A carefully thought-out lighting design should not only transform the interior, but provide comfort and preserve the health of the inhabitants of the house. At the stage of creating a project, a variety of nuances are taken into account.
artificial - technical devices of various designs.
The intensity of natural light is directly related to the time of day, depending on the time of year, geographical location and atmospheric phenomena.Natural light is the most optimal, in terms of physiology and life. But it is not enough for full functioning. That is why such serious attention is paid to the planning of artificially created additional lighting. Includes incandescent lamps, fluorescent and LED devices.
The main options for artificial lighting:
general;
accented;
working;
combined.
General lighting
This is the most common form, without which not a single room can do. Light comes from above and spreads evenly throughout the room. The most striking example is a chandelier in the center of the ceiling. She does not give a light figure with clear edges, which can be clearly distinguished on the floor or on the wall.
General lighting can be divided into:
directional - the most common option. It is characterized by the creation of a single light spot. It can be organized using open fixtures in the shape of a cone, hemisphere, truncated ball, cube, trapezoid, cylinder, rectangle;
indirect - is formed by reflection of light from walls or ceilings;
diffused - light is scattered through frosted glass or ball-shaped paper lampshade. It does not strain your eyes and is most comfortable for a person. Rays spread evenly at an angle of up to 360 degrees. This is due to the use of opaque closed shades;
mixed - is formed due to the special form of translucent fixtures with an open top and bottom. These modern models are increasingly used in the design of apartments or offices. The glow comes from all sides - it breaks through the walls, reflects from the ceiling and walls, falls from above with a direct light spot. This method of filling space with light is the most productive.
Accent lighting
Accent or local lighting is used to highlight specific areas.Its main function is to draw attention to individual objects or areas in the room. It can carry a purely decorative load - the illumination of a painting, sculpture or have practical value. With the help of point inclusions, we can safely move up the stairs, navigate in a dark closet, and find the necessary objects on the bedside table. Accent lighting allows you to play with space, snatching out one or another zone from the dark, giving them the main meaning depending on their use. For dinner, the dining group is highlighted. Then we move onto the sofa to read in silence or, conversely, to chat with household members. In multifunctional rooms, for example, in one-room apartments or studios, this method of lighting is simply necessary. It allows you to go about their business without interfering with each other. To create accents use floor lamps, table lamps, ceiling pendant devices, sconces, spotlights, LED strip.
There are three types of accent lighting:
sharp - the formation of a bright spot with clearly defined edges. Light does not scatter; space outside the beam is immersed in darkness. This technique is used in the theater, when only a small area is allocated on which the action takes place. Often it is used to focus on the subject. It is suitable to emphasize the beauty of collectibles in glass cases, to highlight expressive architectural elements - columns, bas-reliefs, arches. The beam can be directed up, down or directly at the object at an angle of 30 degrees;
softened - created using lamps equipped with a power regulator. Allows you to effectively, but unobtrusively highlight the necessary details. The obvious pluses are the achievement of a less dramatic atmosphere and energy savings;
soft - is organized to focus on objects that are harmful to bright light - paintings and other objects of art. Formed with matte lampshades placed above the object.
Work light
Good lighting is essential for efficient and safe operation. In conditions of light deficit, the load on vision increases, which can lead to its decrease. Due to constant tension, not only the eyes get tired, but also the overall fatigue of the body increases. A person is not able to work long and productively in the twilight. The effectiveness and complexity of such activities as drawing, knitting, jewelry, sewing, reading, writing, cooking directly depends on the quality of lighting and its orientation. General light falls from above, so a shadow is created in the workspace. It is necessary to equip this zone with special directional sources - a table lamp, a sconce, a floor lamp, and point-and-shoot rotary devices. It is better not to use luminescent options in these areas, as they often blink and distort colors, and this negatively affects vision. Halogen devices are much better perceived, but they are not economical enough. Therefore, the best choice is LED designs that produce a pleasant glow for the eyes and consume significantly less energy.
Combined lighting
The essence of this option is to combine the previously described methods. The design of any interior certainly contains a combination of various types of lighting. In some rooms the general predominates, in others the accent. For example, in the living room, the central role is assigned to luxurious or laconic multi-track chandeliers. And in the office or bedroom, a bright general light is not so important, but here you can not do without a good desk lamp or sconce. Light is one of the most popular tools for zoning rooms.In the children's room, in addition to the common ones, local devices are needed in the work and play areas. In the kitchen, above the dining table and above the cooking surface. In the bathroom and hallway - in the area of the mirror or decorative niche. A combination of different options can be observed in any room, but it acquires special significance in a multifunctional room. In living rooms combined with a bedroom, kitchen or dining room, it is especially important to provide for the possibility of various lighting scenarios.
