Illuminating Spaces : The Art of Selecting the Perfect Light Fixture
ILLUMINATING SPACES
The Art of Selecting the Perfect Light Fixture
From table and floor lamps to decorative wall sconces, pendants, chandeliers or picture lighting, we are here to help craft a symphony of ambience throughout your home
More than mere functional necessities, light fixtures are sculptural statements that blend form and function, casting both literal and metaphorical light on our living spaces. Whether you're seeking to create intimate ambiance or bright, energizing environments, selecting the right light fixture requires a delicate balance of aesthetic insight and practical wisdom.
Before diving into material selection, we identify the type of lighting that best suits each space.
In kitchens and dining spaces, we tend to favor ceiling mounted fixtures like pendants and chandeliers. These functional fixtures can hang over kitchen islands or dining tables, providing assistance for specific tasks like preparing and enjoying meals. In these spaces, hanging lights above fill the space more appropriately since these areas tend to be more open and favor higher ceilings.
If the lighting plan includes multiple fixtures over an island or table, allow 24” - 36” between each fixture (with 30” spacing being the most ideal)
Optimal clearance is 30” - 36” from the surface of your kitchen island or dining table to the bottom of your light fixture
Layering lighting elements is the key to spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Bathroom lighting is a crucial element of the home. Wall mounted lighting balanced with an overhead light option provides an elevated backdrop for your everyday rituals.
Depending on the amount of wall space, mounted task lighting may be installed above or beside a mirror. These lighting elements can also be a statement in your overall design scheme. We don’t shy away from mixing metals, and a bathroom is one of our favorite places to explore this design approach.
Mount sconces beside the mirror just above eye level or about 60” - 65” from the floor to the center of the fixture backplate.
Mounted lighting above a mirror should be at least ¾ the width of the mirror.
Wall mounted task lighting is an alternative to a traditional bedside lamp. While there is nothing wrong with a table lamp, mounting your lighting during construction or a renovation can clear up nightstand space and create a special moment in your home.
Bedside mounted sconce lighting requires about 55” - 60” of clearance from the floor to the top of the sconce. You should be able to reach a switch (if applicable) from a seated position in bed
A good lighting plan considers the material as much as the function of your fixtures. Below you will find our considerations and material outlines.
GLASS
aesthetic: clean, versatile, simple
pros: bright, provides maximum visibility through the space, offers maximum light distribution, versatile option, functional in any room of the home
considerations: requires more upkeep and cleaning , actual lightbulb is visible, can create glare
WOVEN TEXTURES
aesthetic: organic, beachy, neutral
pros: creates aesthetic interest, eco-friendly, durable, brings in more texture to a space, well suited for coastal homes
considerations: tend to collect most dust of the material categories, can create light patterns on ceilings & walls, not all are damp rated/able to be used in wet spaces (bathrooms)
STONE & CASTED TEXTURES
aesthetic: earthy, organic, rustic, neutral
pros: durable, timeless, unique and one of a kind, eco-friendly natural materials
considerations: heavier materials need more support for installation, natural stones can be on the pricier side, as they’re one of a kind, you may have an imperfect match
Which lighting best fits your style? Are you planning a renovation or building a new home? Let us help you design your island life.
- Emily Lowe
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