You may think of large fixtures such as ornate chandeliers, clusters of pendants and elaborate track lighting when you think about lighting design. Even small fixtures like portable lamps can make a big difference in transforming a space, according to the American Lighting Association(ALA)
Joe Rey-Barreau is an education consultant for ALA and associate Professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design. “With the proper light bulb and shade, a lamp can provide effective task lighting while also serving as an important decorative element in a space.”
It is important that you view the lamp as part of the whole and not just the source of light in a space. If a single lamp is the main light source, it will not be able to effectively illuminate a large area. As lighting accessories, table and floor lamp are able to create multiple layers of light in a room.
Layering Your Lights
“Layering of light means there are multiple types of lighting fixtures in a single space,”Rey-Barreau. “For example, in addition to recessed and decorative lighting at the ceiling, table and floor lamps can provide lighting for dark corners.”
It can be difficult to choose the right lamps for your space from the almost infinite selection of styles and types available.
Bulbs are the focus
Incandescent bulbs were used for table and floor lamps in the past. However, they have been replaced by LEDs. LED light bulbsNow, there is a better alternative. LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, and are 5-6 times more efficient than traditional bulbs.
“It is important to choose the correct color temperature of the bulb,” Rey-Barreau says. “Incandescent and halogen bulbs all have the same warm color temperature, which is a measure of how visually warm or cool a space appears. LED bulbs are available with different color temperature ratings, and consumers sometimes make the mistake of choosing a color that appears too cool or bluish.”
Bulb packaging contains information about the light output, wattage consumed and color temperature. Rey-Barreau recommends choosing a color temperature between 2700K and 3000K, which will match the color incandescent or halogen bulbs.
Your local ALA-member storeWe offer a wide selection of lamps and are able to assist you in finding the right fixture for you. More information is available online at americanlightingassoc.com.
