How To Get Task Lighting Right

The key to any successful interior design makeover is your lighting system. This is what really brings a room together, creating a real sense of ambiance - and you can quickly change the way a space looks and feels based on your choice of lamp, shade and even the bulb itself.

While you’re sure to want to create cosy corners at home where you can sit back and relax with the family, you also need to consider that sometimes you’re going to want lighting systems that help you go about your daily business - and this is something to consider in every room of the house, from the living room to the bathroom.

In the living room, make sure you position lamps in strategic places to help you if you want to curl up with a good book and while away a few hours in literary bliss. Don’t forget that natural light will also play a big part in the creation of a successful lighting system, so bear this in mind when deciding on your overhead and task lights.

For example, in the office you might be wise to lay the room out so that natural light and any table lamps aren’t directly behind the screen of your computer, as this can create glare on the screen and be quite uncomfortable for your eyes.

To help reduce this, you’ll want to avoid bright lights throughout the room and also have a lamp on your desk to the side of your computer so it doesn’t shine on the screen. Make sure the room isn’t too dark, however, as this can be hard on the eyes, as well.

You can avoid creating shadows by positioning your task light on the side opposite your dominant hand, as this will mean you cast shadows as you work.

The kitchen is, perhaps, the most important room in which to make sure your task lighting is on point. Cooking requires the use of very sharp knives on occasion, so you’re going to want to be able to see what you’re doing.

Review your kitchen plan and think about what activities will be taking place where, as this will help you work out what lighting would be most appropriate. Food prep zones, the hob and the kitchen sink will all need good task lighting, while eating areas would benefit from accent and mood lighting instead.

Spotlights or LED strips are perfect for task lighting in a kitchen, because you can install them in the bottoms of your kitchen cupboards, helping you to see what you’re doing and looking stylish all at the same time.

For further help and advice relating to lighting interior design, get in touch with the team here at Lumination today.