How to choose lighting
Have you ever noticed that nice restaurants often have a small votive on the table or some kind of pendant or sconce lighting for each table? That’s because science shows that the pooling of light at one’s table creates a sense of intimacy, going so far as to influence the brain to drown out sounds and voices not originating from the other guests at that table. It also works as a subconscious force field, drawing diners together, creating a sense of inclusion and safety, much in the same way that a desk or table lamp next to a cozy chair facilitates concentration and a visceral sense of being “held,” which in turn allows our brains to become less aware of our surroundings (protective) and instead journey into the story we’re reading.
On the flip side, in a classroom or cafeteria we’re more likely to see overhead lighting (called “ambient” lighting in design terms) where our actions are more broad and our focus less detailed. This kind of lighting also tends to be of a much “cooler temperature” than our cozy lamp nook. All of these nuances influence the use and feel of the space we’re in.
So, when it comes to choosing lighting for our homes, I usually start with looking at the use(s) of a given space. Let’s take the kitchen as an example. Typically I start with some overhead ambient lighting that brightens the room, but is diffuse and comfortably cool–usually “warm white” or 3000K which is clear and bright enough to provide accurate color rendering but will also illuminate objects without shadows while still being warm enough to be comfortable. Next I look at what kinds of tasks need to happen and where. If we have an island with stool seating, I’ll often consider pendant lighting to create a sense of anchoring and intimacy, especially since islands tend to be floating in the room and I want the diners to feel able to settle there rather than feel like they might blow away in the breeze. I then make sure that the range hood has task lighting, as well as prep areas, usually by running LED strip under the cabinets to illuminate the countertops where the overhead lighting might be obscured by bulky cabinetry. Finally, when possible and where space permits, I look at how I can create a bit of “wow” either due to elevated function or beauty. I might accomplish this by adding a decorative wall sconce above or beside a window, or above a shelf to illuminate the stylish shelf decor.
In every case, as I do with home styling, I look at how I can “layer” lighting, almost like I would decorate a cake. I start with the base, ambient/overhead. Then frosting, task. Finally, “sparkle” or decorative accents that elevate and add beauty. Not all spaces require all three. But for our standard multi-use areas like kitchens or living/family rooms, this three-tiered approach lends a certain level of versatility and richness one couldn’t achieve with the simple recessed can.
As for lighting temperature, I generally recommend no more than a one-option variance such as 2700 for lamps and 3000k for ambient, or 3000 for most with 3500 for specialty such as vanity lighting where very detailed things like eyebrow plucking may need to occur. Any more than that will feel disparate and create distraction from the concrete elements in the room such as your beautiful sofa and throw pillows or even from the light fixtures themselves.
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