The Southwest Voice

Most of us don't think about lighting much in the summertime, when the days are longer and brighter, but lighting is still an important part of our indoor spaces.

We all know how lighting used properly can set the mood for a special occasion, such as a romantic, candle-lit dinner for two. However, many of us don't realize how lighting can totally change the look in a room.

For example, the common light bulb, known as incandescent tungsten, casts a warm light similar to sunlight, making the colors in your room appear more yellow. A full spectrum incandescent bulb emits a whiter light, closer to daylight. This type of lighting gives a truer, more vibrant look to the colors in your room.

It is important when choosing lighting for your living space that you keep in mind what the room is used for. If you mainly watch television there, then ambient lighting is fine. A few well-placed table lamps may do the trick. However, if you also read in that room, be sure to add task lighting near your favorite reading chair. Try a floor lamp that will direct the light from above, down toward your book. A Torchiere, or a lamp that casts the light upward, can make a small space look larger. To create drama in your room, use accent lighting such as a canned light placed in the corner on the floor behind a tall plant.

Be sure to choose lamps that are the correct scale for your room and the furniture in it. Don't put a small bedroom lamp on a large living room end table. It will look out of balance. If a small lamp is all you have to work with, place it on top of a stack of books or on an old jewelry box to give it height.

Get creative and have fun with lighting. You will be amazed at what it can do for your room!

Local Redesign Specialist