How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Space + A Few Favorite Sources
Lighting is such a big and important topic when it comes to the design of a space, from the overall lighting plan to the details that make a lamp special. I recently did a post on Instagram (@coberlyhome) about some of my favorite sources for lampshades after reading an article on how to upgrade a simple white base from Target (to follow me and read the post, click here). Today I want to share why lighting is crucial to setting the tone of your space and how to get started. A room’s light can affect everything from mood to circadian rhythms to productivity, so it’s important to know the basics of lighting a room well.
Where to Start…
There are four kinds of lighting to consider when designing a space: natural, ambient, task, and accent. Natural light is vital to an elevated mood, circadian rhythms, vitamin D, and overall well-being. Taking advantage of any natural light source in a space will enhance your surroundings and can even increase your energy levels. Ambient lighting includes fixtures that provide overall illumination, such as cans in the ceiling or a large central chandelier. Task is self-explanatory: reading lights, cabinet lights that illuminate a countertop, and a desk lamp are all examples of task lighting. Accent lighting includes lights that highlight a beautiful painting, sconces over a mantel, and anything that puts emphasis on an architectural feature or detail. When you plan the lighting for your room, make sure to have some of each type to ensure your room is well-lit as well as comfortable.
Creating A Lighting Plan
If you have the time and inclination or are working with an interior designer, creating a lighting plan will save you time and headaches. A quick sketch of your space will give you an idea of where certain kinds of light will serve you best so you can enjoy being in the room no matter the time of day or night. How you’ll use the space and your overall design plan will help determine the style and mood of the lighting to consider.
What Kind Of Light?
Once the room is wallpapered or painted, consider the lamp type (designer-speak for lightbulbs) that will serve you best (LED, incandescent, etc.). Different kinds of light look completely different in a white room versus a room painted in coral for example (a color often recommended for dining rooms for its flattering effect on skin tones). If you need help, your local lighting store should be able to guide you as to which type to choose. My recommendation is to install all ambient light with dimmers to control the effect of the fixture on the room.
Favorite Sources For Beautiful Lighting
There are a few additional sources I love for finding special lighting in addition to the three I mentioned on Instagram. As I’m sure you know, the stunning, ceramic glazed lamps from Christopher Spitzmiller are iconic investment pieces that will instantly set the tone for a beautifully-designed space. His website offers in-stock lamps, accessories, mirrors, and tableware as well as furniture, but his lamps are what made him famous. His must-have design book, A Year at Clove Brook Farm, is a gem and deserves a place in every enthusiast’s library.
While attending the Design Social Pop-Up in Sonoma in 2022, I had the pleasure of meeting Felicia Hwang, the owner and founder of Hwang Bishop, a bespoke lighting company based in Warren, Rhode Island. Her gorgeous handmade ceramic lamps are made to order and can be customized to suit any design scheme. See the collection here, and add a timeless piece or two to your home.
Perrotine is a company that makes lovely hand-stitched lampshades made from vintage saris, ensuring that your selection is one-of-a-kind. A variety of colors and patterns are available and would pair well with a vintage or antique base, or create tension with a more modern style. They even have a handy sizing guide online that helps determine the correct shade to buy. Custom options and special orders are available with favorable lead times, making this a wonderful resource for unique, handmade lampshades.
That concludes the first volume of Light it Up! I hope this is a helpful guide to planning and finding lighting for your home - a crucial element to creating an inviting space. Thank you for reading today and please subscribe to continue to receive all posts. Next week will mark the first post behind the paywall, meaning only paid subscribers will have access to its contents, so if you like what you see, please consider supporting Coberly Home. If you are a free subscriber, you’ll receive monthly updates in your inbox.
I am grateful to have you here and wish you a very happy Easter weekend! See you here next time…
C x
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