Using Lighting to Elevate Your Space
A sophisticated and high-end living experience doesn’t have to be limited to those with acres of space or millions in the bank. There are lots of ways to elevate your home and give yourself more of a luxurious experience, lighting is one of the most effective weapons in your arsenal.
Lighting can add a new dimension to your space – it can make a room look bigger and brighter but can also affect the overall feeling. Replacing the main light in your room can instantly update the look without having to do anything else, it’s a chance to include a statement piece and set the tone of the entire room – something classic or more of a modern vibe?
When you’re considering the main ceiling light in your room, it’s worth looking at the foundations first. If the fixture is a cheap, white plastic one it might be worth thinking about replacing them with a nicer braided one if you’re thinking of sticking with a simple lampshade. Another thing to consider here is the drop - general guidance suggests that the bottom of a light fitting should be 7’ from the floor, but this is just a guideline and you should use your best judgment. It also depends on where the fitting is going to be placed, a light fitting above a dining table or kitchen island can be lower as nobody is going to bang their head on it. A very low hanging pendant light over a bedside table can also produce a very dramatic effect.
I personally don’t like flush mount light fittings, even in bathrooms and kitchens, to me they feel like a missed opportunity to add something stunning and eye-catching. The devil is in the details after all! I feel like this is especially true in bathrooms nowadays, there are some beautiful light fittings available with IP44 ratings (it’s really important to make sure any lighting that you choose is appropriate for where it will be situated – you want your bathroom to be a relaxing, calming space not a safety hazard!)
Spotlights can be a great option for a kitchen space as this tends to be a space with a lot of furniture going on and they can help avoid the room looking too cluttered.
Once your overhead lighting is sorted, add in some lamps. Trust me on this one, the soft glow of lamplight hitting your face is far more flattering than a harsh overhead bulb. Where possible make sure you have a lamp for each area you ‘do’ something, for example, next to an armchair for reading or adorning a console table in your entryway. Another important thing is, as with rug, size is important – table lamps should be at least 75cm in height to achieve a generous, successful look. Just check out Ralph Lauren’s homescapes to see what I mean.
Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home
A last note on bulb temperature, always go for the warm white rather than a cooler white, nobody wants to look like they’re in an interrogation room!