The Importance of Light in a Room

Within the realm of interior design, lighting plays an critical role.  Light is the element that sets the entire mood of the room causing a range of emotions for you and your guests.


American artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany understood this concept when handcrafting his prestigious Tiffany lamps.  He had a fascination with light and his innovations in stained glass led him to find new ways to combine electric lighting into his well-known designs.  In 1885, while working on the Lyceum Theatre in New York, he managed to utilize electric lighting and his inventive designs for a one-of-a-kind lighting experience.   In 1899, the stained glass artistisan introduced his nature-influenced, intricate Tiffany lamps that have set the mood in homes for many years.


Using Tiffany style lighting, you can create a number of different moods in your home.  Tiffany's dragonfly designs offer an enchanted feel for any room of your house.  His early efforts lend a more masculine feel to a room.  Other Tiffany lamps display simple, feminine beauty characterized by floral patterns.Let your mind free and consider how each room in your house will be used.  This will help you to decide what type of lighting best suits your mood and the room while still fitting into your budget.

There are four basic types of lighting to consider, and they each have their purpose.

Ambient lighting provides illumination for the whole room.  When choosing ambient lighting, you may want to think about installing a dimmer adaptability.   Ambient lighting includes: recessed downlights, cove lighting, valance lighting sconces, track lighting, chandeliers and portable fixtures.

Task lighting is ust that.  It is intended to help in completing the task at hand such as cooking, school work and grooming.  To assist you, it should be glare free, and effective without cause eye strain.  Task lighting includes: valance lighting, pendant lights and portable fixtures such as desk lamps.

Accent lighting focuses on illuminating an object like wall art, a statue or an architectural element of your space.  It is provides more illumination than ambient light.  Wall washers, sconces and track lighting are examples of accent lighting.

Natural lighting comes through skylighting and windows depending on the time, season or weather.  It varies in intensity and brightness.

Lighting makes you feel relaxed and safe in your home.  When modifying the lighting in your home, it's best to develop a plan covering the purpose, the desired mood and how you want to emphasize architectural and decor elements.  The style of lighting such as sconces and lamps can enhance any room.  This concept was truly influenced by the works of Tiffany, and his vision still influences the way we light our homes today.