Rules and regulations
The use of artificial lighting made it necessary to develop clear requirements for its parameters. The well-being of a person, his emotional mood, his ability to work efficiently, and maintaining good vision depend on how well-organized it is. Therefore, various premises have their own specific standards. It is easy to guess that for the study and the closet their values will not be the same. The main document that you need to focus on when calculating the number and power of appliances in the apartment is SNiP 23-05-95. It regulates the natural and artificial lighting of residential, educational, commercial, industrial premises, as well as squares, parks, streets, squares.
The unit of illumination is Lux –1 lumens per square. m. The norm depends on the purpose of the room. For example, 150 Lx is enough for a living room, bedroom or dining room. In the nursery, it is necessary to provide 200Lx, in the bathroom or kitchen it is already 250, and in the study all 300. In the hallway, pantry, in the attic or in the basement you will need 50-60 Lx.
About light sources
Natural sources include the sun's rays, the glow of stars, aurora, moonlight. Artificial resources are fire: a bonfire, torches, candles, and gas lamps, and electric lamps. The latter are divided into several types:
Incandescent bulbs - contain a filament body, which produces a glow.A tungsten or carbon filament spiral is placed in the structure. Then a vacuum is created in the flask. This prevents the oxidation of the metal. At the moment of closing the electric circuit, heating occurs, as a result of which the glow element begins to glow. The advantages of such lamps is that they can withstand temperature extremes. They will work without problems in a cold corridor or in a hot bath. The disadvantage of such lamps is that they consume a lot of energy and produce a large amount of heat;
halogen - their difference from the previous ones is that the flask is filled with halogen pairs. They are used for the most powerful devices. Gas can significantly increase the temperature of the spiral and extend the period of operation. Like conventional incandescent lamps, halogen sources spend a large amount of energy for heating. Another minus is the dependence on power surges;
luminescent - flasks with a special coating applied from the inside. It emits light due to the constant burning of the vapor contained in the flask. Compared to conventional lamps, the life of these devices is much longer. An obvious plus is profitability. Lamps consume 5-7 times less electricity than halogen ones. The disadvantages include the complexity of use - the need to use additional devices - a trigger, a starter. There are other disadvantages - flicker and sensitivity to low temperatures, air currents and humidity;
energy-saving - a subspecies of fluorescent lamps. To the listed qualities of sources of this type is added a spiral shape and the presence of a standard base. Due to this, the lamps can be used in ordinary chandeliers and lamps without any additional designs;
LED - revolutionary devices based on the use of LEDs.Unlike their predecessors, they do not heat up and do not flicker, and they also tolerate the effects of the environment and power surges. The high cost of devices more than pays off for a long service life and unmatched low resource consumption.
Natural light and how to regulate it
Direct exposure to natural light may cause some discomfort. Reflecting from mirrored and glossy surfaces, harsh sun rays irritate vision. In addition, they overheat the room too much, and this is not always desirable, especially in summer. Therefore, there are various methods for protecting against daylight penetration and controlling its amount. Traditionally, a variety of curtains, tulle are used for this purpose. The choice of material depends on the needs of the owners of the premises. You can choose light transparent curtains that only slightly adjust the illumination. Or deaf curtains, which create absolute darkness in the room even in the daytime. As light regulators use blinds, roller blinds. There is also a more radical solution - to install double-glazed windows with a special coating to reflect sunlight. This is especially true for skylights of the attic floor. And for those who do not have the opportunity to change the glass, there are a lot of proposals for a self-adhesive tint film.
If there is not enough light, you can "catch" it with:
window extensions;
introducing reflective surfaces, light finishes and furniture into the interior;
removal of trees and bushes covering the windows.
About fixtures and their placement
A harmonious lighting scenario is created, starting from the characteristics of the room, the direction of design. Properly selected accents allow you to visually change the space to correct its shortcomings and emphasize advantages.
The "queen" of lighting design is still a chandelier.The large room with high ceilings uses massive structures with a long suspension. Low ceilings - an occasion to shorten the length of the cord or chain and direct the rays up, creating the illusion of raised arches. Spotlights can be in addition to the "main decoration" of the living room or act as the "basis" in the corridor or bathroom. Sconces, spots, floor lamps, table lamps - serve as a highly specialized addition to the main light. Each of them has its own specific responsibilities - lighting of the workspace, places for rest, reading, cooking or eating. LED panels, cords, fiber are excellent tools for decorating a two-level stretch ceiling or walls. Cords mounted in drywall niches can be multi-colored. In order to change the color, you just need to press the button on the remote control. Using LEDs, create a variety of patterns that look stunning at night.
