasks, like reading, cooking, or working at a desk. Table lamps, under-cabinet lights, and pendant lights over kitchen islands are all great examples.

• Accent Lighting: Want to add drama and highlight those gorgeous architectural details or artwork? That’s where accent lights come in. It’s all about creating visual interest and drawing attention to specific elements in a room. Picture spotlights on a sculpture, wall lights or washers highlighting a textured wall, or even uplights showcasing a vaulted ceiling.

• Decorative Lighting: Now, this is where you can let your personality shine! Decorative lighting is all about adding style and flair to your space. Think chandeliers, statement pendants, or even those quirky lamps you found at a vintage market.

Now, here’s the secret sauce to good lighting: layering these different types of lighting. 

This takes a bit of practice or even the help of a professional (cough, I’m here if you need it), but take a moment to think about this in your own home. 

Take any room you’d like to improve and look at the window. Where is it, what kind of light does it bring into the room during what time of day? What are some of the ways you can guide the light through the room, through object or furniture placement, or even mirrors?

Now, how can you balance what natural light can’t do or reach with artificial lights? Perhaps a tall lamp in the corner of the room? Nicer, more open light shades on the overhead lights? Maybe under-counter lights can create a soft glow that guides you around the outside of the room.

As you should start to see, there are a lot of options to work with when considering the types of lighting in interior design.

Natural & Artificial Light – A Match Made in Design Heaven

As above, there are only two sources of light you have to work with: natural light and artificial light. I like to think of them as the yin and yang of the lighting world, each with its unique strengths and challenges.

Natural Light: The Sunshine Vitamin

Ah, natural light – is there anything quite like it? 

As a designer, I’m a huge advocate for harnessing the power of daylight whenever possible. Any good interior designer will because it’s the best light there is and will ALWAYS trump artificial light when it comes to the home.

But this isn’t just about aesthetics; natural light has some serious benefits:

• Mood Booster: Ever noticed how a sunny day can instantly lift your spirits? That’s because natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, affecting our sleep patterns, mood, and overall well-being.

• Space Enhancer: Natural light has this magical ability to make a room feel larger and more open. It bounces off surfaces, creating a sense of airiness and spaciousness that’s hard to replicate with artificial light alone.

• Energy Saver: Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a lower energy bill? By maximizing natural light, you can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and save some precious pennies.

So, how do you make the most of natural light in your space? Here are a few tips from the trenches:

• Window Placement: Consider the orientation of your windows and how the sun moves throughout the day. Strategically placing windows can help you control the amount and direction of natural light.

• Skylights: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding skylights to bring in even more sunshine.

• Shading: While we love natural light, sometimes it needs a little taming. Use curtains, blinds, or even strategically placed plants to control the intensity and prevent glare.

Artificial Light: The Control Freak

While natural light is undeniably wonderful, it’s not always reliable or controllable, so we need artificial lights to plug the gaps and bring balance to the home.

From cozy incandescent bulbs to sleek LED light fixtures, the world of artificial lighting is vast and varied. Each type has its own unique characteristics, color temperature, and energy efficiency rating. 

So, it’s all about finding the right fit for your needs and design aesthetic.

Architectural Vs. Decorative Lighting: A Dynamic Duo For Design Success

No need to be afraid of the more industrial-looking terms; the world of architectural and decorative lighting is a fascinating one.

These two distinct categories work hand-in-hand to create truly remarkable spaces, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Architectural Lighting: The Backbone Of Brilliance

Your house needs lighting simply to help you go about your day-to-day business. After all, it’s pretty unsafe to shower in the dark or handle pans of boiling water and food after the sun goes down.

Perhaps you need to work later on a project in the office and don’t want to strain your eyes at the computer screen or want to snuggle in and read your kids a bedtime story.

All of this needs light, and this is known as architectural lighting – the backbone of your home and lighting scheme.

But don’t be fooled by its practical nature; architectural lighting can be incredibly stylish and impactful, too.

As a designer, I often turn to architectural lighting fixtures to seamlessly integrate illumination into the structure of a space. 

Recessed lights, for example, create a clean, minimalist look while providing ample general lighting. Wall washers, on the other hand, can be used to bathe entire walls in a soft glow, creating a sense of spaciousness and highlighting textures.

Track lighting offers versatility and flexibility, allowing you to direct light precisely where it’s needed.

Decorative Lighting: The Statement Pieces

Decorative lighting is the rest of your lighting – the fun stuff. 

