Interior Design Lighting Definitions
Lighting counts as a key component of interior design. It highlights important areas in a room, adds mood and enhances the overall decorating style in the room. Several different types of lighting exist; all should work together to bring the best possible light to the area you're working with. Does this Spark an idea?
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Natural Light
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Natural light is just what it sounds like -- the light that flows into a room through the windows, skylights and other openings. The strength of natural light fluctuates throughout the year, and you can take steps to increase or decrease the amount of natural light. Blinds, curtains and shades will help regulate the light by allowing you to adjust the flow of light into and out of the room. The mood of the interior design of the room will change throughout the day, depending on how much light has been let in. You can use interior decorating and design to increase the natural light by hanging mirrors around the room as well as incorporating reflective surfaces into the decor. A stained or frosted glass insert in a door will help take advantage of natural light as well.
General or Ambient
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Ambient lighting comes from a couple of different sources, including the overhead lights and the lamps throughout the room. This light is the overall light in the room. You can take steps to increase or decrease the amount of general light by putting dimmers on the lights. Additionally, vary the types of lights you bring into a room in terms of their design. A floor lamp with a bulb that faces the ceiling will provide you with different light than a table lamp with a traditional shade. By mixing up these options, you'll be guaranteed enough light, but in a way that will enhance the interior design and decorating you've selected for the room.
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Accent
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The light that you cast on household items, like the painting on the wall or on a bookcase, counts as accent lighting. Lighting of this sort draws attention to the item under the light. This type of light can come from clip-on lights, ceiling track lights or lamps. Accent lights are some of the simplest ways you can incorporate your decorating choices into your lighting scheme, because many of these lights are lamps, which are often inexpensive to buy but look great.
Task
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Hobbies like knitting, painting or doing bills require a light that's a little more focused. These lights -- most often lamps -- usually come with adjustable arms, allowing you to pull the light closer as you need it. The drawback to this light is glare. However, the maneuverability of this light allows you to make adjustments as needed. The BBC recommends that you place this lamp on the table opposite your writing hand so that you don't bump it as you go about your work.
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References
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