Does the lighting have a style?
To answer this question, you need to carefully look at the devices that help the light fill the room. Style directly depends on the characteristics of the fixtures - shape, color, materials of manufacture. Classic interiors welcome chandeliers and sconces with crystal pendants. Modern chrome devices reign supreme. Pop art is filled with bright, sometimes awkward plafonds. The interior of a country house in the Provence style is “warmed up” by textile lampshades. A loft is inconceivable without production floodlights, track systems and spots. Country added rustic color forged or wooden designs. Art Nouveau makes intricate lines and shapes even more spectacular. The chosen style affects the number of light sources, their power and placement.
Room Lighting Design
The proper organization of lighting is one of the paramount design tasks.This is the most important component of the comfort and coziness of your home. Each room has its own rules for the selection and installation of certain devices. Light should emphasize the advantages of the chosen design, create a certain atmosphere.
Hallway and corridor
The entrance hall is usually devoid of sunlight. The use of artificial sources allows you to turn a gloomy corridor into a bright attractive reception room. Bulky appliances are useless here - why “eat up” an already small space. In addition, it is not safe to use voluminous chandeliers and floor lamps in a cramped room. It is better to place a ceiling spotlight here, and hang a sconce on the wall near the mirror. The illumination will be enhanced by the LED illumination of the cabinet or decorative niches, as well as a mirror wall.
Living room
In the living room the situation is reversed. Here, a voluminous chandelier is more than appropriate. Since this is a common room, various lighting scenarios need to be provided. A sconce above the armchair, a floor lamp by the sofa, a LED fiber device on the coffee table will fit perfectly into the interior. LED decoration with various programs will help you to relax on a weekday and decorate a festive party.
Bedroom
The traditional design of the bedroom provides for the presence of a ceiling light - a chandelier or devices built into the suspended ceiling, lamps in the area of bedside tables and a dressing table. In addition, they use LED illumination of niches, cabinets, bed contour. The theater mirrors and paintings with built-in lamps give a special chic to the room.
Kitchen
The division of this room into zones determines the use of general light and the emphasis on individual sections. Kitchen sets are often equipped with built-in appliances, otherwise you can fix several energy-saving devices under the upper drawers. Above the dining table are placed long pendant lights or track structures.The main thing is not to use lamps with a bluish glow - it makes dishes unappetizing.
Children
The nursery is a universal room. The child is studying, playing, resting and sleeping here. Each type of activity involves the use of a special space. Lighting areas should be appropriate for their purpose. In the training you need a directed source that will not strain your eyesight. For example, a folding table lamp on a clothespin or sconce. At the same time, unnecessarily bright, flickering appliances should be avoided. They contribute to fatigue and eye damage. The play area is lit from above - for this purpose a chandelier for several horns is suitable. Do not hang crystal or forged lampshades - this is unsafe. Playing a ball or playing a wheel is incompatible with long suspensions. It is better to choose a lightweight plastic instance in the colors of the main palette. The rest or sleep area requires a soft diffused glow. It’s best to cope with this task night light or vinyl phosphorescent stickers. They come in different subjects, but the most popular is certainly the starry sky. For the room of a teenager in the attic, track systems and rows of identical one-track chandeliers or spots are used. Often they are fixed on the roof slopes.
Cabinet
The main condition is good illumination of the desktop, at which busy people spend whole days. This has a direct impact on their effectiveness, prevents fatigue, and preserves eye health. Overhead is not so important. He can be distracted and unobtrusive. The office does not need palace chandeliers, enough built-in devices and a table lamp with a flexible or folding leg.
In any room of the house, lighting fixtures should be functional, safe, in harmony with other interior items.
A carefully thought-out lighting design should not only transform the interior, but provide comfort and preserve the health of the inhabitants of the house. At the stage of creating a project, a variety of nuances are taken into account.
Content
Types of lighting and their functions
There are two main types of light sources:
The intensity of natural light is directly related to the time of day, depending on the time of year, geographical location and atmospheric phenomena.Natural light is the most optimal, in terms of physiology and life. But it is not enough for full functioning. That is why such serious attention is paid to the planning of artificially created additional lighting. Includes incandescent lamps, fluorescent and LED devices.
