The Dos and Don'ts of Lighting Design

Helping Designers and Builders Optimize Home Lighting

Lighting design goes beyond the typical lighting layouts that define many homes. Basic layouts are strictly regulatory and meet code requirements, but they are far inferior to what the latest high-performance lighting fixtures and strategic placement can accomplish. Designers and builders are creating masterpieces with light, and Ratio AV is here to help make it a seamless process!

Here, we’ll explore some of the basic considerations that lighting designers focus on when creating a welcoming atmosphere that’s comfortable, convenient, and beautiful. 

SEE ALSO: Do I Need Lighting Design?

Inviting Guests In

The front entryway welcomes people after a long day and provides guests with a clear path to the door. Its function is to ensure safe passage, but it also sets the mood for all that lies beyond. 

What you don’t want to do is cast bright white downlights and pendant lights that result in glare. People also tend to place undersized lanterns by the door, which causes more shadows than illumination.

Better choices include large lanterns with amber glass, which create a soft, welcoming glow. A pendant with frosted glass also enhances the entryway, creating a beautiful and inviting space. 

Instead of visible step lights, concealed lights offer better illumination and add a design element. Shielded path lights cast light down, keeping it out of the eyes while leading the way. 

The Heart of the Home 

No matter how beautiful your client’s living room or how comfortable the furniture is, it’s inevitable that friends and family will congregate in the kitchen. It’s the room where we break bread, toast to the best of times, and support each other through the worst. You can set the mood for a casual evening or a life-of-the-party atmosphere with the right lighting.

Switching on the lights in the kitchen should not result in shadows on the countertops. And when preparing dinner, no one should have to turn on the overhead lights because the undercabinet lights are too few and far between. 

Task, ambient, and accent lights are all essential in this room, providing a warm and inviting space for friends and family while also creating the optimum illumination for the many tasks performed here. The following are a few essential reminders: 

• If countertops appear dark, use continuous undercabinet lights. 
• Use multiple downlights to eliminate shadows and align them with the cabinets. 
• Consider sconces or pendants instead of a single light over the kitchen sink. 
• Use dimmers in place of light switches, enabling a different mood for various functions.
• Instead of aiming tape lights at the backsplash, direct them straight down.

A Place of Refuge

Walking into a bedroom should leave people feeling relaxed and at peace. It’s the place to put down cares and take time to rejuvenate. Some common lighting errors in this room can quickly turn a peaceful environment into a place of unease. 

When illuminating the bedroom, think soft and warm. Say goodbye to glaring ceiling fan lights and downlights with no purpose. Instead of clear glass shades, consider lamps with soft shades. Soft cove and bed toe kick lights provide beautiful illumination from an unseen source, with the latter also helping people stay balanced. If using blackout shades, consider automated versions that rise with the sun, gently nudging your clients awake. 

Elevated Esteem

Bathrooms can help people look and feel their best or leave them wondering if those dark circles under their eyes are permanent. The good news is that they may disappear as soon as they leave the room. 

Lights from above and backlit mirrors can leave shadows that are anything but complimentary. Instead, place fixtures at eye level and put lights on both sides of the mirror. If improperly installed, downlights cast light on the beautiful floor but leave people mainly in the dark. 

The Place for Productivity

Turning the lights on in the office should keep people engaged and focused. Too many times, however, the result is eyestrain and fatigue. Typical lighting in this room consists of four recessed lights around a central pendant or fan. This layout puts most of the light on the floor, which does little to enhance productivity. 

Instead, linear recessed strips provide beautiful and powerful light where needed, and cove lights create soft, ambient, glare-free lighting. Wall sconces are ideal for task lighting, keeping desks free and clear.

At Ratio AV, we partner with designers, builders, and Light Can Help You to provide stunning illumination that elevates homes and enhances well-being. Professional lighting design can elevate all of life’s activities, from relaxing to working and entertaining. 

To learn more about the benefits of working with lighting designers, contact Ratio AV.