‘You can disguise any set with lights and shadows’ – Allan Dwan. And he is correct, it is all about setting a mood. As stated in a previous post https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2018/10/19/lights-lanterns/ lights add a real wow factor to a room. Don’t be scared to go big if you can. An interior designer told me years ago that a key mistake people make for small spaces is to add small features and accessories. Strangely, a large light feature and tall, long mirrors and frames can often make a small apartment look bigger. It is all about perspective and measurement.
What is the Light For?
First ask if the light is meant to be really functional or does it add soft lighting and ambience or is it to be very specific work lighting as in an office or bathroom. Once you have decided on that, you need to consider the dimensions – height and width. The hanging length and height of the full light fitting including flex, is important. Consider that in general living areas it is likely that you would walk underneath the light so measure the ceiling height as well. Some lighting companies recommend keeping seven feet clearance from the lowest part of the fixture to the floor. If over a table, a recommendation is to make sure the width or length is around one foot less than the total length of the table.
Make a Statement
Having stated the above, there are some great examples of having clusters of large lights that are not solid and are either glass or metal lacework allowing the light to shine through. Hotels use these effectively and they are a good example for inspiration. However, the recent trend of having a chandelier in the bathroom is hopefully fading. These bird cage pendant lamps are chic and also fun and make a statement without overwhelming the room.
Let’s Talk Kitchens
A key mistake often seen is the use of fabric shades and open lights. This is an area where oil and dirt collect easily. The best tips I got were to find closed light fittings to avoid bugs as well and glass or metal as they are easily cleaned. We loved our Berlin 3 pendant lights that were reproduction French sugar jars. They add a fun factor to the modern kitchen. When using pendant lights in a line, look for ways to hide the tracking or cable and make sure there is an even space between each. Measuring is important here.
Gadgets for Lighting
We found a remote light switch that you can put in to the normal socket to easily program to a small remote. It’s a pack of three and it is a great little gadget for difficult to reach power points or switches. There are more complicated ones that can be connected to Wifi offering dimmer switches. Other gadgets include strip lighting, portable lightbulbs and my favourite, battery operated lights and lamps.
