Interior Design-VIII

Lecture
LIGHTING IN INTERIORS

Ar. Samriti Paul

• Lighting is an important aspect of interior design as it enhances the aesthetic
appeal and creates the mood and ambiance of a living space.

• Lighting fixtures that illuminate a room creates a safe and comfortable

environment besides adding style to the interior décor.

• Light is the main element that gives the room a special look and transforms it
into a seamless combination of functionality and style. Besides playing a

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functional role it creates a visually dynamic space. Lighting can make or break
the ambiance of a room. Hence proper lighting is an important element of
decorating the spaces.

Ar. Samriti Paul

Types of lighting to create beautiful interior designs:

There are a variety of ways in which lighting can be implemented in a room to create beautiful
interiors.

1. Ambient lighting

2. Accent lighting

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3. Task lighting

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1. Ambient Lighting

• This is one of the most common types of

lighting.
• Ambient light is a soft glow that blankets the
space just enough to function without causing
a harsh glare.

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• Atmosphere: When used correctly, ambient
light creates a fantastic environment to
relax for the occupants.
• Some yoga studios have even begun using
the softer ambient lighting in their classes
to help draw stress from the body.

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Examples

Recessed Lights : These work well with all types of

ceilings, but if the ceiling is lower always make sure
the light isn’t too harsh for the room.
Be careful not to over light the space

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Chandeliers :These light fixtures work fantastic with
taller ceilings.

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Wall Sconces and Wall Lights : These are so
versatile they work almost anywhere. Use these
carefully. If you use too many in one location it
may cause a harsher light, but when placed
sparingly these work great in hallways, patios
and porches

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2. Task Lighting

• This is a smaller more concentrated light.

• Task lighting works well when it is used as a contrasting light. For example, if you have
a low lit room with a desk lamp turned on, the light in that area will be more effective
with less glare than if the entire room was lit with a brighter light.

• Atmosphere. Task lighting helps naturally stimulate your brain. The contrasting light
allows you to be more alert and concentrated. This will help you see more details as you

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work, creating higher quality results. This is why task lighting is used in office
interiors.

Ar. Samriti Paul

Examples

Desk, Swing Arm and Floor Lamps:

• We can use lamps on desks, bedside tables,
coffee tables or anywhere you need a little
extra light for working. Swing arm lamps
allow to adjust the light anyway you’d like.
Since they are portable these are the ideal
task lights.

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Under Cabinet and Vanity Lights:
• These are the ultimate task lights. Under
cabinet lights work great in kitchens.
• They add a flare to kitchen and give the extra
light one need for chopping and cleaning.
• Vanity lighting works well in the bathroom
and on dressing mirrors.
• These lights also work in garages or
workstations.

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Pendant and Track Lights :
• Pendants are great because they can be
placed in a lot of areas and can hang directly
about work spaces.
• Track lights are great for the same reason,
except they can typically cover a little more
space. These lights are great for offices with
rows of desks, above kitchen islands and in

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children’s play/homework areas.

Ar. Samriti Paul

3. Accent Lighting

• This is a very concentrated light with the

intention of drawing the eye to its focal point.
Accent lighting is a way of adding style and
drama to the space.
• This will help illuminate the pieces one want
on display, while shadowing dull areas.
• People use accenting for wall washing,

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artwork, bookcase displays, pieces of
furniture, collections and the general
architecture of their homes.

• Accent lighting brings added visual interest to a room by creating different focal
points and is another important element of lighting design.

• Accent lighting highlights specific objects like art, sculptures and bookcases. It can
also be used to highlight a textured wall, or other architectural features.

• Classic track lighting and picture lights are often used to provide accent lighting.

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Color Management
• The use of lighting can add to or subtract
from the overall colors of a room or from
only those surfaces the light is meant to
enhance.
• Darker colors make a room feel smaller and
cramped, while light-colored walls do the
opposite.

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• The illusion of space is defined by light
reflected off of the surfaces of the walls.
Some types of lighting help with this illusion
by further illuminating the walls.
• In addition, directional lighting, such as a
track light, can soften the wall colors. There
is also recessed can lighting, which has a
soft, downward glow that illuminates the
floors, not walls.
• This is opposed to lights hung from the
center of the room, which provide ambient
illumination, or wall lighting. In both cases,
this can affect how light or dark a colored
section can appear.

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Directional Lighting
• The lighting in a room either provides
illumination for the entirety of the
room, or it highlights very specific
elements.
• Track lighting is the perfect example of
positional lighting. Hung from the
ceiling, the adjustable necks and lamps

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can be pointed at specific elements,
such as a wall painting, the vase of
flowers on an entryway table or the bar
top or kitchen island. Consider
mounting them on the walls, also.
• Special picture and mirror frames also
have built-in lighting to highlight
specific areas on a wall. Recessed
lighting can be used in floors and
ceilings to create vertical beams of light
as opposed to an overall glow from
central light fixtures hanging from a
ceiling.

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Functionality
• One major role of lighting in the interior setting is functionality.
• Lighting needs to serve a purpose, or it simply wastes electricity.
• Chandeliers are not only used in large, open foyers, entryways and rooms because of their
centrally themed placement but also because they provide excellent illumination for the
room.
• Wall lights add length and size, visually, to an entryway hall, as well as light the way.
Consider the style of lighting you want to ensure you get the best directional or

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luminescent type for the setting.
• Look into task-specific lighting for desks and other work areas where functionality is
more important than overall room illumination.

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Space
• Both natural and man-made lighting help with the illusion of space.
• For a darker room, find ways to bring in more full-spectrum natural light.
If the room does not have sufficient lighting, it will feel cramped. This is
worsened by close-proximity furniture arrangements, such as coffee table,
end table, sofa, chair and love seat combinations in a smaller setting.
• Corner lamps, wall sconces and centrally hanging lights on the ceiling
help brighten a room if natural lighting is not available and help create a

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visually larger space. This applies to any setting -- home or office.
• Natural lighting is preferred above man-made lighting because it shows
off colors better and adds to the visual space of a room by bouncing off
reflective surfaces. Consider skylights or large windows if you want more
natural light, or use sheer drapes and curtains to allow the maximum
amount of light from your current windows.

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ASSIGNMENT:

How lighting is important is interiors and what is the role of artificial lighting in functional
aesthetic and visual comfort in different types of building interiors.

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Ar. Samriti Paul
 Interior Design-VIII
Thank You

Ar. Samriti Paul