How To: Layer Lighting
Not familiar with layered lighting? It’s the idea that light comes from multiple places within a space, mostly varying heights, but also varying shadows, brightness, the list goes on. This may be more of a PSA rather than a 'how to’, but please keep in mind this is solely for your benefit!!!
Ceiling
Typically lighting plans starts with the ceiling, and often times you need recess lighting for function, especially in kitchens. This doesn’t mean all the lighting in every space needs to have or depend on recess lighting as the main light source. Try mixing in a tray ceiling with cove lighting or a decorative flush mount or pendant. Here we have recess lighting in the spaces where food prep will take place, and pendants bringing the light source down over the seating area.
Wall
Bring the lighting down on the walls, especially in bathrooms, so the light is at eye level will give you the most flattering light. Light shining at your face won’t give you all those harsh shadows like overhead does, you know that make your eye bags look extra puffy, not cute! If I’m being totally truthful, sconces would be ideal in pretty much every room to maximize floor/table space and help you depend less on recess lights. Other locations may be, small nightstands, dining rooms, living room mantels, framing artwork, the possibilities are endless!
floor
Try mixing in a few floor lamps! This lighting solution is a great alternative to a sconce and will light up the center height of the room giving a nice ambient neutral light, less harsh shadows. If you have ample floor space opt for a larger base sculptural base. They’re a great way to bring a decorative element or filling any dark corners. Don’t have the extra floor space go for a skinny base and a decorative shade.
Table
Table lighting is mostly used on nightstands in a bedroom, living room console tables, entry tables, desks, and any area where sconces are ideal but the electrical work is not. Don’t look at table lamps as a last resort for light source, if it’s in a place that isn’t reachable like a taller bookshelf or a tight corner table, find a bluetooth outlet or a timer to control the on/off.
… i love lamp.
BONUS!!!
PLEASE please please if its possible opt for dimmable lights or at least three way switches and bulbs. Some of the dreamiest most luxurious spaces feel this way because all the lights are coming from all different levels with a medium to low dim, giving light to all areas equally and removing harsh shadows. Trust me, you’ll love layered lighting!