Lighting Scheme

 How To Plan Your Lighting

A lighting scheme could be among the most important things you do for interior design. There’s no use having an interior that no one can see.

Choosing the best lighting scheme

How To Get Started
The first thing you should think about is how natural light will affect the room. Remember that it won’t always be blazing sunshine, and this may mean that a certain corner will be left in the dark. This is an important part of your lighting design.

Then it pays to figure out what the space will be used for. For example, a kitchen will need more task lighting, whereas a bedroom needs a combination of task and ambient lighting. Think about whether you like bright light or dimmer light for when you’re watching TV, for instance. If you haven’t quite figured out the final use of each room, then consider the possibilities.

Will there be any focal points within the room, a piece of artwork that you wish to draw attention to perhaps?

On The Plan
Whether you choose to draw your plan the old fashioned way on paper or using computer software, you must visualise your plan somehow.

Remembering to mark fixtures such as doors, windows, fireplaces and radiators that can’t move; you should also add movable furniture and the way they will face. Mark where the light switches will be- usually near the doorways or at the top and bottom of stairways.

Think about both fixed lighting, either in the form of spotlights, downlights or pendant lights, and movable lighting such as floor and table lamps.

Try to imagine where the light will be in the room and how it will get its power. Movable sources of light need plug sockets, but do remember that you’ll never have enough plug sockets regardless of how many you have, you’ll almost always need an extension lead (but do remember to check the voltage limit).