The way to light it right

Without lighting, the best of home decor can feel dull and lifeless. Here’s a checklist to get the lighting right in every nook and corner of your personal space, writes Sharmila Chand

 If you want to create the right mood in your home, then get the lighting right. Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in any interior decor scheme, say interior designers. While proper lighting can enhance the character of the space, improper selection of lights can ruin the entire look and feel. It is necessary to first understand the room type and then choose the corresponding types of lights, which can fulfill all essential requirements. Besides emphasising art forms and other decorative accents, lights should also set the mood for comfort and elegance.

Now, you need not be an expert on interiors or lights to set the right mood. We give you a few simple and basic ideas that can turn your house into a cosy and
inviting space.

Be dramatic

Living room is one space, which you should pay most attention to in terms of lighting. You attend to personal guests here, unwind and relax with the TV after a long day or read a book lounging on the sofa. Hence, it should be cosy with lots of warmth. Go in for soft mood lighting coupled with wall bracket lights that glow and chandeliers with dimmers to control the light as per the occasion. Light up your art wall with accent lights so that any paintings or frames are perfectly highlighted. A floor lamp is also a good idea if it is coupled with plants and pots, while table lamps will illuminate specific corners of the room. An elegant crystal chandelier adds drama to the space.

Calming effect

In bedrooms, the thumb rule is to avoid bright lights altogether. Pick up lights, which have a rejuvenating feel. Try to get something in organic, recycled material as it is environment-friendly and it also eases any breathing hassles. Remember, a dominant metallic look isn’t suited for bedrooms. Go by this plan: invest in one functional light and complement it with lots of natural light. You can also use colour glass lamps that throw light in different shades.

Kitchen tales
Ideally, kitchens should have bright lights. Make sure the cooking range is illuminated with enough functional lighting. You can put task lights or spotlights for specific jobs such as washing or chopping. Cupboards can have functional lights to highlight the crockery, cutlery or spice bottles. Pendant lights also look good in here. If you love experimenting, try putting up Morrocon lights, as they give out a nice colour with soothing glow.
Mix of bright and soft
Bathroom lighting is a bit tricky. The best option is to have a combination of functional lights with a couple of softer light accents. It is said that downlights make the bathroom look bigger. You can
prevent steaming on your bathroom mirror if your use downlighters with humidifier over the mirror. Ceiling lights or bamboo chandeliers can also be used to brighten up the space. Dimmable sconces will add a soft glow to your bathrooms in the evenings.

Outdoor demands

Courtyards, balconies, terraces, staircases and foyers should be lighted well, mainly for safety reasons. In balconies, choose wrought-iron wall scones or lights with natural look so that they blend well with the outdoors. Use a floor lamp or spotlight to highlight a garden table or chair. Hanging lanterns add drama to outdoor space. For a more dramatic effect, invest in Moroccon or African coloured glass lamps.

Layered lighting
We often believe that we need to light the entire room. But decor experts think otherwise. They believe in incorporating multiple points of light, so that different layers of light are created. Choose your light source, and then determine how to diffuse it. For instance, a lampshade in the right colour and pattern can make all the difference to a room. Without shades, light will not have direction and will be harsh on the eyes. Conical shades serve well for accent lighting whereas cylinder shades help scatter light in the room and hence can serve as good ambient lighting. Shades usually come in woven fabric, glass, cane or wood forms. Choose the material which blends well with your decor. Other forms of light that add both functional and aesthetic value are
candlestands, scones and period lamps that can be placed in different corners.

Dimmers for flexibility
Dimmers are a good investment for all kinds of spaces. Known for their flexibility, these lights can be used for all kinds of moods and events and add lots of character to a room. What’s more, they also save energy and increase the bulb life. 

When you decide on a lighting plan, keep in mind the geography of your home and the natural light availability. Choose lights keeping in mind the purpose and their adaptability to your home decor. Balance and adaptability are the keys to a well-lit living space.