An interior designer guides you to the right lighting

How to choose lighting?

– Think about what you need in that particular room. Should the lamp be just decorative or should it also fulfil a function? Should it be bold or discreet? Do you want recessed spotlights or a larger installation? Think about what you want to say with the lighting, what feeling you want to give.

How many light sources should there be in a room?

–There should always be at least three lights in a small room, but the larger the room, the more lights. A normal-sized living room should have 5-6 lights, and it's a good idea to choose lights that shine both upwards and downwards. A lamp that shines downwards creates a more intimate atmosphere, while a lamp that shines upwards makes the room appear larger.

Is there a light source that should be used?

– I go by feel, but usually start with the main lighting, i.e. the ceiling lighting. A person who wants technical solutions might rather start with the spotlights and their control.

How and where to place the lights?

– In general, we say that it is better to place the lamp too high than too low and that lamps hanging over tables should always be smaller than the table. If you have several light sources, it's a good idea to place them about 50-80 centimetres apart. If the lamp is to be placed in the centre of the room, is free-standing or made of glass, it can have more volume and be more impressive. Just remember not to obstruct any views through windows. If you choose a larger lamp, supplement it with a few smaller, discreet ones.

What do you usually miss when lighting a room?

– Often people choose function first and appearance last. Most people start with spotlights and prefer to focus a lot on technical lighting. I think it's exciting to bring in some big vintage lamps to make your home unique. Also, don't forget about complementary lighting. This is lighting that adds cosiness, but may not have a function. Glass table and floor lamps often make a great impression. You can find incredible murano glass lamps on Italian vintage sites. This type of lamp makes a huge impact on the room.

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