Lighting Design Factors
Deciding on lighting is not an easy task. Whether you’re renovating your entire home or a single room, we believe planning your lighting-scape is an essential part to elevating your space. You’ll want to carefully consider the size and space of the room, the existing style/color, electrical setup, and so on. In order to achieve the most optimal lighting in your space you should consider the 6 following design factors.
1. Size and space
It is always advisable to measure the size and evaluate the space of the room you are designing. It is a good idea to determine these dimensions to determine how you will layer lighting in your space. It will allow you to visualize the new space before you start the renovation process, saving time, money, and resources in the future.
Ask yourself: What is the ceiling height and shape?
2. Color of walls and furniture
Ask yourself what is the style or color scheme of your room before deciding on what light fixtures you pick. While the style of your room may change overtime it is important to select a fixture that complements your overall design - not become a distraction. If you’re unsure of what look you’re going for, check out our collections for inspiration.
Ask yourself: What are the points of interest, art work, and highlight areas?
3. Existing lights and electrical setups
Before making any lighting decisions determine the existing electrical setup in your space. An inspection ensures that home systems are working accordingly and safely. Additionally, having regular electrical inspections can help you to identify hidden problems before they end up becoming major issues that cost more money to fix down the road.
Ask yourself: What are the existing lighting controls and how are they distributed? Are there electrical codes, documentation, and specifications?
4. Shadows and reflections
Generally, bouncing light off the ceiling creates a sense of brightness in the room, and avoids the shadows or downward direction of recessed lights. However, a task light for the desk area should be positioned to minimize shadows and reflections, so place it to the right or left side of the occupant's main work orientation. Also consider how bright the lighting should be in your kitchen versus bathroom or bedroom. These factors will determine how you position the lighting solutions.
Ask yourself: What level of illumination (lux) is ideal for this room type? Will this light solution cause glare?
5. Economics and energy efficiency
LED lights are a great alternative to reducing energy consumption. In fact, they use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent and 50% less energy than that of a CFL. Unlike incandescent and CFLs, LED lights produce no heat and hence they are cool enough to touch. Read more about LED Lights in our master guide.
Ask yourself: Do I want sustainable solutions?
6. Psychological and physiological factors
The psychological and physiological effects of lighting can often be overlooked when designing a space. However, these factors dramatically impact the physiological and psychological health of people, and human well-being, including, spatial perception, emotional state, and biological rhythm. It is important to select lights that suit the needs of each room, and positively affect your well being.
Ask yourself: How will this light temperature affect my eye health or mood?
