Interior Lighting Part 2

Interior Lighting Part 2

Posted By: Designer Mjanja Blog on 31st of October 2013

In this article we continue highlighting the common lighting mistakes to avoid and give some tips on how get you house lighting right;  Using incandescent or halogen sources without dimming While it is common for us to find ways of retrofitting lighting with more efficient, longer lived light sources than incandescent we should not forget that this type of lighting is still a viable and important part of lighting in a residence, provided it is dimmable. By dimming, we decrease energy and heat output, and we lengthen lamp life. Non- incorporation of Ambient, Task and Accent Lighting Lighting designers understand that all well-designed spaces incorporate different types of light. Ambient light is general lighting for walking around, conversing, and identifying objects. Task lighting provides higher, more concentrated lighting for tasks such as chopping vegetables, shaving, or reading. Accent light is used to highlight artwork or architectural features, such as the beautiful glass tile you’ve specified in the bath or the ceramic collection your client will showcase in open shelves in the kitchen. Combining all three types of light gives greater functionality, interest, and likelihood that you will have sufficient lighting. Neglecting to control different types of light separately For maximum efficiency and flexibility, each type of light should be controlled separately and any incandescent or halogen light or dimmable LED's should be dimmed. Controlling multiple sources can be achieved by the old school method of multiple light switches, but there are many more sophisticated ways to achieve control. From a simple programmable wall box system for single room control with preset scenes, to wireless controls that generate their own power and can be reprogrammed from a laptop. Controlling the lighting yields energy savings combined with the right amount and type of light for different times and uses. High Ceiling Recessed Down lights for Ambient light This results in a lot of wasted light and a very dark space. Light originating at high ceilings needs to have a focused tight beam spread with enough center beam candle power, such as that from a ceramic metal halide or high wattage halogen source. Better yet, using wall-mounted or pendant sources to reflect light off a ceiling surface often provides much better illumination than punching a lot of holes for recessed down lights. Decorating with light Decorating with light fixtures, or choosing fixtures based on how they look rather than their light output, performance and distribution often results in a waste of energy and less than optimal light output. For assistance with architectural light fixture choices, consider hiring a professional lighting designer who can transform your space through light, while providing adequate task lighting and often saving energy. On the Fundi Mjanja website, such professionals are listed under Interior Designers and can be found on the following link; http://www.fundimjanja.com/index.php?option=com_category&view=components&Itemid=122&cartId=33