The main options for artificial lighting:
General lighting
This is the most common form, without which not a single room can do. Light comes from above and spreads evenly throughout the room. The most striking example is a chandelier in the center of the ceiling. She does not give a light figure with clear edges, which can be clearly distinguished on the floor or on the wall.
General lighting can be divided into:
Accent lighting
Accent or local lighting is used to highlight specific areas.Its main function is to draw attention to individual objects or areas in the room. It can carry a purely decorative load - the illumination of a painting, sculpture or have practical value. With the help of point inclusions, we can safely move up the stairs, navigate in a dark closet, and find the necessary objects on the bedside table. Accent lighting allows you to play with space, snatching out one or another zone from the dark, giving them the main meaning depending on their use. For dinner, the dining group is highlighted. Then we move onto the sofa to read in silence or, conversely, to chat with household members. In multifunctional rooms, for example, in one-room apartments or studios, this method of lighting is simply necessary. It allows you to go about their business without interfering with each other. To create accents use floor lamps, table lamps, ceiling pendant devices, sconces, spotlights, LED strip.
There are three types of accent lighting:
Work light
Good lighting is essential for efficient and safe operation. In conditions of light deficit, the load on vision increases, which can lead to its decrease. Due to constant tension, not only the eyes get tired, but also the overall fatigue of the body increases. A person is not able to work long and productively in the twilight. The effectiveness and complexity of such activities as drawing, knitting, jewelry, sewing, reading, writing, cooking directly depends on the quality of lighting and its orientation. General light falls from above, so a shadow is created in the workspace. It is necessary to equip this zone with special directional sources - a table lamp, a sconce, a floor lamp, and point-and-shoot rotary devices. It is better not to use luminescent options in these areas, as they often blink and distort colors, and this negatively affects vision. Halogen devices are much better perceived, but they are not economical enough. Therefore, the best choice is LED designs that produce a pleasant glow for the eyes and consume significantly less energy.
Combined lighting
The essence of this option is to combine the previously described methods. The design of any interior certainly contains a combination of various types of lighting. In some rooms the general predominates, in others the accent. For example, in the living room, the central role is assigned to luxurious or laconic multi-track chandeliers. And in the office or bedroom, a bright general light is not so important, but here you can not do without a good desk lamp or sconce. Light is one of the most popular tools for zoning rooms.In the children's room, in addition to the common ones, local devices are needed in the work and play areas. In the kitchen, above the dining table and above the cooking surface. In the bathroom and hallway - in the area of the mirror or decorative niche. A combination of different options can be observed in any room, but it acquires special significance in a multifunctional room. In living rooms combined with a bedroom, kitchen or dining room, it is especially important to provide for the possibility of various lighting scenarios.
Rules and regulations
The use of artificial lighting made it necessary to develop clear requirements for its parameters. The well-being of a person, his emotional mood, his ability to work efficiently, and maintaining good vision depend on how well-organized it is. Therefore, various premises have their own specific standards. It is easy to guess that for the study and the closet their values will not be the same. The main document that you need to focus on when calculating the number and power of appliances in the apartment is SNiP 23-05-95. It regulates the natural and artificial lighting of residential, educational, commercial, industrial premises, as well as squares, parks, streets, squares.
The unit of illumination is Lux –1 lumens per square. m. The norm depends on the purpose of the room. For example, 150 Lx is enough for a living room, bedroom or dining room. In the nursery, it is necessary to provide 200Lx, in the bathroom or kitchen it is already 250, and in the study all 300. In the hallway, pantry, in the attic or in the basement you will need 50-60 Lx.
About light sources
Natural sources include the sun's rays, the glow of stars, aurora, moonlight. Artificial resources are fire: a bonfire, torches, candles, and gas lamps, and electric lamps. The latter are divided into several types:
Natural light and how to regulate it
Direct exposure to natural light may cause some discomfort. Reflecting from mirrored and glossy surfaces, harsh sun rays irritate vision. In addition, they overheat the room too much, and this is not always desirable, especially in summer. Therefore, there are various methods for protecting against daylight penetration and controlling its amount.
Traditionally, a variety of curtains, tulle are used for this purpose. The choice of material depends on the needs of the owners of the premises. You can choose light transparent curtains that only slightly adjust the illumination. Or deaf curtains, which create absolute darkness in the room even in the daytime. As light regulators use blinds, roller blinds. There is also a more radical solution - to install double-glazed windows with a special coating to reflect sunlight. This is especially true for skylights of the attic floor. And for those who do not have the opportunity to change the glass, there are a lot of proposals for a self-adhesive tint film.
