All spaces require light. During daytime, doors and windows are key to illuminate our rooms, but during nighttime, electricity is essential. Consequently, lamps have turn into an object that is ever present in our homes and, if used smartly, an item capable of decorating any space.

Here are some fundamental notions that will help you choose the lamp (or lamps) that answer to your every need.

THE RIGHT TYPE FOR THE RIGHT ROOM

There are many ways of providing artificial light and they usually involve the set up of very diverse categories of lamps. Functionality and style are what dictate the right choice and each kind of space should be matched with an appropriate type of lighting fixture.

Living rooms are one of the central spaces in a house and, as such, it is important that they are well illuminated. An arrangement of ceiling lamps and table or floor lamps is the perfect way of doing so, in order to combine successfully both ambient light with accent light and avoid shadowy corners.

Bedrooms should be equipped with a multiple light fixture, since they are used mostly during the nighttime for very different activities and, as a result, require both ambient light and task light. A chandelier is insufficient and table lamps should be placed on top of the nightstand, desk or vanity. Moreover, the lighting in these spaces should be dimmable, so it is flexible to provide the appropriate amount of illumination.

Dining rooms are the perfect place for a statement: a fancy chandelier, hung very low on the center of the table, can be enough to decorate a room. In these cases, it is advisable that the size of the lamp matches the size of the table, because unbalancing these elements will result in a poor illuminated surface or, even worse, in a chandelier that is not functional.

Bathrooms, closets and other tiny spaces require maximum lighting. It is wise to use wall lamps to provide all the illumination necessary without the shadows that result from a chandelier, which would probably be out of scale as well.

POSITION; COLOR; BUDGET

Placing a lighting fixture is a relevant task. The correct position must guarantee the sufficient illumination and the absence of shadow. As a result, most chandeliers should be mounted right in the center of the room, with some exceptions related to spaces that have a special feature, as stairs or an accent item (like a pianoforte). Furthermore, the lamps should be located in an even fashion, aiming for balance and beauty.

Not many people know that lighting varies according to the color temperature. Numerous shades are available on the market: from a strong and vibrant cool white to a cozy and fuzzy warm white. The temperature should be picked according to the activities that are to be performed in a certain room, because amber colors translate into a comfortable sensation while cold temperatures are adapt for an energizing ambiance.

Finally, keep in mind that, even though a chandelier is an important element, the budget for the item should be in agreement to the general cost of the construction or renovation. Lamps tend to be expensive, especially if ornate and striking, and it is easy to lose the grasp on the real project.

DO NOT OVERLOOK STYLE

However, a chandelier is the quickest way to strongly represent a particular style. It is a fundamental item in interior design and there are many options available on the market, fit for every trend. Its characteristics, like material, color or shape, give the ambiance a certain look and say a lot about you and your predilections.

When picking the perfect lamp for your house, think about the overall appearance that you would like in each room. If you are going for minimalism, try a simple and elegant chandelier, whereas if you are considering an eclectic look, several floor lamps of very different (but compatible) styles are the right choice.

As previously said, lamps are an item that can confer character and flair to a space due to their undeniable importance, and in consequence, it is strongly advisable to give the decision of purchasing these features the appropriate meaning.

As an architect, I can help you choose the perfect lighting fixtures for your spaces, the ones that will emphasize style while being functional and adjusted to your particular budget.

Call me, I will be happy to assist you: the opportunity of changing your house with a single element is just one phone call away.

The Architect’s Advice