Mastering Room Lighting Zones with Layers of Light
Have you ever walked into a room and felt the lighting wasn’t right? Maybe it was too dim, shadowy, or so bright it hurt your eyes. Getting the lighting in a room just right for different needs takes a bit of know-how. Using lighting zones can make any room feel welcoming and functional for various uses throughout the day and night.
Keep reading for tips to master lighting zones in your rooms. Then complement them with automation and programming for optimal comfort, safety, and function.
Lighting Zones for Different Needs
The Glare Zone: Avoiding Harsh Lighting Zones
The glare lighting zone refers to areas where harsh overhead lighting creates an uncomfortable brightness. Think canned ceiling lights.
To avoid the glare zone, layer lighting at different heights and use dimmers. Start with ambient lighting, like recessed cans. Aim for an even, glare-free distribution of light throughout the room for the most comfort. Shadows and pools of light can strain your eyes, so consider how light interacts with room furnishings and surfaces. Brighter rooms may require additional fixtures or higher-wattage bulbs to fill dim corners.
With some small adjustments and smart home technology, you can banish the glare zone from your room and create an inviting space where you can see clearly and rest your eyes. Your solution may be as simple as programming light settings for the most comfort. Use automation, which will adjust the glare zone based on time of day. When in doubt, it always helps to add an extra light.
The Comfort Zone: Soft, Inviting Light
A comfort lighting zone should feel cozy and inviting. Think of pendant lights supplemented by fixtures under cabinets. Smart home technology can help with dimming capabilities depending on the time of day. Adjusting the brightness gives you full control over the ambiance. Programming the lights to dim by about half during the evening for a warm glow encourages relaxation.
With the right amount and types of lighting working together, your comfort zone will transform any room into a welcoming retreat. The warmth and tranquility are ideal for casual socializing, reading, or simply unwinding after a long day.
The Work Zone: Optimize with Task Lighting
The task lighting zone is key to completing focused work. Place task lighting in your dedicated work area, such as an office desk or near countertops, so you can direct light where you need it most. Aim one task lamp at your keyboard and another at your monitor for computer work to reduce glare.
Task lighting gives you full control over the brightness in your workspace. Keep the overhead lighting dim and use task lighting to illuminate important areas. This kind of targeted lighting helps reduce eye strain and keeps you alert. It also allows you to adjust the lighting based on your specific tasks, whether computer work, cooking, or hobby crafts.
The Safety Zone: Illuminate Hazards and Escape Routes
When designing your room’s lighting, consider safety as you would comfort or work lighting zones. Dark rooms, hallways, or stairs could lead to trips and falls. Ensure all walkways, entryways, and exits are well-lit so you can see potential hazards. Presence sensors are motion-activated lights that are useful both indoors and out.
Inside, place nightlights or low-level lighting along baseboards in hallways, bathrooms, and staircases. This provides enough illumination so you can navigate in the dark without turning on overhead lights. Install lighting at the top and bottom of all staircases for the best visibility. Outside, lighting should act as a security measure warning unwelcome guests and a safety measure to navigate dark walkways and steps. Safety lighting may not seem exciting, but it provides peace of mind and security for you and your home.
The Entertainment Zone: Setting the Perfect Scene
Whether planning an intimate dinner party or hosting a big game, lighting zones set the tone for the room. Smart home lighting can be programmed and automated to include the perfect mix for the event. When entertaining, there is an opportunity to have some fun with lighting. Consider dimmable overhead lighting, table and floor lighting, and even LED lighting strips that can be programmed for different colors (red and green for Christmas) to surprise and delight your guests.
Automate Your Lifestyle with Layers of Lighting Zones
The right lighting zones make all the difference in how you experience a room. Smart home technology can automate lighting for specific tasks or times of day. Keeping glare, comfort, work, safety, and entertainment in mind will help you create an environment tailored to your needs. With a thoughtful layered lighting plan, you can create the perfect atmosphere to match your mood and activities. Visit the Experience Center to see different lighting options for every room in your house and outdoor options.
