Don’t expect just one bright light to do everything. To get the most restful and versatile lighting. consider layering.
AVOID
Stay away from ceil ing lights — especially a central light. Take care of general illumination first. While one bright overhead light may seem practical and functional, it’s probably too harsh for a bedroom. It's also very unflattering and won't illuminate specific tasks, such as applying makeup. reading, or writing letters at a desk.
LAYER
"Layering" lighting makes a room much more functional, friendly, personal, and interesting. Layer lights by choosing two or three different sources of illumination. For example. in a large bedroom, a decorative floor lamp, a decorative overhead light, a table lamp, and a pair of wall sconces or a torchiere — all on dimmers — could be chosen to give character, multiple moods, and variable light. One or two bedside table lamps, plus a desk light or sconces, offer basic, general lighting for most small bedrooms.
TASKS
Always take specific task lights into consideration when planning lighting. Halogen desk lights, vanity lighting, wall-mounted swing-arm reading lights beside the bed, flexible under-cabinet lights and decorative table lamps will put the best light right where you need it. Adjustable desk lights that swivel, bend, or stretch are a better choice than fixed ones.
SPOTS
Consider adjustable ceiling-mounted accent lighting to highlight a bookshelf, a writing desk, art objects, paintings over a mantel, or flowers. Choices include recessed lighting track lighting Iow-voltage lights, or low-voltage cable wire systems. Small individual mono-point lights, easy to install, stand on mantels, desk, or floor, and may be all you need for one painting. Easiest of all are small portable plug-in accent lights that can be con cealed behind furniture.
TABLE LAMPS
When your basic lighting needs are planned, look for small, decorative accent table lamps. The classic paper-shaded "Akari" light by Isamu Noguchi works well in both contemporary and traditional settings. Innovative lighting designs by Ron Rezek. Ingo Maurer, Philippe Starck, and Andree Putman are excellent choices for warm, ambient lighting with contemporary personality.
COLOR
Hand-blown glass light shades in tones such as ecru, amber, rich cream, peach, or white are flattering to furniture, mood, and people. Clear blue or green glass tends to make a room feel cold.
DIMMERS
All permanently installed lighting and halogen torchieres should have dimmers to control light levels. With a dimmer control, its possible to create many different lighting moods. An electrician can change existing switches to dimmer controls.
TECHNOLOGY
New improved technology for more convenient lighting includes hand-held remote controls for dimmer systems; pre-sets, which adjust one room or the whole house to different lighting moods with just the touch of a button: energy, saving lamps; compact, color-improved fluorescent lamps: versatile energy-efficient screw-in fluorescent lamps. Improved halogen lamps are light years ahead of the first-generation lamps, and give off more light-per-watt to save energy.
CANDLES
A pair of beeswax candles in silver candlesticks on a mantel, or a simple beeswax pillar candle on a bedside table offers serene, comforting lighting. Scented candles can be soothing; just be sure the fragrance is not overpowering or too sweet. Traditional natural (not synthetic) lavender, rose, fig tree, or tea scents will please most noses.