THIS WEEK WE’RE FOCUSING ON TYPES OF LIGHTING for one of our clients and in particular ceiling lighting. Without a professional interior designer or lighting expert on board, choosing the right ceiling light is a difficult task, largely due to the enormous variety of lights from which to choose. So, where to start?
“Choice of lighting is a very personal thing,” says Marion Falchi founder and senior designer at Falchi Interiors. “I suggest to my clients that they begin by scanning through Pinterest so that I can establish an idea of what it is that they like. I’ll advise them to look for something that will enhance their overall interior plan rather than take over.”
Ceiling lights come in four basic types: flush mount, semi-flush, recessed or pendant (which includes chandeliers). If you are not working with an interior designer or lighting expert, there is a lot of advice on the internet about choosing a suitable width and drop based on the size and height of the room.
“Basically, if you have a low ceiling a suspended light fitting is not advisable,” says Marion. “To generalise, for ambient lighting in a low-ceilinged room, I prefer an arrangement of well-positioned recessed light. Rimless in rooms that you “live” in or with rims in kitchens and bathrooms. Central light fittings are definitely not my favourite choice, they create odd light and quite often interfere with the TV.”
If you are fortunate enough to have high ceilings then a suspended light is a good choice. If the room is wide, such as a wide hallway, then the light can be wide, too, but if it’s a narrow room, choose something that is tiered.
Some other general tips?
> A group of ceiling lamps such as pendant lights – two or three, for example – work over a table in a dining room or fixed kitchen island.
>If you have more than one source of light fixtures, in an open plan living space, for example, ensure they work together either in style or fabrication.
And finally, some of our favourite brands of lighting designs to check out either for inspiration or sourcing? Porto Romano, Bella Figura, Heals for the variety of brands, Chaplins, Cox & Cox and Dowsing & Reynolds.
