Interior design can seem so intimidating but it really doesn’t have to be. With a few basic ideas and principles, you can turn your house into your home. Lighting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your design space your own. Here are 8 tips to show you how to choose a statement lighting piece that’s perfect for your space so grab a glass of wine and relax – I’ll show you how it’s done.
1. Balance Is Key
Good lighting is an integral part of connecting your interior look and feel with practicality and purpose. Complement the architecture of your home by choosing a light that balances with the space. Be mindful of the size and shape of the room you are looking to illuminate, if your room is square then avoid having a light hanging from the dead centre – here you could opt to use a statement lamp in one of the corners instead.
2. Liven Up Your Space
There are literally thousands of lighting options on the market, from moody pendants to delicate wall lamps and everything else in between – the gorgeous options available are practically endless. Choose a design that resonates with your inner design god/goddess. You don’t need to have everything match, balance does not mean uniformity – as long as your chosen piece promotes a workable flow to the space then you are golden.
3. Make Use Of The Available Space
If you have a high ceiling then you simply have to show it off. The best way to showcase it is to install modern chandelier lighting, the only thing to look out for with these is to make sure that they are not under lit or, conversely, that they create too much glare. Remember to take into account the room’s function and pick your lighting accordingly.
4. Layer Your Lighting
Lighting is one of the cornerstones of good interior design practices. Statement lighting doesn’t have to mean a solo piece. Once you’ve found your chosen statement piece, the one you really feel connected to, don’t be afraid to layer other lighting around it. A couple of wall sconces placed in the right spots can really do wonders for layering out what would otherwise be just one big and bright light.
5. Remember Your Ratios
If you’re looking for a statement piece to hang over a functional piece of furniture, like a dining table, remember to keep your ratios in check. The standard rule here is that the hanging light piece should be 32 – 36 inches above the table, that way the light will illuminate the table without shining in anyone’s eyes or blocking anyone’s view.
6. Choose The Right Type Of Lighting
Lighting is a great way to open up your space; it can also be used to improve the overall colours of a room as well as directly alter the function of that room. The important thing to remember is what purpose that light should to serve – from ambient lighting to accent lighting, lighting needs to have a place. For example, dining rooms require softer lighting. To avoid an otherwise attractive interior being unwelcoming, you need to select the right type of lighting for the room in question.
7. Use Technology
Modern technology is such a blessing – back in the day you would have had such a struggle on your hands. Nowadays, you can have a world of options at your fingertips in an instant and take photos of your room on your phone to take into the store with you when you’re choosing new lights. You can even get programs that will allow you to upload photos of your room and experiment with different looks before you commit to one in particular. You can effectively “try on” different lighting options from the comfort of your sofa. This is a great way to make sure you choose something that truly fits the space it will be installed in.
8. Create The Atmosphere
Statement lighting is about so much more than just illuminating the space it is in. Lights are just as important switched off as they are switched on. The correct statement lighting piece will create an unforgettable atmosphere that you need to experience to understand. For years we have viewed lighting as just a tool to see, but lights are so much more than just tools. When used correctly, a statement light can completely change the overall atmosphere of the room it is in.
Armed with these excellent tips, you can now go forth and light the path to interior design success. Define the space you are designing with a lighting piece that echoes the very nature of you at your core. Good luck!
