Five Quick Tips on Lighting

• Look at a room’s function before you think about lighting. Task lighting in work areas improve safety and the functionality of a room.
• Think of lighting in layers. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that one overhead fixture is all you need in a room. Having multiple sources of light in a room will allow you to change the level of light for specific needs. Rooms typical need five to seven sources of illumination to be fully functional and look their best. The layers can include natural light, overhead fixtures, table lamps, floor lamps, task lighting, and candles.
• Keep it in scale. A delicate table deserves a delicate table lamp. Likewise, a table with mass needs to have a lamp with substance.
• The right height. When a table lamp is placed beside seating that will be used for reading the bottom of the shade should be below eye level and above chin level to effectively light the page.
• Create drama with light. Track lights, spot lights or up lights can be use to highlight artwork, architecture or other focal points in a room.