surabhe's Ideas
ColourBesides bringing texture to a space, a great light fixture can also bring a dose of colour. And they don’t have to be limited entirely to neutral hues. Like a rug, a great colourful chandelier can bring an accent hue into the centre of a room in an unexpected way that shows a lot of personality.Keep in mind that a light fixture isn’t as easy to switch out as an accent paint colour on the walls, so choosing a safe-bet hue like a dreamy blue is a good long-term choice.
Lights in tactile, organic materials can completely change the atmosphere of a room. Take this beachy light, which lends this bedroom the character of a resort town getaway. Whether you want to play against the hard surfaces in a modern space or already have a lot of engaging texture at hand, it usually can’t hurt to add a little more to your palette. And a chandelier is an unexpected place to do so.
Surprising texture When you imagine a light fixture, your first thought might be something made of glass and metal, or with a typical fabric shade. However, lights and shades can be made out of many materials, so consider using a light fixture as an opportunity to add a new and inviting texture to a room.
Also popular are fixtures with thin elements of golden metallics, so the material is present but not overwhelming. This works especially well in spaces that pick up a similar metal tone elsewhere, such as in small accessories, frames or even fun, trendy golden cutlery.Check out these 4 ways to master metallics
Muted goldWhile warm-toned metallics continue to be a huge trend, what we’re seeing work best in many homes is a softer form of gold that isn’t so “blingy” and is a bit more demure. “Softer” can mean various things, from an antiqued finish to a subtle brass tone that isn’t as boldly yellow as true gold. Either way, the hue of the metal is kept subtle so as not to appear gaudy or flashy, opting for a more timeless sophistication.
Sometimes the best way to make people listen is to whisper, and sometimes the best way to make a visual statement is by using a fixture that is so minimal or airy that you can’t help but notice. Lighting like this is made all the more accessible by the continuing evolution of LED technology, which allows for continuous curves and other streamlined silhouettes that could never be re-created by a traditional bulb.These 10 reasons will make you say yes to LED lights
Exaggerated scaleThe rules and tips I’ve listed up to this point are great for choosing a fixture that follows classic proportions. However, a recent lighting trend has been to buck these classic proportions and choose oversize fixtures instead to make a calculated statement through the sheer drama of large scale.Hanging light fixtures make for a natural focal point already, due to their central position in the space and the simple fact that they emit light, so it makes sense to play up their size a bit if you really want them to make people say “wow.”
Dramatic versus demureKeep in mind when sizing a light that size isn’t the only issue; you should also consider the other decor in the room. For a room with rich wallpaper or other busy patterns, a chandelier with intricate detailing will look appropriate. In a more subdued space with lots of white walls or neutrals, a simpler, smaller light fixture will be more fitting.
For a round dining table, choose a round or square fixture one-half to two-thirds the width of the table all the way around. If the light is too wide it will likely make the table look small and awkward, and if it’s rectangular the pieces will likely look disconnected.
If you’re using a modern style of chandelier in a thin linear or branching shape, choose one two-thirds to four-fifths the length of the table so it doesn’t look too small to hold its own.
How to pick the vertical dimensions of your chandelierNow that you have the width and diameter of the fixture, you’ll want to choose the vertical dimensions of the fixture (not the height above the ground just yet, but the actual top-to-bottom size of the unit itself). To choose the vertical dimension of a chandelier, the classic rule is to take the room height (in feet) and multiply it by 2.5 to 3 to get a good range (in inches) for the vertical proportions of the light.So if your room has an 8-foot ceiling, this would mean your chandelier should be roughly 20 to 24 inches top to bottom. (8 feet x 2.5 = 20 feet; 8 feet x 3 = 24 feet. Convert to inches to get 20 to 24 inches.) For a 10-foot ceiling, 25 to 30 inches will be a better proportional fit. (10 feet x 2.5 = 25 feet; 10 feet x 3 = 30 feet. Convert to inches to get a range of 25 to 30 inches). And the taller the room, the more you can err on the high side of that formula.
A chandelier in the dining room should hang 75 to 90 centimetres above the dining table. The width of the chandelier should be at least one half the width of the table.
Bright idea for focused lightPick focal points that you want to highlight, then direct a light source toward them. “Wall sconces are great accent lighting fixtures to highlight artwork and bring light to a space at eye level,” says Kilgore.
