Light is a magical element that can transform a space and give it life and soul. Decorative lighting, as a branch of lighting, goes beyond mere lighting and creates striking spaces by shining artistic light. Unlike common lighting that is used solely to provide ambient lighting, decorative lighting seeks to create unique visual experiences and highlight decorative elements in space with elegance and creativity. This style of lighting has several advantages that we will learn about in this article from EDC. We will also introduce you to creative ideas for decorative lighting.
What are the advantages of decorative lighting?
The benefits of decorative lighting include:
Unique aesthetics: This lighting combines the magic of light and art and, with elegance and creativity, gives depth and dimension to the space. The artistic radiation of light and shadow instills a sense of warmth and intimacy and gives a beautiful and stunning effect to the environment.
Highlighting decorative elements: Using decorative lighting, you can draw attention to specific elements in the space, such as paintings, sculptures or furniture. Shining focused light on these elements with the help of decorative lights doubles their beauty and makes them stand out as focal points in the space.
Creating different moods and feelings: Decorative lighting has a role beyond beauty and can create different moods and feelings in the space by changing the color and intensity of light. Soft, warm light creates a relaxing and intimate atmosphere, while bright, cool light creates a sense of excitement and vitality.
Space division: Decorative lighting can delicately separate different spaces in a larger environment without the need for physical walls, giving each space a distinct identity and function. This is especially useful in open spaces or small apartments.
Energy saving: By choosing energy-efficient lights such as LED, you can benefit from the benefits of decorative lighting while also saving energy.
Interesting ideas for decorative lighting at home
There are many creative ideas for decorative lighting at home that you can use to create dreamy spaces that suit your taste. Here are some of these ideas:
1. Lighting photo frames and paintings
By shining hidden or spot lights on photo frames and paintings, you can give them a special and prominent effect and draw attention to them. This will be very beautiful and effective, especially for exquisite paintings or memorable family photos.
Important tips for choosing a light:
Type of light: Use soft, indirect light to illuminate photo frames and paintings. Direct light can damage the color and texture of the painting.
Light color: Choose the color of the light according to the color of the frame and the style of the painting. For paintings with warm colors, use light with a warmer color temperature (3000 Kelvin) and for paintings with cool colors, use light with a cooler color temperature (4000 Kelvin).
Brightness: Adjust the brightness so that the painting is fully and evenly lit, but avoid creating glare and strong light.
Bulb Type: Energy-efficient, long-lasting LED bulbs are the best option for lighting picture frames and signs. These bulbs produce little heat and their color does not change over time.
2. Under-cabinet lighting
Using LED strips or linear lights under cabinets for kitchen lighting, in addition to providing adequate lighting for the countertop, also creates a modern and stylish space. This lighting can be very practical and beautiful, especially in kitchens with dark cabinets.
Important points in choosing an under cabinet light:
Amount of light: The amount of light required for under cabinet lighting depends on various factors such as the height of the cabinets, the color of the cabinets and the type of activity that is done under the cabinets. In general, for adequate lighting under cabinets, you need 12 to 18 watts of light per meter of cabinet length.
Lifespan: The lifespan of under cabinet lights should be such that they do not need to be replaced in the short term. In general, LED lights have a long lifespan and can provide up to 50,000 hours or more of light.
Moisture resistance: The kitchen is a humid space, and for this reason, under-cabinet lights must be resistant to moisture and water vapor.
3. Lighting inside cabinets
Installing small LED lights inside closets makes it easier to find clothes and items you need in the dark, and it also gives the closets a luxurious and modern look.
4. Fireplace Lighting
A fireplace is the focal point of many living rooms, and lighting it can add beauty and warmth to a space. Using candles, LED strings, or built-in wall lights around the fireplace will give it an eye-catching effect.
5. Under-Furniture Lighting
Lighting under furniture, such as sofas or beds, can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in your home. This lighting can also help make a space appear larger, especially in small spaces.
6. Staircase Lighting
Installing LED lights under or on the sides of stairs, in addition to providing lighting and increasing safety, gives the stairs a modern and beautiful look. This lighting will be very practical, especially on dark stairs or stairs without skylights.
Important points in choosing a stair light:
Brightness: The amount of lighting required for stairs depends on factors such as the width of the stairs, the color of the walls and the number of steps. In general, for adequate lighting of the stairs, you need 1 to 2 watts of lighting per step.
