How Different Light Fittings Can Transform a Rooms Style

Wall colours, furniture and decorations can help to transform the rooms in your home, but one of the least expensive and most effective ways to freshen every room in your home is with lighting. The proper use of lighting can help to enhance the colour and ambiance. It is an important part of the overall interior design and although updating with the newest lighting trends is beneficial for the value of your home, it is also essential that you choose a light source according to its purpose.

Here are a few lighting options to choose from and the effects they can have.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are decorative fixtures that are suspended from the ceiling. Installing pendant lighting is a quick and inexpensive way to update the kitchen. This type of lighting is often used in dining areas and over kitchen islands as a way to add both task lighting and ambient lighting to a small area. Pendant lights are usually fitted with shades that help to direct the light downward.

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From left: Rostock Cluster Pendant, Valmont Teadrop Pendant, Replica Koho Atto Pendant and Rustic Glass Pendant.

Wall Lights

Wall lights are designed to direct light upwards or downwards. Wall lights are excellent for both ambient and task lighting and you have the option of adding a shade or cover to wall lights for an additional design feature. This type of lighting is typically installed in pairs and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, they can be installed in the bedroom on either side of the headboard or they can be installed in the living room over a pair of chairs. Take a look at this collection of wall lights for ideas on what shape and style to go for.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers direct light upwards and are suspended from the ceiling. They are often installed in an entryway or over a dining table. Chandeliers are often associated with being large, crystal and decorative, but modern chandeliers are available in a wide range of styles and sizes. They are designed to elevate the style of the room and are typically the centrepiece of a room.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is a modern type of lighting that is mounted or suspended from a ceiling. Track lighting often has a linear housing with multiple fixtures (heads) that can be positioned anywhere along the track. The direction of each of the heads can be adjusted independently to provide lighting to specific areas. Track lighting is often used as task lighting and accent lighting in a kitchen or work space.

Recessed Downlights

Recessed lighting fixtures or downlights are typically installed into the ceiling, with the opening of the fixture flush with the ceiling. Recessed lights project a narrow stream of light in one direction, making them ideal for task, ambient or accent lighting. They’re perfect if you wish to follow a modern style and are ideal for small spaces, as they’re built into the ceiling.  Recessed lighting is often installed in the kitchen, basements or an office area.

When choosing lighting, it is important to consider the mood you want to create as well as the tasks that will be performed in the room. Most rooms are used for multiple activities, but the right light fixtures can help you define specific zones. For example, in the living room a reading lamp placed next to a chair creates a reading zone.

Consider some of the above mentioned light fittings and assess which would be best suited to the room in question. Think about what lighting effects you want to achieve and install them accordingly.