Indoor lighting: a different mood for each room
Posté le 15 mai 2017 à 13h59
There are many types of indoor lighting, used to create varied effects. Depending on the room in question, one or more lighting types may be preferred.
Different lighting types
We have selected the main lighting types used for interior design. This will then enable us to advise you on the preferred techniques for the main living areas.
General lighting
General lighting is designed to provide the light necessary for an area as a whole. Its role is to completely illuminate the room. The diffused halo is uniform, so that shadows and contrasts are reduced.
Direct and indirect lighting
With direct lighting, the light is aimed directly towards the surface you need illuminated. It diffuses light downward, below the horizontal surface on which the light source is installed. The beam is thus directly oriented towards the object, without any obstacles. This enables clean illumination, without loss of light. The main drawback is that this type of lighting tends to create shadows.
With indirect lighting, the light is directed towards the wall or ceiling, and lighting is achieved by means of reflection. As a result, the light reaches the object in a more subdued manner. Indirect lighting creates soft lighting, by reducing contrast and glare.
Accent lighting
The aim of accent lighting is to draw attention to the lighted object. Generally used in shops, its purpose is to highlight the product. It is often created using light sources and lamps with tight angles (between 8 and 45 °), in order to focus illumination on the desired object.
Task lighting
This is suited to various household activities for greater comfort and safety, responding to a specific and targeted lighting need. It is generated by lamps that produce direct lighting that is generally intense and focused.
Localised lighting
It helps to highlight certain parts of a room, while also avoiding shadows. This lighting type is used, for example, to showcase paintings or decorative objects. In general, low-intensity light bulbs are used to avoid glare and excessive contrast.
Atmospheric lighting
Atmospheric lighting is used to create a certain atmosphere. It can also be modulated to create a specific climate tailored to the purpose of each room or to suit circumstances and moods.
For each room, its own feel
Depending on the rooms in a house, different lighting types may be used to create specific moods.
A cosy atmosphere in living areas
For living areas, such as the living or dining room, yellow (incandescent) or red lights are used to produce a warm atmosphere. As a result, we prefer using general or atmospheric lighting.
This effect may be accentuated for floor lamps or small desk lamps. Small projectors may also be added in order to showcase decorative objects or paintings.
A warm atmosphere in the kitchen
To create a welcoming atmosphere in the kitchen, suspended lighting is ideal to reflect light off the counter top. To heighten this ambiance, you can, for instance, install small lights or even a broad-beam lamp that can illuminate the entire counter top.
Lastly, you can spread a few spot lights around your work areas to see better when preparing your dishes.
Soft and comfortable for your bedroom
For the bedroom, we usually opt for atmospheric lighting. In general, you should choose a main source of light, and then structure the rest of the room with localised lighting such as a spot light or desk lamp. For added convenience, it may be preferable to be able to control the lighting from both the bedroom entrance and from the bed.
Bright light in the bathroom
In bathrooms, fixed lights are preferable, such as spot lights in the ceiling. Light fixtures can be incorporated on each side of mirrors, to avoid shadows and light the face well. In all cases, electrical installations must be kept away from water sources.
Uniform lighting in offices
In the office, it is important to illuminate rather than to blind. Uplighting is ideal for lighting without glare and for diffusing ambient light, while avoiding reflections on computer screens.
Moreover, spot lighting can be beneficial in work areas, in order to illuminate the object concerned and avoid tiring the eyes. For a workshop or workbench, fluorescent panels attached to the wall and hidden behind screens will diffuse uniform light.
Do you need advice on installing lighting in your home or business? Contact us at 02/479.40.27.