It’s the lamp on the corner of the piano. The fairy lights around the edge of your girl’s room. The orange salt lamp next to the bed. I like to think of decorative lighting as the jewelry of your space, the finishing touches that add sparkle, charm, and a touch of drama.

Chandeliers, pendants, table lamps, and even those quirky vintage finds you stumbled upon – these are the elements that bring your design vision to life. 

Decorative lighting can serve as a focal point, drawing attention to a particular area or feature. It can also set the mood, create ambiance, and evoke specific emotions.

Secretly, decorative lighting (outside of natural light) is my favorite type of lighting in interior design.

Striking The Perfect Balance

Another trick to successful lighting design is finding the perfect balance between these two lighting concepts. This is where we come back to layering different types of light, each with its own role to play.

The key to creating a truly stunning space is to strike the perfect balance between architectural and decorative lighting. It’s all about layering different types of light, each playing its own role in the overall symphony of your design.

As a designer, I love playing with light and shadow, creating contrast and depth. By strategically combining architectural and decorative lighting, you can achieve a harmonious interplay that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Layer it up: Start with your architectural lighting, ensuring adequate general illumination and task lighting. Then, add decorative elements to create visual interest and express your personal style.

• Create focal points: Use accent lighting to highlight architectural details, artwork, or other features you want to showcase.

• Think about mood: Different rooms call for different lighting moods. Opt for brighter, more energizing lighting in workspaces and kitchens and softer, more relaxing lighting in bedrooms and living rooms.

• Don’t forget about dimmers: Dimmers allow you to adjust the intensity of your lighting, creating flexibility and versatility in your space.

Remember, the beauty of lighting in interior design lies in its ability to transform a space and evoke emotions. So, embrace the interplay of architectural and decorative lighting, and let your creativity shine!

Let’s Take A Break

Okay, let’s take a little break from what we’ve learned so far and outline what all this looks like in the real world. Quite simply, we’ll outline four easy steps:

• Focus on your natural light, maximize it, and align your room with it for the best result.

• Install architectural lighting to accompany and support your day-to-day life.

• Add decorative lighting to bring your room to life.

Here’s an example:

(Or a video example if you don’t want to read and instead want to skip ahead)

Imagine a spacious lounge with large windows that flood the room with daylight. Sheer curtains filter the light, creating a soft, diffused glow. 

The furniture arrangement is designed to maximize the natural light, with seating positioned to enjoy the views and avoid blocking any windows. Light-colored walls and flooring further enhance the brightness.

As dusk approaches, recessed lights integrated into the ceiling provide a subtle ambient glow. Wall washers graze the textured feature wall, highlighting its unique design. 

A floor lamp next to the reading chair offers task lighting for comfortable evenings with a good book. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates the bar area, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for entertaining.

A statement chandelier suspended above the coffee table adds a touch of elegance and drama. A cluster of pendant lights above the dining table area creates a sense of intimacy and warmth during meals. 

Table lamps on side tables provide pools of soft light for relaxed conversations. A collection of candles scattered throughout the room adds a flickering glow and a sense of serenity.

The result? 

The layered lighting scheme in this lounge creates a dynamic and inviting space that adapts to different needs and moods throughout the day.

The focus on natural light during the day creates a bright and airy atmosphere, while the architectural lighting provides functionality and highlights key features. 

The decorative lighting adds personality and warmth, transforming the lounge into a haven of relaxation and enjoyment.

See how it all comes together? 

Now, back to the usually scheduled program.

Quality Of Light: Setting The Mood

I’m always considering the quality of light in addition to its placement and purpose. 

It’s like the difference between listening to your favorite song on a tinny radio versus a high-fidelity sound system – the quality of the light dramatically affects the overall ambiance and experience of a space.

Color Temperature: Warm & Cozy Or Cool & Crisp?

You’ve probably heard of “warm” and “cool” light, but what does that actually mean? It all comes down to color temperature, which is measured in Kelvin (K).

• Warm Light (2700K-3000K): Think of a crackling fireplace or a sunset – warm light. It creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere and is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.

• Cool Light (4000K-6500K): Imagine a bright, sunny day or the crisp lighting in a hospital – that’s cool light. It promotes focus and alertness, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces.

• Neutral Light (3500K-4000K): This falls somewhere between warm and cool, offering a balanced and versatile option for most spaces.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match color temperatures within a room to create visual interest and highlight different areas.

