Using layered lighting techniques to define your zones
Open-plan spaces have grown in popularity over the years and, if designed in a thoughtful and creative way, can improve the flow of your home and define distinct functional areas that compliment or enhance your lifestyle. Open-plan is specifically popular for bringing family areas together, such as the kitchen, dining room, and sitting room, providing a large open social space for the family. As such, it is important that the pros and cons are carefully considered before you embark on establishing your open spaces with the use of creative or functional lighting. Spending time upfront to decide the areas you want to define and the kind of lighting you will use to define the feel or ambience in each area will pay dividends and give you a real sense of achievement and happiness.
A well-designed open-plan space considers many aspects relating to how the space is used; traffic flow, flexibility, noise levels, areas of privacy, and lighting are just a few that should be considered carefully. In this blog, we will focus on how lighting can create both useful and aesthetically pleasing zones in open-plan living areas.
Layered Lighting: There are five types of layered lighting: ambient, task, accent, decorative, and daylight. The use of layered lighting techniques is essential for defining zones using lights. To provide the best lighting and establish distinct moods in each zone, layered lighting combines the use of these lighting types. Layering the lighting draws attention to different areas and activities, making each zone stand out while maintaining a unified overall appearance.
Pendant lights and chandeliers: Decorative pendant lights and chandeliers are great options for identifying sections within your open areas. A dining area may be quickly established by hanging a chandelier or pendant light above a dining table. Choose a light fixture that will add flair to your room and provide sufficient light for dining. This visually divides the eating area from the remainder of the room and delivers practical use.
Floor and table lamps: Placing floor and table lamps in the right places helps define areas in an open-plan living space, particularly comfortable spaces. To create an area for reading or relaxing, place a floor lamp next to a seating area or reading nook. and designate a location for reading or relaxing; place a floor light next to a seating area or reading nook. Comparably, a table light on a side table might mark off a place for hobbies or a work area. Localised illumination is provided by these table and floor lamps, which highlight areas and give the entire design more personality.
Spotlights and track lighting: These are flexible solutions that help you focus light exactly where it's required, such as the kitchen area, and this makes them perfect for zone definition. Install track lighting to direct the eye and distinguish between different regions of the open space along work areas, walkways, or architectural elements. You may create discrete zones inside the main living area by reorienting the lights to accent artwork, shelving units, or any other points of interest.
Dimmers and Smart Lighting Controls: You should think about adding dimmers and smart lighting controls to your lighting design to increase its adaptability and functionality. By varying the light's intensity, dimmers let you set distinct ambiances and moods for each area. Even more control is available with smart lighting systems, which let you programme lighting sequences and adjust the settings using a voice command or a smartphone app. These capabilities let you change the environment as needed and adjust the illumination to suit different activities. As an example, you may want brighter, more functional lighting during the day or when the children are doing their homework, but come the evening, the lights can be softened so that you can enjoy a warm, atmospheric dinner with your partner.
In conclusion, lighting is essential for delineating spaces and giving an open-plan living area a sense of purpose. Good use of layered lighting approaches, pendant lights, floor and table lamps, track lighting, and smart controls helps you define distinct spaces for dining, relaxing, reading, and other activities. Your open-plan living spaces will look and work better thanks to thoughtful lighting design. Accept the power of lights to create a distinct and peaceful living space in your open area.