Bulb type: LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient type of bulbs and have a long lifespan. These bulbs produce very little heat and, for this reason, are suitable for use on stairs.
Safety: Stair lights should be installed in such a way that they are not exposed to impact or damage.
Aesthetics: Stair lights should match the style of your home decoration.
7. Lighting plants
Using special plant lights, you can give your flowers and houseplants a special and beautiful look. This lighting gives your home decor a beautiful look, especially at night.
8. Mirror Lighting
Lighting around mirrors, especially in bathrooms and bedrooms, can help make the space appear brighter and make it easier to get things done.
When using lights in bathrooms and toilets, be sure to use bathroom lights because they meet the necessary standards.
Using lights above mirrors can be useful for better performing tasks such as applying makeup or shaving.
9. Ceiling lighting
The ceiling is a forgotten element in lighting that, with a little creativity, can be used to create a beautiful space. Using hidden lighting, fiber optics or special chandeliers can give a luxurious and modern look to the ceiling of the house. All of the lighting mentioned is done with the help of surface-mounted ceiling lights and recessed ceiling lights.
10. Exterior lighting of the building
In addition to beautifying a building, exterior lighting can also increase the sense of security.
Using exterior wall lights, pendants, or ceiling spotlights can help highlight architectural elements at dusk and in the dark.
All of the above fall into the category of building exterior lighting.
Decorative lighting applications in various spaces
Decorative lighting is an important element in interior design that is used to create attractive visual effects. This type of lighting, using special lights and lamps, can help decorate and beautify residential, office, commercial, and even public spaces. In public spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and stores, decorative lighting has a great impact on attracting customers and creating a lasting experience.
We have examined some of the uses of decorative lighting in different spaces:
Use of decorative lighting in the home
Peace and Beauty
Highlighting Elements
Decorative Lighting in Halls
Decorative lighting is one of the constant layers in hall lighting, which, when implemented properly, can give a luxurious and magnificent effect to the space and create a suitable space for holding special events such as weddings and celebrations.
By using decorative lighting, you can create a diverse and dynamic space in halls and use light to create eye-catching visual effects.
Decorative lighting can coordinate with the theme and colors of the event and add to its beauty.
Decorative lighting in galleries
Highlighting artwork: Decorative lighting plays an important role in highlighting artwork and drawing visitors’ attention to it.
Creating a suitable space: Decorative lighting should be such that it provides a suitable space for viewing artwork and prevents dazzling light from shining into the eyes of visitors.
Maintaining the authenticity of the works: Decorative lighting should not damage the authenticity and color of artwork, and direct light should be avoided.
Interesting ideas:
Using spot lighting to focus light on specific works
Using linear lighting to create a sense of movement and dynamism in the space
Using colored lights to create a special atmosphere that suits the theme of the exhibition
Decorative lighting in display cases
Attention-grabbing: Decorative lighting can help draw the attention of passersby to the windows and display the products inside them.
Highlighting products: In store window lighting, this lighting layer can be used to highlight specific products in the window.
Creating a sense of depth: Decorative lighting can help make the window space appear larger.
Attractive ideas:
Using mixed lighting to create more appeal
Using moving lights to create a sense of dynamism and attract more attention
Using colored lights that match the color and type of products
Decorative lighting in restaurants
Create a pleasant atmosphere: Decorative lighting can help create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the restaurant and stimulate customers’ appetite.
Space division: Using this layer for restaurant lighting, you can separate different spaces in the restaurant, such as the dining room and the outdoor space.
Create a theme: Decorative lighting can coordinate with the theme and decoration of the restaurant and add to its beauty.
Attractive ideas:
Use a ceiling light to beautify the ceiling and overall lighting of the restaurant (decorative ceiling lighting transforms the space and affects the subconscious of customers)
Use spot lighting to focus light on tables
Decorative lighting in hotels
Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere: Using a decorative layer in hotel lighting can help create a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere in this space.
Highlighting Special Elements: Using decorative lighting, you can highlight special elements in the hotel, such as the lobby, rooms, and restaurant.
Creating a sense of luxury: Decorative lighting can help create a sense of luxury and opulence in the hotel and distinguish it from other hotels.
Attractive ideas:
Using smart lighting to adjust the light in the rooms according to the needs and tastes of guests
Using luxurious chandeliers in the hotel lobby
As you have seen, decorative lighting has a wide variety of uses in different spaces and can double the beauty of the space.