Different types of indoor lighting exist, and correctly identifying them, both from a function point of view and the choice of lighting fixtures, will determine the success or otherwise of the entire lighting design project.
As architects and interior designers know well, lighting is a very important aspect in interior design that often runs the risk of being overlooked.
In fact, correct lighting is able to make a difference in the way spaces are perceived, as well as affect the mood and state of mind of those who live there.
Giving the right light to any environment by proposing solutions capable of combining aesthetics and functionality is the goal that a well-structured lighting project should aspire to.
With this in mind, it is essential that professionals are perfectly familiar with the different indoor lighting systems, each of which has its own purpose and function and a different effect on the environment.
In this article, we will explore the different types of indoor lighting and will provide some advice on how to choose the right one based on the environment.
In particular, we will take a look at:
Snoob
When it comes to types of indoor lighting, a vast universe opens up.
In fact, the different types of lighting are not distinguished on the basis of a single criterion but are made up of several sub-categories, each of which must be carefully evaluated in the implementation of a lighting design project and that are not only about the type of lamps but also the kind of atmosphere you want to create. It is the function attributed to light in the specific case.
Let's analyze them in detail.
Correct lighting starts from perfect integration between natural and artificial light.
Natural light, i.e. the one directly from the sun, is an ideal source of lighting for the indoors because it makes spaces more welcoming and creates a natural and relaxing atmosphere.
Therefore, in a lighting project, it is essential to make the most of it, taking into account doors, windows and, in general, all the elements that allow light to pass through.
With this in mind, the layout of the spaces is a determining factor. For example, a living area facing south, south-east, or south-west will allow you to enjoy the sunlight for many more hours a day.
So, the lighting design project should start from the assumption that natural light should be the main source of illumination, to make the environment not only more comfortable but also healthier for people's psycho-physical well-being.
The objective of artificial light should be to integrate natural light and provide for the lack of it in the evening and at night or on particularly dark days, however, approaching as much as possible to that of the sun.
Therefore, the work of the interior lighting designer will be to make the best use of various light sources, distributing them in a carefully studied and strategic way in the various environments, in order to create an optimal ratio of light and shadow that guarantees the right visual comfort.
All of these assessments become all the more important when it comes to illuminating a room without windows or where natural light is otherwise scarce.
In these cases, identifying the right type of artificial light for the indoors will be indispensable, not only in terms of functionality but for people's health itself.
Resorting to dimmable solutions, which allow you to adjust the light intensity according to the time of day and the atmosphere you want to create, represents a smart way to use artificial light.
Also, choosing low-energy, high-quality sources of artificial light will allow you to reduce consumption with an eye to eco-sustainability.
Finally, the choice of the right color temperature deserves a separate discussion.
Warm light or cold light?
The choice of the right color temperature of the light is critical to define the type of atmosphere in every environment and will be different depending on the room and the lighting design project's location.
It should be remembered that traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs do not allow you to choose the color of the light. To be able to have this opportunity, it is necessary to opt for LED bulbs.
There are 3 types of interior lighting and lighting professionals agree that a perfect lighting design project must include all of them to create layered lighting.
These 3 lighting levels are:
Realizing a layered lighting project will therefore allow for optimal lighting both from the point of view of visual comfort and the functionality; it will create a sense of depth and give life to evocative plays of light to make each environment unique.
Bag
Among the different types of indoor lighting, an important distinction concerns decorative lighting and technical lighting, and the goal of a successful lighting design project is to find the perfect balance between the two to combine aesthetics and high performance.
Using decorative lighting means going far beyond simply lighting up an environment efficiently.
It means creating a special atmosphere, highlighting particular design elements, and creating a unique emotional experience for those who experience a certain space.
Decorative lighting adds style and elegance and, more generally, it allows you to define the mood of a location by choosing an indoor lighting design capable of making an instant style statement.
Whether it is a private home or a contract environment, to properly design decorative lighting, some essential elements must be taken into consideration, which will then be evaluated on a case-by-case basis:
Finally, for the success of the lighting project, it is fundamental to find the perfect balance between decorative lighting and technical lighting.
Braille
If the aesthetic component of the indoor lamps chosen for your project is fundamental, so are functionality and performance.
The synergy between luminous potential and style is important in order to outline the desired setting.
Technical lighting serves to uniformly illuminate an environment, ensuring the right amount of light to carry out daily activities.
Unlike decorative lighting, which mainly has an aesthetic function, technical lighting is designed to meet functional lighting requirements.
The use of technical lighting can, in fact, improve the experience of living and working in a given environment.
Good technical lighting increases productivity in the workplace, improves concentration and reduces eye strain, and helps reduce energy consumption and saves you money on your electricity bill.
Choosing the right technical lighting depends on the type of environment you want to illuminate, from the activities that take place there and the style of the location. It is important to choose quality lights and comply with safety standards when selecting and installing technical lighting.
Technical lighting starts from the calculation of energy requirements for ambient lighting.
To this end, it is necessary, first, to calculate how many lumens are needed to illuminate a room.
