Modern Lighting - Ceiling Lights DOs and DON'Ts
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Lighting is one of the most important design elements in a space, indoors or out. I noticed I had started to amass so many images in my "Lighting" ideabook that I think I am going to have to break it up into a few different ones.
Here I am focusing on contemporary lighting schemes that hang from above, whether it be a sculptural chandelier or a row of very simple pendant lights. Overhead lighting can completely kill a room (think of those hideous square fluorescent ceiling lights that kitchens last renovated in the eighties have). On the flip side, they can completely make a room. Just as I'd rather have my face softly lit by Bruce Weber rather than see it in the airplane lavatory light, your space needs you to thoughtfully consider whatever you hang. Here are some Dos and Don'ts for showing your home off in the best light.
Here I am focusing on contemporary lighting schemes that hang from above, whether it be a sculptural chandelier or a row of very simple pendant lights. Overhead lighting can completely kill a room (think of those hideous square fluorescent ceiling lights that kitchens last renovated in the eighties have). On the flip side, they can completely make a room. Just as I'd rather have my face softly lit by Bruce Weber rather than see it in the airplane lavatory light, your space needs you to thoughtfully consider whatever you hang. Here are some Dos and Don'ts for showing your home off in the best light.
DO consider the context: Here, pendants that aren't much more than an exposed light bulb hanging by a wire work perfectly with the industrial vibe provided by the exposed brick wall and rectilinear furniture.
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by Axis Mundi
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| DO coordinate dining room lighting with the dining room table. Here, three lovely glass chandies line up perfectly with the table, giving light to all. |
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by Amy Lau Design
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| DO, for a more sculptural piece, coordinate with the artwork. In this case, the intricate and oversized chandelier and the mural wall seem to balance each other out. This is not that easily acheived, so beware! |
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| DO consider color. In this neutral space, the sunny lights are the sole source of color, drawing more attention to their placement and shapes. |
ditto.
DON'T stick with indoor/outdoor rules (unless it's an outdoor safety issue, of course!). Here, a traditional outdoor lantern shape takes on a contemporary look when used in a modern dining space.
DO consider height when hanging! Obviously, there will always be a table underneath this bubbly fixture, or else many concussions would ensue.
ditto.
by Asher Elbaz
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Here, a similar light is hung much higher in a hallway. The lesson here is to know your ceiling height before heading to the lighting store.
DO throw out the rules. These industrial lights add personality to this residential space.
DON'T think that canned and track lights are your only options. A fixture like this can spread the same amount of light around and add to the decor.
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| DO: Consider scale and furniture placement. This fabulous light works great here, but won't necessarily work everywhere. |
by nytimes.com
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DON'T limit yourself to the dining table: Think of hanging interesting fixtures in places where you usually wouldn't. This nook now has a lovely light to read by, which doesn't include an ugly reading lamp with a wire stretched across the floor.
DO: Consider your entryway. It's where you'll make your first impression. Also, DO think about hanging pendants at different heights. It works out very well in this stark, long, narrow space.
I don't really have a do or a don't here, I just love this room and the Moravian stars and I wanted to throw them in my collection.
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Raztus, if there is a spot where there will always be a table or island or bar underneath, you can let a bigger chandy or pendant lights hang low. The key is to make sure this furniture below any fixture that is lower than bonk your head level. In general, if you keep the chain short and the height of he chandelier short, you can make it work.
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