Illuminate your home

Delve into the world of luminosity to achieve an elegantly and practically lit home

The lighting in your home affects your mood, emotions and wellbeing. A well-lit up room doesn't just transform the way your home looks, feels and functions, it also makes your space both practical and cosy. To create a functional yet decoratively lit space, you must consider the activity that is done in that part of your home. Each room in your home serves a different purpose, so start by determining your lighting goals for each space of your house, including the outdoor area.

Living rooms are used for a number of things from casual gatherings to quiet snug nights, hence an adaptable lighting source is preferred, such as ambient, task and accent lighting. Chandeliers, track lighting and pendants are used mostly in focal areas like living or dining rooms. One can also go for flexible track lighting or wall-mounted fixtures. Dimmer control also helps in setting mood lighting. Arc lamps, tripod floor lamps and tree lamps serve as a statement décor piece as well as a lighting source to evoke a sense of warmth. They are commonly used in living rooms which are more spacious.

Dining rooms are the focal point of any house, so a good chandelier or pendant light above the table is recommended. Buffet lamps, which are generally taller than regular table lamps, are used in dining spaces to direct light downwards onto the table setting to illuminate the food. String pendants along the length of the table can also lend the space an interesting vibe.

Similarly, bedrooms must have ambient lighting and task lamps for reading or performing other tasks. But recessed lighting and lamps with dimmer controls play a key role in creating a cosy ambience. Wall-mounted lamps or wall sconces are ideal on the sides of the bathroom mirror or along the hallway.

When planning your outdoor lighting, first define the look and ambience you wish to create. It can have a soft warm glow to create an inviting ambience, or it can be twinkly and shiny to lend it a stylish and exotic feel. There must be a pathway lighting for direction as well, as it is key to highlight the surrounding nature decorating your patio or garden. Led lanterns, fairy lights, recessed wall lighting, string lights etc. Are commonly used outdoors to add a glow to your garden. Fairy lights can also be used to create a warm atmosphere in your hallway or bedroom. Likewise, lanterns can accentuate your living décor and also work well for illuminating your garden.

When planning a special date night at home, your lighting can truly make or break the ambience. The soft flickering illumination of a candle enhances any ordinary moment into something special. Go for artificial candles that add warmth and cosiness to your beautiful setting. Decorative string lights at a distant backdrop can be a nice accent too.

Rohit Pegu is the Assistant Design Manager at Lifestyle Home