HOW TO LAY OUT INTERIOR LIGHTINING

Lighting solutions vary by room and by design, and understanding the principles of light helps you get the most out of your lighting choices. The type of lights you choose change the mood and feel of a room, because different lights illuminate surfaces differently. Layout is an important element in making sure you have the right light for the right situation, so your rooms and design features are well lit year-round.

Chandeliers and Pendant Lights

As a rule, chandeliers and pendant lights benefit the most from being centered in a space. One ideal spot for a chandelier is directly above the center of an entryway. Or, if there is a larger foyer beyond that, you should center it in that area, where people can appreciate the beauty of the lighting feature as they enter. Pendant lights are similar to chandeliers in that they hang from the ceiling, but they are generally far less grandiose in terms of size and design. Pendant lights are more common above kitchen tables or in the middle of a kitchen. Hang a pendant light in a central location to light the whole room, or center it above a table to combine design with functionality.

Wall Lights

The best layout for wall lights is to space them evenly on the wall across its length. For example, on a 9-foot long wall, the best placement would be lights hung every 3 feet across the wall. The number of lights is based entirely upon personal preference, the caveat being that even spacing creates the most visually appealing layout. As far as height, eye level is the best option, but you can place them higher or lower based on personal preference.

Track Lighting

If you want to illuminate specific design features, adjustable track lighting, which can be pointed in any direction, is your best choice. An example of a good spot for track lighting is on the ceiling of a hallway with three wall paintings, the lamps pointed to illuminate the paintings. Track lights are common above bars and kitchen islands and are distinct from pendant lighting, which illuminates the whole room. Stationary track lighting systems also are available. You can mount track systems anywhere you desire, on ceilings or walls.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting isn't a solution to illuminate a room but to shine on specific elements directly below. Because the lights are recessed in cans within the ceiling, the majority of the light from the bulbs is trapped within the recess, as opposed to spreading out and hitting the walls, where the eye perceives how well-lit a room is. Recessed lighting is ideal for creating a focal point, such as a pool or dining table, a bar area, a kitchen island or a desk. They can be used in conjunction with traditional lights, but as a rule they don't work as a lighting solution for an entire room. If you're using them to add a subtle glow to a room, place them across the ceiling, spaced out depending on how many lights you want.