#loop lighting

HIDDEN SECRETS OF A LIGHTING SPECIALIST

By: John Newman, Partner at LOOP Lighting 

When do you know to use either ambient, task or accent lighting?

A quality lighting design is ideally composed of different lighting layers which provide a balance of ambient, task, and accent light. For example, in the case of a dining room a decorative chandelier may provide a focal point over a table and provide a soft ambient glow, but not too bright as to create glare. With the chandelier layer providing a soft glow, an additional layer of task light is needed to illuminate the table surface to highlight place settings and provide sparkle on glassware. An accent lighting layer may also be used to feature artwork or furniture elements to help define hierarchy within the space.

Do you light differently when you light with lower ceilings vs. higher ceilings?

Ceiling height plays a crucial role to define the scale of the fixtures within the space, and depending on the height may allow for the ceiling to be illuminated so it acts as one large light source. Illuminating the ceiling can make a room feel bigger and more expansive, while keeping the light concentrated in the lower areas of a room can minimize scale and help create intimacy.

What options do you recommend when you don’t have lighting options on the ceiling?

There are a wide variety of lighting typologies available to illuminate a room such as wall sconces, floor lamps, table lamps, and even interesting illuminated objects which when used together, can create pools of light to define a space and visual interest.

Do you see a difference in the look of energy efficient lighting?

We are all familiar with the warm quality of light from incandescent bulbs which was similar regardless of the wattage or shape. Unlike incandescent bulbs, energy efficient sources such as LED lamps are available in a variety of light “color temperatures” from blue-cool to amber-warm in tone so it’s important to choose the white light that meets your needs. In addition to the light color, most energy efficient sources are not capable of dimming down to an ember glow the way incandescent lamps can, so that’s something to be aware of as well.

How do you shop for energy efficient light sources?

The amount of light produced by the lamp measured in “Lumens” is the new metric for evaluating the brightness of a lamp. Lamp manufacturers often print lumen comparisons to common incandescent lamp wattages to help provide consumers with for a point of reference. All lamps are now required to have a Lighting Facts label which states the lumens, color quality of the light, and life expectancy.

What are the latest in lighting technology trends for an urban home?

The amount of light produced by the lamp measured in “Lumens” is the new metric for evaluating the brightness of a lamp. Lamp manufacturers often print lumen comparisons to common incandescent lamp wattages to help provide consumers with for a point of reference. All lamps are now required to have a Lighting Facts label which states the lumens, color quality of the light, and life expectancy.

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