As lighting experts (or possibly geeks) we get asked a lot of questions about lights and the home. Here are seven of the most frequently-asked q’s. Allow us to enlighten you…
The right lighting doesn’t just influence the way a room looks, it can help to define a space, create depth, drama and atmosphere, and it can even affect our mood and wellbeing.
Here at Pooky, we understand just how much difference the right lighting can make, and with this in mind we’ve put together a list of the most commonly asked questions about lighting, together with some expert solutions…
Lighting question #1: How much light do I need?
Making sure you have the right amount of light is one of the first things to think about when planning a lighting scheme. Today’s modern LED lightbulbs are measured in lumens, and as a general rule of thumb a sitting room or bedroom will need around 10-20 lumens per square foot, while a bathroom or kitchen requires around 70-80. However, exactly how much light you will need depends on a number of factors, including the size and layout of the space, what you plan to use it for, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create. With the right lighting you can create the perfect balance of ambience and function.
Find out more with our expert guide: How much light do you need in a room?
Lighting question #2: What is layering light, and why is it important?
The best lighting schemes use a combination of different types of lighting – this is known as layering light, and it plays a key role in creating atmosphere within a space. There are three main types of lighting: ambient lighting, which is the basic general illumination in a room; task lighting, which is practical lighting for specific tasks; and accent lighting, which is for creating highlights and accents within a space. As well as ensuring that you have plenty of practical light, using a range of light sources gives you the flexibility to change your lighting according to different activities and different times of day.
Find out all about layering light in our comprehensive guide: Home lighting design: A guide to layering light.
Lighting question #3: How does lighting affect your mood?
Before electricity came along, our activities were closely linked to the rising and setting of the sun – and light still has a huge effect on us today, both physically and mentally. Just as changes in the weather and the seasons can affect how we feel, so too the lighting in our homes can have a significant impact on our state of mind. The good news is, with the right home lighting scheme you can help to boost your wellbeing, whether you’re working, playing or simply relaxing at the end of the day.
Find out more in our guide: How home lighting affects your mood and wellbeing.
Lighting question #4: What’s the best colour temperature for a home?
The colour temperature of your lighting can really impact on the way your space looks and feels. The colour temperature of a lightbulb is measured on the Kelvin (K) scale: at the higher end of the scale is cool, bluish-white light, which is more stimulating and good for helping to boost our focus and concentration, while warm, yellow-white light is lower down the scale and is important for those spaces where we want to relax and unwind. As a general guide, for living spaces you should aim for a colour temperature of around 2,700-3,000K to create a cosy, inviting vibe.
Find out all about warm lighting and colour temperature in our guide: Understanding warm lighting – plus a guide to colour temperature.
Lighting question #5: How do you choose the right lampshade?
Choosing a lampshade may seem like a simple enough task, but there are a surprising number of things you need to think about! Lampshades come in all manner of shapes and styles, from empire and straight empire, to square, drum and oval, and a huge range of materials, including silk, cotton, linen, velvet and parchment – all of which can affect the way the light diffuses. On top of that, you also need to consider the style of your lamp, and the decor of the room as a whole.
With all this in mind, we put together a handy guide to help you find the perfect lampshade: How to choose a lampshade – the complete guide.
Lighting question #6: What kind of lightbulb do I need?
The right lightbulb will really set off your pendant or lamp, but when choosing a lightbulb there are a number of factors to consider. As well as making sure you have the right strength and type of light, you need something that both looks stylish and will also suit your light fitting – and today’s LED lightbulbs come in a huge range of different shapes and styles, including large globes, golf balls, candles and stylish retro filament designer bulbs.
From considering lumens and colour temperature, to choosing the right style of bulb, our expert guide will enlighten you: How to choose a lightbulb – the complete guide.
Lighting question #7: How do you light an open plan space?
Open plan spaces are increasingly common these days, but making a large open room feel homely while still retaining a sense of style and purpose can be something of a challenge! However, with the right lighting you can create a space that’s both practical and welcoming. By using your lighting to create different zones, and by layering your light, you can ensure that you have plenty of practical light while also creating mood and atmosphere.
Find out how to make your open plan space work for you with our expert lighting tips: How to light an open plan space – 5 top lighting tips.
These are just some of the questions we’re commonly asked about lighting at Pooky.
Browse our blog for more, and check out our whopping range of beautiful, affordable designer lighting.
Image top: Ryan Hyde via Flickr