If there is not enough light, you can "catch" it with:
About fixtures and their placement
A harmonious lighting scenario is created, starting from the characteristics of the room, the direction of design. Properly selected accents allow you to visually change the space to correct its shortcomings and emphasize advantages.
The "queen" of lighting design is still a chandelier.The large room with high ceilings uses massive structures with a long suspension. Low ceilings - an occasion to shorten the length of the cord or chain and direct the rays up, creating the illusion of raised arches. Spotlights can be in addition to the "main decoration" of the living room or act as the "basis" in the corridor or bathroom. Sconces, spots, floor lamps, table lamps - serve as a highly specialized addition to the main light. Each of them has its own specific responsibilities - lighting of the workspace, places for rest, reading, cooking or eating. LED panels, cords, fiber are excellent tools for decorating a two-level stretch ceiling or walls. Cords mounted in drywall niches can be multi-colored. In order to change the color, you just need to press the button on the remote control. Using LEDs, create a variety of patterns that look stunning at night.
Does the lighting have a style?
To answer this question, you need to carefully look at the devices that help the light fill the room. Style directly depends on the characteristics of the fixtures - shape, color, materials of manufacture. Classic interiors welcome chandeliers and sconces with crystal pendants. Modern chrome devices reign supreme. Pop art is filled with bright, sometimes awkward plafonds. The interior of a country house in the Provence style is “warmed up” by textile lampshades. A loft is inconceivable without production floodlights, track systems and spots. Country added rustic color forged or wooden designs. Art Nouveau makes intricate lines and shapes even more spectacular. The chosen style affects the number of light sources, their power and placement.
Room Lighting Design
The proper organization of lighting is one of the paramount design tasks.This is the most important component of the comfort and coziness of your home. Each room has its own rules for the selection and installation of certain devices. Light should emphasize the advantages of the chosen design, create a certain atmosphere.
Hallway and corridor
The entrance hall is usually devoid of sunlight. The use of artificial sources allows you to turn a gloomy corridor into a bright attractive reception room. Bulky appliances are useless here - why “eat up” an already small space. In addition, it is not safe to use voluminous chandeliers and floor lamps in a cramped room. It is better to place a ceiling spotlight here, and hang a sconce on the wall near the mirror. The illumination will be enhanced by the LED illumination of the cabinet or decorative niches, as well as a mirror wall.
Living room
In the living room the situation is reversed. Here, a voluminous chandelier is more than appropriate. Since this is a common room, various lighting scenarios need to be provided. A sconce above the armchair, a floor lamp by the sofa, a LED fiber device on the coffee table will fit perfectly into the interior. LED decoration with various programs will help you to relax on a weekday and decorate a festive party.
Bedroom
The traditional design of the bedroom provides for the presence of a ceiling light - a chandelier or devices built into the suspended ceiling, lamps in the area of bedside tables and a dressing table. In addition, they use LED illumination of niches, cabinets, bed contour. The theater mirrors and paintings with built-in lamps give a special chic to the room.
Kitchen
The division of this room into zones determines the use of general light and the emphasis on individual sections. Kitchen sets are often equipped with built-in appliances, otherwise you can fix several energy-saving devices under the upper drawers. Above the dining table are placed long pendant lights or track structures.The main thing is not to use lamps with a bluish glow - it makes dishes unappetizing.
Children
The nursery is a universal room. The child is studying, playing, resting and sleeping here. Each type of activity involves the use of a special space. Lighting areas should be appropriate for their purpose. In the training you need a directed source that will not strain your eyesight. For example, a folding table lamp on a clothespin or sconce. At the same time, unnecessarily bright, flickering appliances should be avoided. They contribute to fatigue and eye damage. The play area is lit from above - for this purpose a chandelier for several horns is suitable. Do not hang crystal or forged lampshades - this is unsafe. Playing a ball or playing a wheel is incompatible with long suspensions. It is better to choose a lightweight plastic instance in the colors of the main palette. The rest or sleep area requires a soft diffused glow. It’s best to cope with this task night light or vinyl phosphorescent stickers. They come in different subjects, but the most popular is certainly the starry sky. For the room of a teenager in the attic, track systems and rows of identical one-track chandeliers or spots are used. Often they are fixed on the roof slopes.
Cabinet
The main condition is good illumination of the desktop, at which busy people spend whole days. This has a direct impact on their effectiveness, prevents fatigue, and preserves eye health. Overhead is not so important. He can be distracted and unobtrusive. The office does not need palace chandeliers, enough built-in devices and a table lamp with a flexible or folding leg.
In any room of the house, lighting fixtures should be functional, safe, in harmony with other interior items.