Friday 12 March 2010

How to Light an Existing Room

A number of options exist to illuminate the room without having to change fittings that are hardwired or permanent features and fixtures.
Using freestanding lamps and up lights we can enhance and focus on the features mentioned previously.


The Table Lamp


These come in all forms and sizes, and the shade can be a feature or selected to blend in with the existing decoration.


The lamp can be used to illuminate a corner or as a task light beside a chair for reading.


The ideal positioning of the lower edge of the lampshade should be at eye level when you are seated - varying between 970 mm and 1007 mm above the floor.


Other features of the simple table lamp are that it gives three forms of lighting; up light / down light, task light or ambient background light. This is especially useful if the lamp is attached to a dimmer.


The Free Standing Lamp

This is similar to above but is used more for placing in corners to make a room feel larger or dividing up spaces when placed between two sofas for example.

A standing lamp with an interesting sculptural base or decorative shade can be used to create a statement. It does not need to match the table lamps but should be complimentary.