Within the realm of home decor, lighting plays an intricate part. It is the element that can set the entire mood of the room causing a range of emotions for you and your guests.
Louis Comfort Tiffany grasped this idea when handcrafting his prestigious Tiffany lamps. He had a fascination with light and his innovations in stained glass led him to find new ways to meld electric lighting into his recognized designs. In 1885, during his work on the Lyceum Theatre in New York, he managed to utilize electric lighting and his creative designs for a unique lighting concept. He also designed metalwork and blown-glass fixtures for the Hayemeyer house. In 1899, he introduced his nature-inspired, intricate Tiffany lamps that have set the mood in buildings and houses for many years.
Using Tiffany style lighting, you can create an enchanted feel within each room of your house. Be creative, and think about how each room in your house will be used. This will help you decide what type of lighting you should purchase that will fit your budget and style.
There are four general types of lighting to consider, and they each serve a purpose.
1.) Ambient lighting provides illumination for the whole room. When choosing ambient lighting, you might consider installing a dimmer for flexibility. Some examples of this type of lighting are: recessed downlights, cove lighting, valance lighting sconces, track lighting, chandeliers and portable fixtures.
2.) Task lighting is just that. It assists you in completing the task at hand such as cooking, school work and grooming. To assist you, it should be glare free, and efficient without cause strain on the eyes. Some examples of task lighting are: valance lighting, pendant lights and portable fixtures such as desk lamps.
3.) Accent lighting focuses on illuminating an object like wall art, a sculpture or an architectural element of your space. It is brighter than ambient light. Wall washers, sconces and track lighting are examples of accent lighting.
4.) Natural lighting comes through windows and skylights depending on the time, season or weather. It varies in brightness and intensity.
Lighting makes you feel safe and comfortable in your home. You should develop a plan covering the purpose, the atmosphere and how you want to emphasize decorative elements. The style of lighting such as sconces and lamps can add to any room. This concept was truly influenced by the works of Tiffany, and his visions help the way we light our worlds today.