A well-lighted house combines background lights for ambience, focused lighting for the task at hand, and accent lighting to throw decorative details into focus and add character. But many people don’t think about lighting as part of their natural house plan. Overhead lights are often too harsh; dim lights leach vitality from homes. Bright lights are energizing and effective for both work and living spaces, but when left unshaded can be glaring and unpleasant.
Where you place your lights, and the type of lights you choose, can make a big difference in the atmosphere in your house and in the mood of the people who live there. Shade, shadow, and light can be balanced with practicality to create a stimulating environment. Consider using full spectrum bulbs, which contain the same balance of colors as natural daylight. Think about varying the amount and quality of light according to the needs of each space.
Check out the January/February 2000 issue of Natural Home for more creative use of light in your home, including:
- Room by room tips from a designer and lighting engineer
- Light therapy options to help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Beautiful, efficient, energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting options
- How to prevent light pollution
