In the first post of this lighting series we covered the three basic types of lighting for interior design – ambient, accent, and task. Today we’re moving forward right where we left off, and you’ll learn what to do with that knowledge.

Decide: Will This Provide Ambient, Accent, or Task Light?

When selecting light fixtures, we first think about the purpose of the fixture and make sure we have identified the type of lighting it will be. If a room has architectural down lights for the ambient lighting, then a pendant, wall sconce or surface mounted fixture can have its selection driven more by aesthetics than light output. But if there is just one ceiling fixture in the center of a room, then its primary function is to deliver ambient light and this can’t be surrendered.

A single fixture can serve two functions, like the wall sconces to either side of a mirror in a bathroom which can be both decorative accents and task lights. If you select something that does not provide enough light it may look good for entertaining company but not provide the illumination needed to put on make-up. Alternatively, if the fixtures are just selected for light output, you end up with two aesthetic eyesores on the wall. As in most things, balance is critical.

Tips on Shopping for Lamps

I have been spending some time at my family’s summer place on Fire Island these past weeks. The lighting is atrocious! Recently they opened up to the idea of upgrading the lighting design and selecting new fixtures where needed (which is most). This opportunity means I have been knee deep in shopping for lights. Here are our tips for fixture and lamp selection:

From the last post in this series, you understand the three basic types of lighting. Let’s say you have some existing locations to better light, or you have a plan from your electrician/architect for which you need to select new fixtures. It’s now time for you to do some shopping and it can be overwhelming.  Don’t let yourself be just drawn to the shape or look of the ceiling mounted fixture or table lamp.  First think about the function.

Ask yourself:

• What am I illuminating? Is it a whole room, a wall, a piece of furniture?
• What is the size of the fixture? How does that size compare to the size of the room, and the pieces in the room?
• How much light is the fixture giving off and where is the light directed?

When shopping for fixtures or lamps, people sometimes are drawn to accent lamps with interesting shapes or designs and think they are shopping for what they want to look at. That’s fine if the fixture is only going to function for accent, but these playful designs won’t provide the lighting you need to go about your nightly activities.

Most people are surprised to find that a room feels bright by how much light is being reflected off of the wall and ceiling.  For this reason, I like to pick fixtures that are minimal to look at and give light in many directions. Otherwise the fixtures should be purely decorative or task.

What you are really shopping for is what you want the fixture to do for you.

An example I have recently experienced is a table lamp alongside a guest bed.  The current fixture had directional light for reading but a dark metal shade. Because the house is very old, there is not a main ceiling light in the room so there is never much light. In reselecting this fixture, we determined that the light needed to be all three types of lighting. The Melampo table lamp by Artemide was a great choice because it’s light fabric shade gives a glow about the room when you’re not in bed reading. Something extra special about this fixture is the shade turns up and it becomes a torchiere light. Hint: it’s the slit.

Up Next In Our Lighting Series. . . 

In the next post in this series we explain a little bit about coming up with a lighting plan for your home. Brace yourself, there will be grids. In the meantime, go get some sunshine!

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