Now that the darkness of the pending winter is upon us, we need fake light to feel right. Lighting is the largest factor in influencing and shaping our mood. If you would like your space to feel fresh and different - changing your lighting approach may be a good, inexpensive option. Below is a primer on the four lighting categories and my top five lighting recommendations.
Ambient Lighting, Also called general lighting provides light for entire rooms. The sun in the sky is the best example. It washes through our windows and lights everything uniformly. Chandeliers, pendants and other overhead lights fall in this category.
Task Lighting is designed to illuminate a specific work space. Under-cabinet mounts above a kitchen counter track lights and intentionally placed recessed lights are examples of this.
Accent Lighting is used like a spot light to draw our attention to an art piece or architectural detail. They are designed to give "pop" or interest to space as if to say "If you notice nothing else, notice this."
Mood Lighting is lighting for feeling. The other three types of lighting are practical aids in seeing things. Mood lighting is a practical aid in feeling. We want to feel warmand cozy by the soft light of a fire or by a grandpa reading by a simple lamp. We want lovers to feel romantic by candle light. We want to feel bright and happy by a well lit room on a dark December evening.
My top 5 lighting recommendations:
1) Under-cabinet lights. They provide great task lighting when working. They look cool when using countertops to serve off of during a gathering. And when they are the only lights on in the kitchen they set a soft mood.
2) Pendant lights. They provide good task and ambient lighting. They are another way to create continuity in your style by matching the finish with other hardware, lighting, etc. or they can be used as funky accents for "pop."
3) Recessed lights. The best way to add lots of light without having a fixture hanging down. Provides task and ambient lighting. Also the best way to make a basement feel happier, especially as most basement have less headroom then the main level.
4) Table lamps on a buffet or couch backer table. They can make a setting feel grand and help provide task lighting, if reading is a task, and mood lighting. You can find inexpensive options easily and install, plug in, on your own.
5) Dimmer switches. Want it happy? Slide it up. Want it mellow? Slide it down. Mood at your finger tips. That way you can have a huge bright chandelier and not have it dominate every event with its brightness.
Also, candles are always nice.
Hopes this helps you.
Andy Higgins