Lighting focused on an object will draw the eye to that object it contrast to its background. For example, lighting the corners in a room makes it seem larger, as the eye takes in its entirety. In comparison, a soft pool of light created around a sofa will focus attention on the piece of furniture. The remainder of the room recedes into shadow, making it seem smaller.
The functions of lighting divide into three basic categories: to provide general of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent or decorative lighting.
General Lighting.
General or ambient lighting provides overall brightness for an area. Furnishing background illumination, it can vary with day and night, winter and summer, or different moods and activities.
Task Lighting.
Task lighting makes it easier to see what you are doing. Individual fixtures concentrate light in specific areas for chores such as preparing food, reading, or doing crafts.
Accent Lighting.
Accent or decorative lighting highlights an area or object, emphasizing that aspect of a room’s character. These mood-makers of lighting, to be effective, must contrast with their background of ambient lighting.
Indoor Lighting Design, cont’d
Avoid eyestrain by providing adequate ambient lighting, thereby reducing the harsh contrast of task lighting. Determine the level of light needed for a particular activity or task, and then relate this to the available light. Design ambient, task, and accent lighting to match the specific needs for a given space. Eyes that feel little strain during 20 minutes at a computer, for example, will need more light when subjected to an intensive three-hour computer session in a home office.
A suspended track concentrates light where it is needed, while a pendant fixture provides fixed light.
Individual wall mounted decorative fixture supply task lighting over the counters of kitchens
Task lighting isn’t confined to the kitchen. Adjust office lights so that they do not cause glare on the computer.
Position under-cabinet light toward the front of the cabinets to achieve the best illumination of the surface.
Sinks and ranges should have their own sources of light. Plan on a 60-watt bulb over the sink.
Position pendant fixtures so that they hang about 30 in. Above the table top.
Decorative wall scones can add touch of period authenticity without sacrificing light quality.
Use lighting to create a mood or to call attention to works of art or other collectibles.
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