Sunday 23 April 2017

The Three Main Types Of Lighting







When lighting installation is done in a home or office, there is a common expectation among people. The expectation is based on the view that one type of lighting is all that is needed for all lighting functions. But is one type of lighting adequate for home lighting or office lighting? One type of lighting is neither adequate in a home or office. The different areas in a home require different types of lighting. A living room might need a combination of two or more types of lighting.

On the other end, a bed room might only need one or two types of lighting. Such lighting issues require a broad understanding of lighting as a variable of interior and exterior décor. Lighting is majorly used for illumination purposes in homes. Other than illumination, lighting is used to facilitate visual interest in a room. A lighting design that is carefully created in a home accentuates its beauty and tranquility of a home. Basically, there are three types of lighting which serve different roles as will be explained in details below.

1. General/Ambient lighting
A great lighting plan must consider general lighting since it is the one that is commonly used at home. General lighting is used to provide radiance for the entire room and is casually regarded as natural light. General lighting ensures people can see and move about in a room with utmost safety. The key purpose is to create lighting uniformity in all spaces regardless of whether there is task lighting and accent lighting or not. The amount of light that emanates from general lighting has to be of medium brightness to avoid dazzling light. This assures comfortable lighting in a home. Design experts recommend that general lighting should be given priority before considering task and accent lighting.

Basic aims of general lighting

· To provide overall lighting in a home
· To provide a relaxing feeling in a home by nurturing a calm environment

Types of lighting fixtures used for general lighting

· Ceiling mounted fixtures
Provide radiance in a space in a downward manner.

· Valance lighting
Directs light away from walls and ceilings.

· Recessed lighting
They comfortably work with high and low ceilings. However, few track light fixtures should be installed for a low ceiling. The few the track lights, the lesser the glaring effect.



· Wall sconces
They allow a lot of lighting diversity as they suit most spaces in a home. Spacing the wall scones in spaces such as hallways does the trick.

· Chandeliers
A fairly tall ceiling enables the chandeliers to be hang at the desired heights without worrying they will knock people.

· Table and floor lamps
These are portable types of lights. They supplement other types of general lighting fixtures.

2. Task lighting

This lighting is in some cases referred to as office lighting. It is lighting that is very concentrated on specific sections of a space to provide illumination in order to assist a given function. A general rule that has to be observed when using task lighting is to ensure sufficient level of brightness. In a home for instance, a study room, kitchen, dining room, bed rooms and bathrooms require task lighting. In a study room, a table lamp is necessary to enhance computer aided functions such as typing, writing and reading activities. A kitchen and dining room requires task lighting to facilitate food preparation and eating activities.

Aims of task lighting
· Increases the level of attention and concentration when doing specific activities.
· It finely illuminates the target space leading to clarity hence accuracy in performing a task.

Types of lighting fixtures for task lighting

1. Moveable table and floor lamps - They are easily carried from one area to another.

2. Swing arm lamps - They can be effortlessly adjusted according to the desired direction.

3. Pendant lighting - They can be hang above a person’s work station in an office to provide enough light when working.

4. Track lighting - Track lights harness maximum light to the defined areas as long as they are affixed within close range.

5. Vanity lighting - They are suitable for bathrooms. They can also be mounted in bedrooms on areas where dressing mirrors are fixed.

6. Under cabinet lighting - They are the best for providing additional lighting in kitchens. Under cabinet lighting enable people to engage in cooking and cleaning tasks.



3. Accent lighting (highlighting)
Indoor and outdoor accent lighting is vital in homes. Accent lighting is used for creating visual appeal which is an important factor in design. Accent lighting creates emphasis concerning a particular thing both in the interior and exterior of a home. It gives the impression of a larger space. The level of brightness in accent lighting is usually higher than that of other types of lighting. As such, it is possible for the targeted objects to become focal points and draw the attention of people. An attractive piece of furniture, book shelve or outdoor plant is capable of attracting the attention of people as a result of accent lighting. Both in a home or an office, photographs and large paintings catch the attention of people when accent lighting is used.

Aims of accent lighting

· Nurtures a stylish look in a home.
· Accords targeted objects and images prominence.

Types of lighting fixtures used in accent lighting 

· Directional recessed lighting and spot lighting
They guarantee complete wall illumination. When mounted close to the base of the wall, they are able to accent wall patterns and textures.

· Wall mounted lighting
Because they sizes vary, it is possible to emphasize large and small sculptures and artwork displayed on walls. The architectural design of walls is highlighted too.

· Landscape lighting
They are used for outdoor accent lighting. Driveways and monuments become excellently lit when landscape lighting is used.

In conclusion, one type of lighting cannot achieve home lighting and office lighting needs. As explained above, there are numerous types of lighting. Each category of lighting is meant for a unique role and works well with specific lighting fixtures. Thus all the three types of lighting should be assimilated in a home. Since it is not easy for people to professionally harmonize these three types of lighting in a home, the services of lighting designers have to be used.