CRI: True Colors Shining Through

Another important aspect of light quality is its color rendering index (CRI). 

This measures how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects compared to natural daylight. The higher the CRI, the better the color rendering. 

So, if you’re showcasing artwork or vibrant furniture, opt for light sources with a high CRI to ensure those colors pop!

Dimming: The Mood Maestro

Dimmers are the unsung heroes of lighting control. They allow you to adjust the intensity of your interior lighting design, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion. 

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, curling up with a good book, or simply relaxing after a long day, dimmers give you the power to set the mood just right.

The takeaway here is to remember that it’s not just about how much light you have but also the type and quality of that light. By paying attention to color temperature, CRI, and dimming capabilities, you can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

Don’t worry if this all sounds technical, however. A professional interior designer will have the knowledge and experience to help your vision come to life.

Room-By-Room Interior Lighting Guide: Illuminating Every Nook & Cranny

To finish off this guide (phew, we’ve covered a lot), I wanted to take the time to go through what these strategies look like in each room in the house. Especially what sort of ideas you want to look out for, what there is to consider, and what kind of goals you want to set.

Get the lighting right in every room, and you’ll have a wonderful space to live in that just feels right.

Entryway: A Warm Welcome

First impressions matter, right? That’s why I always pay close attention to entryway lighting. 

A warm and inviting glow sets the tone for the entire home. Consider a statement pendant light or a pair of elegant sconces to create a welcoming ambiance. 

Don’t forget to add a dimmer switch for added flexibility!

Stairs & Hallways: Safety First

When it comes to stairs and hallways, safety is paramount. Make sure these areas are well-lit with ambient and task lighting. 

Kick lights at each step illuminate your path while climbing stairs during the night. Consider also installing wall sconces or recessed lighting along the walls, and don’t forget a ceiling fixture or pendant light for general illumination.

Utility Rooms & Garages: Function Over Flair

In utility rooms and garages, functionality reigns supreme. 

Opt for bright, task-oriented interior lighting that makes it easy to see what you’re doing. Consider installing LED panels or fluorescent light fixtures for energy efficiency and long-lasting performance.

Bathrooms: The Perfect Balance

Bathrooms demand a delicate balance of functionality and relaxation. Combine bright task lighting around the vanity mirror with softer, more ambient lighting for a spa-like feel. 

Wall sconces, recessed lighting, and even a statement pendant can all work beautifully in this space.

Kitchens: A Culinary Stage

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it deserves an interior lighting scheme that’s both functional and stylish. 

Task lighting is essential for food preparation and cooking, so consider installing under-cabinet lights and pendant lights over the island or work areas. Layer in some ambient lighting with recessed lights or a statement fixture for a welcoming glow.

Dining Room: Setting The Mood

The dining room is all about creating the perfect ambiance for memorable meals and gatherings. 

A dimmer switch is a must-have, allowing you to adjust the lighting from bright and lively to soft and intimate. A chandelier or a cluster of pendant lights can add a touch of drama and elegance.

Living Rooms: Relax & Unwind

The living room is where you kick back and relax, so the lighting should be both comfortable and inviting. A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting works well here. 

Consider floor lamps for reading, table lamps for ambient light, and wall washers or spotlights to highlight artwork or architectural features.

Offices: Focus & Productivity

In home offices, lighting should promote focus and productivity. Opt for bright, task-oriented lighting with adjustable desk lamps and overhead fixtures. Natural light is a bonus, so try to position your desk near a window if possible.

Bedrooms: Serenity Now

The bedroom is your sanctuary, so the lighting should be calming and conducive to restful sleep. Choose soft, warm lighting with dimmer switches to create a relaxing atmosphere. Consider bedside lamps or sconces for reading and avoid harsh overhead lights that can disrupt your sleep patterns.

Remember, these are just general guidelines. Feel free to experiment and personalize your lighting scheme to suit your individual needs and style. 

And don’t forget that lighting in interior design is an ongoing process. As your lifestyle and preferences evolve, your lighting can evolve with you.

Wrapping It Up

Lighting isn’t just a switch; it’s the magic that transforms your house into a home. We’ve journeyed through its many facets, and now it’s your turn to shine.

Ready to craft a space that truly glows? Contact Kara at Haus Grimes today. 

Let’s weave light, ambiance, and your unique style into a design that’s as functional as it is fabulous.