THE SMALL SPACE
With limited square meterage, smaller rooms – home offices, guest rooms and bathrooms, passages (do not forget to consider those) – are easier to illuminate
(a single bulb could do the trick) but challenging to light well. ‘If lighting sources are limited, the light needs to be carefully chosen. It would need to be functional as well as set the tone,’ says Créma Design founder Craig Raeside-Tabor, who recommends multi-directional lighting, such as a glass sphere. ‘Otherwise, lamps (given their generally small size) are ideal, especially ones that reflect light against a wall or ceiling to light up a room, giving the feeling of space. Wall lights and up lights should be used and avoid floor and table lamps that shine downwards,’ he says. In a passage, upward shining sconces will have a similar widening effect without taking up valuable floor space.
So, does that mean a statement light is out of the question? ‘It is always okay to make a statement, as long as it is functional and uses your space wisely,’ he says. ‘Also, make sure it ties into the rest of the scheme in terms of its design and material. Bear in mind the colours and fabrics used and choose the light accordingly. Cold white instead of warm white lighting is also a common mistake that homemakers make; 3 000k is a cold white bulb, and 2 700k is warm white, so be sure to take note of the difference.’
What is lighting up Craig’s trend radar? ‘Light clusters of a similar design but with various shapes, mouth-blown glass pendants and pieces made with patinated metal and coloured glass,’ he says. ‘LED technology is an emerging decorative look. Bulbs no longer need to be visible and LED lights have
a longer lifespan. In the past, attention was drawn to the bulb whereas now the focus is based on the light itself.’ You heard it here first: the lightbulb is dead; long live the light.
THE MEDIUM SPACE
‘In principle, the lighting in a room is part of the furniture and decor, so the size of the light fitting needs to be in proportion to the furniture and decor around it,’ says K. Light founder Eli Kalmi. Look at the setup of your room – be it a bedroom or bathroom – and decide what type of light would complement the overall space’s visual footprint. Should the room have the clean lines of a Scandinavian theme, you would need to utilise a modern pendant. Similarly, if the room has heavy, dark furniture, a crystal chandelier would elevate the environment.
The golden rule is simple, says Eli: ‘The focus when lighting a room should always be to ensure that the lighting suits your needs. Take task lighting, for example. Make sure there is a sufficient amount on your kitchen island as it is a work area that needs sufficient light.’ Looking ahead, Eli recommends opting for a tech-meets-tradition approach to lighting solutions. ‘A lot of crystal chandeliers are now incorporating LED bulbs, which maintain the beauty of a chandelier without compromising on its design,’ he says. Apart from being cost-effective and eco-friendly, they have dimmable options and let you choose between cool white or warm white light settings.’
THE LARGE SPACE
The thing about lighting a large room is finding a balance between what looks good and what works. After all, most of these spaces tend towards being the functional spaces within the home – kitchen, living room, dining room or entrance hall. ‘Large rooms call for larger fixtures as small fixtures can appear out of place in a room of this size. Take advantage of the size by installing an oversized chandelier or pendant light as a decorative yet functional focal point.’ says Eurolux marketing manager Kelly Klopper. ‘However, if you decide to use small fixtures in a large space, group them in multiples so that they are both effective and create visual impact.’
‘As with all rooms, layer your lighting so that you have a combination of ambient, accent, and task lighting rather than a flat, single lighting setup,’ says Kelly. ‘Do not forget to illuminate those awkward corners that sometimes get forgotten in a large space. Floor lamps and wall sconces work well here, whereas it is easier to create cosy nooks by pairing lamps with sofas.’
Another great lighting hack is to use accent lighting to showcase personal objects, such as family pictures and artwork on a wall. As for what is next, Kelly breaks it down: ‘Smart and environmentally friendly lighting (think LED and solar) have become more versatile thanks to advancements in technology. In terms of finishes, look out for brass, velvet, opaque or coloured glass, while soft curves are the shape of the moment.’
