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When you walk into a room, what is the first thing that you notice? For most people, it’s the ambient light. Ambient lighting sets the mood and tone for a space, and it’s an important part of interior design. In this blog post, we will discuss what ambient lighting is, and how you can create it in your own home.
Table of Contents
Ambient light is the general light in a space and is sometimes referred to as General Lighting. It’s not focused on any one object, but instead provides an overall illumination for the room.
Ambient lighting for a room can be created with floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, or ceiling fixtures like chandeliers.
Good general lighting need not be too bright but balanced by the combining of correct layers of light and never harsh on the eye.
Ambient lighting plays an important role in the lighting design technique of layering with light, which combines 3 key ingredients for a wonderfully lit interior space. The combination of task lighting, accent lighting and this general light creates a layering effect that is both practical and visually appealing.
Examples of interior ambient lighting include
There are several advantages to using ambient light in your home. Here are a few of them:
Now that we’ve discussed what ambient lighting is and some of its advantages, let’s talk about how you can create it in your own home.
The first step is to choose the right placement for your ambient light fixtures. Where will the light be placed? Will it be overhead, on a wall, or on a table? You’ll want to place them around the perimeter of the room, as well as in any corners. This will help to evenly distribute the light and avoid any dark spots in the room.
The next step is to choose the right colour temperature for your ambient light. The colour temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of the light. You’ll want to choose a colour temperature that matches the mood you’re trying to create. Warm colours like yellow and orange create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while cool colours like blue and white create a cool and relaxing atmosphere.
The colour rendering index (CRI) is a measure of how well a light source renders colours. The higher the CRI, the better the light will be at rendering colours. When choosing an ambient light, you’ll want to choose one with a high CRI, so that colours are accurately reproduced.
If you want to be able to adjust the intensity of your ambient light, then you’ll need to choose a fixture with a dimmer switch. This will allow you to dial in the perfect amount of light for your needs.
In addition to ambient lighting, you may also want to use accent lighting. Accent lighting is used to highlight specific objects or features in a room. It can be used to create focal points, and it’s perfect for drawing attention to a piece of artwork or furniture.
When choosing the location for your ambient light fixtures, you’ll need to take into account the size of the room. You’ll want to place them in areas where they will provide the most coverage.
When choosing ambient light fixtures, you’ll need to decide what type of lighting you want. There are several different types of ambient light to choose from, including:
When choosing ambient light fixtures, you’ll also need to decide on the right look. Do you want something modern or traditional? Something sleek and minimalistic or ornate and detailed? The choice is up to you!
The last step is to choose the right intensity for your ambient light. You’ll want to choose an intensity that matches the mood you’re trying to create. If you want a warm and inviting atmosphere, then you’ll want to choose a lower intensity. If you want a cool and relaxing atmosphere, then you’ll want to choose a higher intensity.
Accent lighting plays an important part in the build up of ambient lighting levels, contributing to the overall ambience of a room by adding to the general lighting levels. There are some key differences:
When choosing between ambient and accent light, it’s important to consider the size of the room and what type of mood you want to create.
Now that you know all about ambient light, it’s time to start incorporating it into your home! With its many advantages, ambient light is the perfect way to improve the look and feel of your space.
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