5. Is my lighting focused?Lighting design is all about the strategic placement of light and matching the perfect light source to its intended function. Indirect lighting pulls focus, adds texture and layers the sight line.
A hot look in light fixtures right now is mixed metal, dulled gold, and foiled silver over gold, as seen here. The finish is popular with the transitional style because it has an antique yet contemporary look.
Lighting choices can also take cues from transitional style, defined by clean lines and lighter finishes. “People have been looking at dark, heavy scrolls for so long that they are wanting something light and fresh,” Kilgore says.Here’s a room-by-room guide to lighting your home right
Crystal remains a popular choice for lighting fixtures and is used across the style spectrum. In this contemporary bathroom, the crystal chandelier has a modern presentation, drawing attention to the underlit wave ceiling.
Mix and match your lighting fixtures. They don’t have to be from the same lighting family or design. Notice how in this room the star motif overhead, the night table lamps and candle wall sconces mix styles.
4. Do my fixtures reflect current styles?One of the quickest ways to update the look of a living space is to swap decorative lighting fixtures for more up-to-date styles. The ceiling fan as a light fixture is now a bit passé.Bright ideas for current lighting stylesConsider replacing your ceiling fans with eye-catching chandeliers. Keep the overhead light at 150 to 300 watts for optimum illumination.
Bright idea for dimmed lightingTo make the most of your lighting, install the highest-wattage lightbulb possible, then dim it down to accommodate the mood and lighting needs. Consider putting dimmers on both overhead lighting and lamp lighting. “As another bonus, dimming your lights 50 per cent can save approximately 40 per cent in electricity and increase the life of your bulb,” says Kilgore.Watch out for these lighting faux pas
3. Do my lights dim?Good lighting should multitask and set the mood. A dimmer is an inexpensive and essential tool that puts you in control of the quality and quantity of light. You can install a dimming system either as a whole-house lighting control or by adding a wall box dimmer in each room and lamps with dimmer switches.“Think of lighting like a radio. You don’t want to have just one volume. Lighting should have the opportunity to be task lighting and ambient lighting. Dimmers give the light multitasking capabilities,” says Kilgore.
This kitchen features several layers of light: The recessed down lights provide overhead illumination, the pendant lights above the island illuminate the workspace and under-cabinet area, and above-cabinet accent lighting gives the space a burst of savvy style.
Bright idea for layered lightingThink of the functional and decorative purpose of each light source. For example, in this entryway the wall sconces are a decorative touch, table lamps function as task lighting and a chandelier provides overall light.
2. Does my lighting have layers?A perfectly lit room has three basic layers: Overhead lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. This bedroom pulls all those together – the chandelier for overhead, bedside reading lamps as task lighting, and accent lights above the headboard and artwork.See how chandeliers cast a glow in different areas
Another example: Highlight the silhouette of a cabinet with under-cabinet and in-cabinet lighting. “I think that indirect lighting under and above the cabinets should be mandatory in modern lighting design,” Kilgore says.She suggests using tape lighting to achieve a subtle illuminated line of sight.
“Think of lighting as the jewellery of a home, and the more unexpected places that you can put lighting or paint with light, the more custom the home will look,” says Kilgore.
In this dining room, the coloured LED lights in the tray ceiling and alongside the stone wall add dimension and visual interest. Notice how the light calls attention to the texture of the stone wall. Rope or strip lighting achieves this effect.
Painting with light is another way to add surprise. Here coloured LED lighting with toe kick lights underneath the island and cabinets creates dramatic appeal.
Bright idea for unexpected lightingLook for opportunities to install light fixtures in alcoves, tray ceilings and wall niches to trace interesting lines. Notice the hidden lights in the ceiling alcove above the cylindrical feature here.Here’s why you should used recessed lighting
1. Am I lighting unexpected places?As you evaluate the status of your lighting style, keep in mind that lighting also functions as art that helps define your style, set the mood and perform practical tasks. Think of adding light in unexpected places, such as a chandelier in the master bathroom. And consider using light in unconventional ways –such as using hanging pendant lights as reading lamps.
A traditional light can bring a great sense of richness and gravitas to a modern home, but the opposite combination can be just as beautiful. A contemporary or mid-century style of light combined with traditional furnishings gives the room a little bit of edge and brings it into the present in just the right way.Read more:Hyderabad Houzz: Lighting Takes Centre Stage in This Home’s DesignTell us:Do you have chandeliers at home? Share some tips and advice on purchasing and installing them, in the Comments below.
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