10 Tips for Achieving Effective Area Lighting！
Canco Lighting Blog / By Will Xue
Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere of living spaces. However, many homeowners still rely on the traditional method of a single light fixture to light their entire home. With the wide variety of lighting options available today, such as floor lamps, recessed lights, downlight, and track lights, relying on a single light fixture can make a space feel drab.
Area Lighting is a technique that involves dividing a living space into different areas and illuminating each area separately. By incorporating various types of fixtures into different corners of your living space, you can create a warm, practical, and layered ambiance. So, How to Achieve Effective Area Lighting? Today, Canco will share 10 tips, hoping to help everyone.
1. Determine the Area:
Begin by identifying the different zones or areas within your living space. This could include the living room, dining area, study corner, etc. Each area has its purpose and lighting requirements.
2. Plan the Lighting Layout:
Once you have identified the areas, plan the lighting layout for each zone. Consider the activities that will take place in each area and determine the type of lighting required. For example, task lighting may be needed for the study area, while ambient lighting may be more suitable for the living room.
3. Choose the Right Fixtures:
Select fixtures that are appropriate for each zone and complement the overall design of the space. This could include LED Pendant Lights, LED Downlights, or Recessed Spotlights. Ensure that the fixtures provide adequate lighting for the specific tasks or ambiance you want to create in each zone.
4. Layer the Lighting:
To create depth and visual interest, use a combination of lighting layers. This typically includes ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on specific activities, and accent lighting highlights architectural features or decor elements.
5. Choose Fixtures with A Shading Angle of 45° or Above:
The shading angle of a luminaire refers to the angle between the plane of the light outlet of the luminaire and the line of sight where the illuminant is just invisible. Fixtures with a shading angle lower than 30° can cause excessive brightness and glare, which may be uncomfortable for the eyes.
6. Control the Lighting:
Choose dimmable lighting fixtures and install lighting controls that allow you to adjust the intensity and color temperature of the lights in each area. This gives you the flexibility to create different moods and adapt the lighting to different occasions.
7. Consider Lighting Techniques:
Explore different lighting techniques to enhance the zone lighting. For example, use uplighting to wash walls with light, creating a soft and indirect glow. Use Downlights to highlight specific objects or areas within an area. Wall grazing or wall-washing techniques can add depth and texture to the space.
8. Pay Attention to Color and Contrast:
Choose lighting fixtures and light sources that complement the colors and textures in each area. Consider the contrast between the light and dark areas to create visual interest and focal points.
9. Test and Adjust:
Once the area lighting is installed, test it out and make any necessary adjustments. Pay attention to the functionality and ambiance of each area. If needed, fine-tune the positioning, intensity, or color of the lights to achieve the desired effect.
10. Wattage of Lamps:
For fixtures with beam angles, such as Spotlights and Track Lights, use standard household wattages of 7-12 watts. For larger spaces, you can choose higher-wattage fixtures.
By following these guidelines, you can achieve effective area lighting that not only meets the functional needs of each area but also enhances the overall aesthetics and atmosphere of your living space. Canco Lighting offers custom lighting solutions to meet the specific needs and functions of each of your areas. Contact us to discuss your lighting needs.