How Lighting Affects the Feel of a Room

One of the best ways to establish or alter the atmosphere of a room is with lighting. Since lighting affects the overall mood and appearance of a room, it is wise to have a variety of lighting options in each room. The choice of lighting should coincide with the various activities that occur in the room.

The bathroom is an area where the lighting plays a functional as well as decorative role. Bright lights are helpful around a vanity mirror. However, in the evening when you want to enjoy a relaxing bath, a small pendant light or wall sconce lighting would give the room a more relaxing atmosphere. A small bathroom can appear more spacious with the addition of a mini chandelier or sparkling pendant lighting.

There should be various types in a family room. A floor lamp is an excellent way to brighten a dark corner. Table lamps provide a more subtle type of lighting than a large ceiling light. They also allow you to illuminate specific areas such as a reading area. For times when you want to create a relaxing or romantic atmosphere in the living room, you might want to use a more unique form of lighting such as a personal gel fireplace. Small table lamps can also add a feeling of romance to the room.

Most people prefer bright light in a kitchen. A kitchen island or work station needs good lighting. Pendant lights that directly illuminate a specific space are ideal for use over a kitchen island. If the kitchen design includes an eating area, a pendant light can also work there. There are many designs such as Tiffany style lights, small rustic chandeliers, or uniquely designed modern style pendants that can be used in the eating area of a kitchen.

Foyers and hallways need proper lighting. A chandelier that is appropriate for the size of the foyer is a popular lighting option. A lamp on an accent table could be used in a hallway or foyer. If space is limited, a wall sconce is a good choice.

A bedroom design should include various types of lighting. The ceiling light in a bedroom may seldom be used if there are other, more desirable forms included in the room's decor. Sconce lighting behind the bed and small table lamps help create a soothing, restful atmosphere in the bedroom. A floor lamp is ideal if there is a reading or sitting area in the bedroom. Recessed lighting and the use of dimmer switches are two additional ways to create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.