Lighting plays a pivotal role in transforming your interior spaces, setting the mood, and enhancing functionality. Understanding the codes, numbers, and other information bulbs and fixtures can clear up a lot of confusion that can come with sourcing these items. Let's shed light on various aspects of interior lighting to help you make informed choices...
Task, Ambient, and Accent Lighting
Understand the roles of different lighting types: Task lighting (focused on specific tasks), ambient lighting (overall illumination), decorative (lights meant to make a statement) and accent lighting (highlighting artwork or architectural features). A well-balanced mix of these enhances your space.
Understanding CRI (Color Rendering Index)
CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural sunlight. Look for high CRI numbers (80+ or 90+) for accurate color representation, especially in spaces where color matters, like kitchens, bathrooms, and art studios.
What Are Lumens?
Lumens indicate the brightness of a light source. When choosing bulbs, consider the space's size and function. Use higher lumens for task lighting (reading), and lower for ambient lighting (mood setting). When using light fixture with a clear glass globe covering a bulb, be cautious not to use too high of lumen for your bulb so it's not too harsh on the eyes to look at.
What about Dimmable Lights?
Opt for dimmable light fixtures and compatible dimmable bulbs to have flexible control over brightness. Installing dimmer switches allows you to tailor lighting for various occasions, from cozy dinners to movie nights - but also the brightness when you need it for tasks. Remember, it's a safety hazard to use a dimmer switch on a non-dimmable fixtures, so always make sure you check the fixture specs before purchasing or installing a dimmer switch. As a designer, I love installing dimmer switches on just about any fixture and/or location!
Color Temperature (Kelvins) Matters...Big Time!
Color temperature (measured in Kelvins) affects the ambiance in a major way. It's one of the most important numbers to check on a light source. For a warm, inviting feel, aim for 3000K. If you prefer a crisper, modern vibe, 3500K works. Avoid going above 4000K to prevent a cold, uninviting atmosphere. Less than 3000K has more of a yellow/amber glow and should be reserved for fixtures like lamps and accent lighting that the space isn't depending on as the main light source in a room.
Layering Light for Flexibility
Layer your lighting to cater to different needs throughout the day and night. Use brighter, cooler light (3000-3500K) for recessed lighting and warmer light (2700-3000K) for decorative fixtures like chandeliers and lamps. A combination of layered light colors and dimmers will give you amazing flexibility for whatever vibe you need the space to have at any given time.
Continuity of Lighting
When replacing bulbs or fixtures in your home, consider the home as a whole and try to stick with the same quantity, quality, and temperature of light throughout all spaces for the most cohesive feel. If you have more than one decorative fixture in a space (ie: a dining chandelier adjacent to island pendants), use the same bulbs if possible - or at least the same style and Kelvin temperature so they blend well together.
Choosing the Right Bulb Size and Shape
Ensure the bulb's base size matches the fixture. If a fixture calls for a standard E26 base, be sure your bulb is compatible with that code. Smaller candelabra bulbs will be needed for fixtures calling for E12 bulbs.
After you figure out what base size you need, consider what style bulb suits your taste and the fixture best. Remember that even if a fixture is shown on a photo or comes with a particular style bulb, often the look of the fixture can change drastically by simply swapping out the bulb style. For example, swap traditional candelabra bulbs for sleeker option--like an Edison or tubular style--in a chandelier.
Lighting can seem complex, but we hope this guide will empower you to select fixtures and bulbs confidently, knowing they'll enhance your space!
Need more inspiration and lighting tips? In our 'Interior Motives' newsletter this month, we're talking all things lighting! Not signed up to receive our newsletters yet? Click here! Be sure to also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find lighting tips all month long...