How to open up a small space with light? Many of us have spaces in our home that we wish were a little bigger. From lighting the ‘smallest room’ to hallways, entrances or even dining rooms, living rooms or offices, lighting a smaller space is more nuanced than you might at first think. Small rooms or spaces with little light may give you a somber feel. The proper use of light can positively affect the feeling of a space. That’s why, in particular for small areas, it’s essential to have a lighting design that considers this.
There are many clever ways to open up a smaller space by using the right furniture such as mirrors and keeping decor minimalist. However, how to open up a small space with light? Your first consideration should be utilising as much natural light as possible. Natural light offers a full spectrum of light and even impacts upon our circadian rhythm, the physical, mental, and behavioural changes that respond primarily to light and darkness in an our environment, in other words our sleep wake cycle. With natural light so important to our wellbeing and productivity, it must be incorporated to its maximum potential.
If you’re not blessed with a room full of natural light, or you simply want your room to look great after dark too artificial lighting can help, in particular LED lighting. LED technology has rapidly advanced over the past few years. LED bulbs improve light output, last longer and save energy in comparison to previous lighting technology. The light quality of LED lighting has significantly improved as the technology has advanced. Colour rendering index (CRI) is a measurement of how accurately a light source renders colour within a space. The higher the CRI, the more natural the light looks. With 100 being the highest measurement on the scale, most LED technology now has a CRI rating of 95 making LED lighting a fantastic option for lighting a smaller space as high lumen output and CRI rating will really open up a space.
When considering how to open up a small space with light, or any space, it’s crucial to layer light to illuminate said space to its full potential. Not only will properly layering light spread light evenly around a room but also leave your space more aesthetically pleasing when lit. Make sure all the corners of the room are well lit. A single ceiling light lighting, especially with a high ceiling, will make the corners of a room appear in a dark shroud, making the room appear smaller. You will want a balanced mix between ambient lighting for basic illumination and task lighting which often refers to increasing light to better accomplish a specific activity.
For ambient lighting, lights that direct light upwards and outwards, such as uplighters, will help to bounce light around a room. Recessed spotlights in the ceiling offer an easy solution. When placed across the ceiling of a small room, recessed spotlights spread light evenly and also make a low ceiling appear higher, similarly to pendant lighting as they throw a highly concentrated light down, which makes the space above fade. If low ceilings preclude the use of pendants, recessed profile lighting fitted vertically on a wall for ambient lighting, or an adjustable floor/table lamp can be a clever use of task lighting that can also be used for ambient lighting.
If you’re looking to deliberately create an intimate and snug environment the most simple way to do so is to dim your existing lights. Lighting control systems allow you to enhance the feel of your space. Lighting control systems let you adjust the level of light to your moods and needs. LED controls can easily be dimmed without flickering for a smooth change in light. An excellently designed control system allows LEDs to be effortlessly changed from bright light to low light. All lighting layers from pendants to floor lamps can be linked to the control system so you can preset light levels depending on the time of day and light levels required.
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