layered lighting: tips and tricks
Do you want to learn how to take your space to the next level? Hint: the solution might include lighting!
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any design. Good lighting is essential to move around our spaces safely, however no one said it had to be boring! In fact, if you do it right, lighting can elevate your design and bring your whole space together. Below, we talk about how to use lighting in functional but stylish ways to ensure you are getting the most out of your spaces and your lighting selections!
make a statement
Here at Emily June Designs we love making a statement with vintage style pieces like these pendant lights in this lounge area! Don’t be afraid to be bold with your lighting choices. Whatever your style is, you can find fixtures that fits into your specific aesthetic! If you are into a more vintage look similar to this picture, you can choose a piece that has an older look or find a funky vintage fixture. Check out your local thrift and antique shops for a good find! You’ll be surprised by the antiques you might come across. If you into a more modern look, you can choose simple lighting with a funky shape or a bright color to add some character!
No matter what your style is, there will be something perfect for your space. Choosing a piece that makes a statement can completely transform your design! So don’t be afraid to branch out and try a piece that might be a little out of your comfort zone.
Design by: @emilyjunedesigns
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create movement
With lighting, placement is key for achieving your lighting goals. Whether you want to have an asymmetrical or symmetrical look, that can be easily achieved with how and where you place your lighting. For example, a symmetrical look can be achieved by placing two identical table lamps on either side of a sofa or bed. However, if you want to create some contrast and movement in your space, try an asymmetrical layout like we did in this lounge area! We included a small desk in this seating area and purposefully placed it so that the pendant light would hang slightly to the left. This asymmetrical look really elevates this design and gives it a unique touch. Don’t shy away from trying something like this in your own home for a change of pace!
This area also utilizes the light fixture as a way to separate the desk space from the rest of the lounge area. Placing light fixtures in an intentional way is a good way to differentiate areas within the same space. Rugs and lighting are two of the easiest ways to effectively separate different spaces within your home!
Design by: @emilyjunedesigns
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keep it functional
While lighting tends to be associated with being a decorative aspect of a design, lighting is essential to the functionality of any space! In this powder bathroom we designed, we included two wall sconces to create lighting for the vanity area. Good lighting is essential to any bathroom space, but it was even more important to this design since the vanity area is recessed!
Of course, ensuring that your lighting selections match your design style is important, but it is essential to your design that your lighting is functional as well. While we chose these lighting fixtures to flow with the style of this powder bath, we also focused on selections that were appropriate for the space!
Design by: @emilyjunedesigns
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use it as art
While lighting is functional, it can also be used as a display piece on bookcases, desks, coffee tables, and shelving units as seen in this design. Since this is a more modern and sleek design, we chose a lamp with an abstract shape that fit perfectly with the style of the room!
If you have extra room on a bookshelf, this might be a cool way to add a personal touch! Try using a lamp that matches your personal style, or a bold piece to add some dimension to your space. If you find that your space seems overwhelmed by the amount of books piled next to each other, try separating your books with a funky lamp! This will give some variety to your bookcase and make your book collection seem purposefully placed.
Design by: @emilyjunedesigns
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back to the basics
We have gone over all of the different ways you can utilize your lighting fixtures and layer them within your space, but don’t forget the basics of lighting! Lighting has always been used for the purpose of safety and functionality. Task lighting and directional lighting is essential for specific places in the home such as the kitchen, an office space, or a reading nook!
In this design, we chose a wall sconce to create task lighting over this reading area! In a smaller room, using wall sconces instead of table lamps will save you space on the surfaces in your room. As long as your space is properly lit, have fun designing with your decorative lighting choices!
Design by: @emilyjunedesigns
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