Calgary Herald

Shining a light on indoor illuminati­on

How you live in a room will determine the lights you need, Colin and Justin write.

Fact: Balanced lighting will make or break your project. Under our watch, it falls into five distinct categories.

AMBIENT

This augments natural sunlight, allows you to see clearly and is typically achieved with ceiling-mounted fixtures and wall-mounted sconces.

TASK

To aid any task that requires extra light, and typically associated with side lamps (to help when reading, crafting or sewing, or in the kitchen — under cabinetry — to illuminate food prep), balanced task lighting is critical.

MOOD

This category creates atmosphere, the resultant mood being more important than the fitting's actual design. Perhaps a low wattage floor lamp, positioned behind a sofa to cast a warm glow, or a lighting strip fixed above a shelf to light wash upper wall areas.

ACCENT

Think directiona­l lighting (positioned, perhaps, to pinpoint architectu­ral features) or track illuminati­on centred over a series of wall mounted photograph­y or artwork.

DECORATIVE

In this category, the lamp itself is as important as the light it emits. Examples include snaking Arco lamps that suffuse a retro vibe or gloopy Mathmos lava lamps that scream 1970s.

OUR ROOM-BY-ROOM LIGHTING PRIMER

LIVING ROOM: Here, successful illuminati­on requires forward thinking to satisfy several requiremen­ts. To champion, list all the aspects you require: cosy side lighting for TV viewing and armchair chatting, overhead lighting for kids to play, or task lamps to craft or read. Experiment by creating vignettes using decorative lamps either side of a credenza, or by flanking a sofa with side tables and light fittings.

DINING ROOMS: The focal point, obviously, is the table, so concentrat­e your efforts there. When positionin­g a chandelier or hanging a shade, ensure it's low enough to create an intimate pool of light, but not so low that it glares into the eyes of diners. Remember, too, that electric lighting isn't the only answer — few things are more romantic than a candlelit dinner, but opt for scent free variants so as not to conflict with food aromas.

KITCHEN LIGHTING: To keep things flexible, prioritize task (for safe food prep) and ambient options. Fit under cabinet spots, or use the built-in lamp on your exhaust to brighten countertop­s. Forgo fabric-covered ceiling fittings which can absorb grease and smells, and avoid counter-top lamps to keep work zones clear.

BEDROOM: You require ambient lighting for dressing and making the bed, side lamps for reading and maybe a floor standing lamp next to a chair. To free up nightstand surfaces, we often position ceiling pendants either side of the bed and, to evoke the popular hotel-at-home esthetic, we often wire anglepoise lamps into the wall above the bed. Whatever you choose, ensure it's dimmable, and that it can be operated as you enter the room and from the bed.

LIGHT-BULB MOMENTS

Modest tweaks can make a sizable difference: a 20-dimmer switch, for example, will create flexible mood at the touch of a button.

A lonely ceiling fixture is typically insufficie­nt — the best-lit rooms are those which feature overhead and side lighting.

Hallways look wonderful when attired with console tables dressed either end with lamps (and a mirror between to bounce light) to complement decor.

Under-cabinet task lights look great as mood lighting when overhead options are switched off at night.

In low ceilinged rooms, opt for dangle free pots or ceiling tracks that don't interfere with eye lines.

Conversely, to tame a high ceiling, hang a dramatic centrepiec­e to distract from vertical proportion­s.

Flickering candles add dinner-party drama, or intimate moments during nights in, but ensure flames don't come in contact with curtains or other fabrics.

Navigate less obvious sources as you seek out good lighting: our favourite spots are Aladdin's cave emporiums like Kijiji, Etsy and consignmen­t stores. Priced lower than typical high street stores, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Et voila — lighting: the perfect turn on, and indeed off. So go on, moderate overheads, turn up the table lamps and we'll see you — thoroughly illuminate­d — next time.