Lumen refers to the output of a luminous flux. It depends both on the surface to be illuminated and the intensity of the light, called lux (lumen= lux x mq).
The amount of lumens needed to illuminate an environment is also closely linked to the intended use of each specific space and the activities to which it is dedicated:
These values, as we have said, must be multiplied by the square meters of the room and are considered indicative because they may undergo slight variations based on the specific objective of the lighting project.
Accipicchio
Another fundamental distinction to keep in mind regarding the types of indoor lighting is that between direct lighting and indirect lighting.
Direct lighting is when light is emitted from a light source that directly illuminates the area below and is very useful as a source of task lighting when you need focused lighting.
An example of direct lighting is a suspension lamp above the dining table or the kitchen worktop.
Direct lighting can also be used for accent lighting, to focus attention on a specific area (like a stone wall, for example) or on a piece of designer furniture that you want to enhance (like a painting or a statue).
Instead, indirect lighting is when light is emitted from a light source which reflects off a surface (the ceiling or walls) and illuminates its surroundings.
An example of indirect lighting is a ceiling light, an LED strip, or a floor lamp, which emits the light towards the ceiling or walls.
This type of lighting is useful to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and has the advantage of spreading evenly, without creating areas of light or shadows.
Two different lighting systems for the indoors, which, for a successful lighting design project, should be considered complementary and must be used wisely, each with their own specific objective.
In addition to the types of indoor lighting just analyzed, another distinction concerns the types of designer indoor lamps to choose from to give life to a project that gives optimal light to every corner of the house, adding at the same time lighting fixtures capable of decorating and embellishing the environment.
The important thing is to choose lamps which, in terms of shapes, dimensions, and design, integrate perfectly with the overall mood.
Let's look at the characteristics of each one and how to choose them based on the environment, bearing in mind that, in the final decision, it will be essential to satisfy the tastes and preferences of the client.
Transparent and brilliant, minimal or opulent. In glass or ceramic, in metal or fiberglass, declined on reinterpretations of classic shapes or shapes with an innovative and bold design, the suspension lamps are a timeless solution that furnishes, illuminates, fills, and embellishes spaces.
There are different types of suspension lamps, both single and as clusters. They represent a type of designer indoor lighting to create the right atmosphere in any environment, both as a source of ambient lighting and task lighting.
These are just a few examples of where you can place suspension lamps. In fact, there are no limits to the use of this type of indoor lamp unless linked to the size of the spaces and the height of the ceilings.
In the case of particularly low spaces or low ceilings, it is advisable to not insert lighting fixtures that are too bulky, which would risk making the environment seem even smaller.
Leda
Ceiling lamps are an extremely functional solution and, thanks to the fact that they don't create clutter, they are perfect even in the case of small rooms.
They can be installed in the living room, bathroom, and bedrooms, and in any other environment, providing diffused lighting throughout the room.
Ceiling lamps are available today in a wide variety of styles, from the more minimalist and modern ones to the more classic and decorative ones.
In any case, this type of designer indoor lighting is capable of creating works of art with particular finishes that redefine our domestic skies.
Notredame
Like bright footprints that do not go unnoticed, because behind each of them there is a detail that makes the difference, wall lamps are an ideal type of designer indoor lighting that provide task lighting and illuminate areas used for activities and work.
For example, two wall lamps placed above bedside tables represent a valid alternative to the classic lampshades, while on either side of the bathroom mirror, they provide all the necessary functional light.
Wall lamps are also an excellent source of accent lighting and can be installed to call attention to pieces of furniture and works of art performing a dual role: to illuminate and be undisputed design elements.
Agua
Floor lamps are real lighting accessories, capable of immediately connoting the environment and dressing it with a strong personality.
This type of indoor lighting allows you to add levels of illumination and play with light.
Perfect, positioned next to a sofa, to give an intimate and soft atmosphere, but also to give life to a forgotten room or enhance a corner of the bedroom or a hotel reception.
Ululì - Ululà
Table lamps are another type of indoor lamp that can create surprising lighting effects.
If placed on a desk or bedside table, they represent an excellent source of task lighting; while a table lamp pointing towards a design object becomes the perfect idea for accent lighting.
Alibababy
As we have seen, architects and interior designers, in developing a lighting design project, must take into account different types of indoor lighting.
These are not exclusive categories and one option does not exclude another.
On the contrary, choosing the right lighting means combining, matching, and using each type wisely.
That is how artificial light becomes the completion of the natural one; the three levels of lighting, carefully considered, become a whole capable of creating evocative and emotionally engaging atmospheres.
Likewise you'll have to find the perfect balance between decorative and technical lighting; while a wise use of direct and indirect lighting will allow you to set up the desired atmosphere and obtain pleasant and uniform lighting.
Finally, when choosing between the different types of indoor lamps, it is necessary to choose the solutions that by design, size, and style are better suited to the concept that you want to develop.
Also, in this case, the mix & match, used intelligently, becomes the turning point for a project that focuses on aesthetics and scenographic effect without sacrificing functionality.
Karman's Made in Italy lamps combine quality and technique for an emotional lighting destined to leave its mark.