How to choose . . . Lighting

As homeowners, we often underestimate the power of lighting. Yet effective illumination makes a significant difference to the functionality and ambience of living and relaxation spaces, as Willie Duggan of Kilkenny-based Willie Duggan Lighting says. The advice from Rocky Wall, design team leader at Bray-based lighting design supply company, Wink, is to plan lighting as a material you build with – not an application afterwards.

“Ultimately, lighting is about controlling and shaping light and shadows, reflections, refractions, and even colour, to supply light where it’s needed in an appropriate amount and quality,” says Wall. Lighting should meet the inhabitants’ needs and highlight the form and shape of the space, using an effective, energy efficient approach.

Start by identifying the use of individual spaces. This, Wall says, should be done using the floor plan and elevations and not a ceiling plan. “Highlight any physical challenges, opportunities, specific requirements on features, matching the light fitting to the space and its function. All this will be driven by the inhabitants; budget; efficiency level desired; any controls or AV and integrating the maximum amount of daylight where necessary.”

Layered looks

Some spaces such as utility and storage areas, he remarks, are appropriately lit with no more than a general wash of light for circulation and visibility. In others, a task, ambient, accent approach provides a livelier visual atmosphere where ample light is needed for task activities, accent highlights and identifying specifics that can create sparkle and drama.

Task lighting helps perform specific jobs, including reading, grooming, and cooking. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting and under-cabinet lighting, as well as by portable floor and table lamps. “It should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eye strain,” Wall says.

Ambient lighting provides overall illumination. “It radiates a comfortable level of brightness without glare and allows you to see and walk about safely. In some spaces such as laundry rooms, the ambient lighting also serves as the primary source of task lighting,” says Wall. “It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fittings, and recessed or track lights. Some say having a central source of ambient light in all rooms is fundamental to a good lighting plan, but I don’t always agree.”

Accent lighting adds drama by creating visual interest. “It is used to draw the eye to houseplants, paintings and other items of interest. It can also highlight wall texture, window treatments or outdoor landscaping,” he says.

“To be effective, accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting surrounding it. Accent lighting is usually provided by recessed and track lighting or wall-mounted picture lights.

“In general, you should have the combination of all three for creating different moods.”

Right fit

Choosing the right fitting type involves meeting the situation’s requirements and delivering correct beam angle, Wall says. Options include recessed, ceiling suspension, floor lamps, table lamps, wall and picture lights. “Identify whether fittings should be fixed, adjustable or portable and whether task, ambient or accent lighting is appropriate.”

Duggan recommends avoiding fabric in steamy areas, and using harder shade surfaces where cleaning will be required. “Remember if a shade is very dark, light will be reflected down – great if you want mystery and atmosphere.”

The correct colour of white light – colour temperature – must be used for ease of use and appearance, Wall says. Bear in mind what the lamp – bulb – is best suited to, whether it’s Led, fluorescent, compact fluorescent or low voltage.

Location, location

Selecting the location that will achieve the best utcome for the fitting is vital, and the making of good layout. Recessed spotlights should be minimised to highlight an object or specific space as accent light or task lighting and not ambient lighting, Wall says. “The location of a recessed spot to wash a painting on a wall is dependent on ceiling height and distance from the wall. A rough rule of thumb for locating a wall washer for a standard ceiling is 400mm off the wall.”

Ceiling lights, whether flush or suspended, can provide correct illumination and be the only light source in some areas. “Alternatively, says Wall, the fitting can have a wow factor, which can be when the light is both on and off. In this case, other light sources will be needed to build mood and light levels.”

Floor lights can either be in-ground up-lights or standard floor lights. “The use of in-ground floor lights creates interesting silhouettes in hallways and archways and bounces light off the ceiling. The standard floor light is an essential light source for the mix of light fittings in living spaces,” says Wall. “All floor and table lamps should be switched through a five-amp socket circuit. Wall and picture lights can be used as an ambient and accent source, giving another possible combination within a space to allow various combinations of light to create different moods.”

Take control

A decision needs to be made on control – whether it’s switching or dimming, automatic, manual or programmable. This, Wall observes, will be driven by use of the space and budget. He recommends allowing for the possibility of dimming all lighting in relaxation areas, or where there is accent lighting.

“While the concept of programmable lighting is great where you might suffer from “switch acne” – too many dimmers – whole house programming can become expensive.

However, there are affordable systems suitable for single room control. Automated control is very handy for spaces that have no daylight,” says Wall.

“Always try to situate living spaces in the brightest rooms. Small changes can make big differences, like siting light fittings close to the wall and not having them symmetrical; featuring an unusual fitting in a small loo; using low levels of light in short corridors; and working on highlights and contrast.”

Floor sockets to allow lights into the room and touches such as a wash of light across a feature, backlit glass or stairlights are other useful ideas. Trends: Led lighting Led lighting technology is an affordable and usable substitute to conventional light sources, says Rocky Wall. "This is both for ease of control and the warm colour temperature offered. Reduced light levels and increased control are the main components for sustainability – only having lights on when needed." Reading lamps and statement shades in kitchens are increasingly in demand, says Willie Duggan.