Lights are not as simple as you might think, and each different and unique type of light or lighting can have a big impact on how a room looks. There are basically three different layers to a room where it is concerned, each as important as the other two, depending on the design style of that space. Make sure that you are careful when lighting a room in three layers, so that one form does not cancel out the other two.

Layer One: Overhead Lighting

Almost everyone thinks of overhead lighting in some form when they are deciding how to light a room, since this is a classic, traditional addition to every room except perhaps the bathroom. This is usually the first layer that you will add to the room, and it is usually the brightest and most often used source outside natural light. The most common sources of overhead lighting are ceiling fans with lighting options, recessed overhead lighting, spotlights and track one.

Sometimes lamps have to be put into this type of category, especially if they do not offer a dimmer switch. This is primarily because they are a good source of bright light, and the only way to avoid a brighter one is to add a lampshade or lower wattage light bulb. In those cases, you can move the lamp to the second layer of lighting.

Layer Two: Dimmed Lighting

Your second layer of lighting will normally include some form that can be dimmed or turned down low for mood lighting. This is most often used in the bedroom, but it can also be very effective in a media room or for indoor or outdoor living spaces. It is very convenient to be able to simply dim the lights whenever you need a lower source, but installation often requires finding some professional help if you do not have any electrical experience. Overhead lighting and dimmed one can be achieved in the same layer if the lighting source offers a dimmer switch that can be adjusted for bright or dimmed light.

Layer Three: Natural Lighting

Although not often the easiest lighting layer to utilize, natural lighting is really the most important type of lighting in the space. Too little natural light and the room feels crowded and dark, but there is really never too much natural light because window treatments can control natural light that is too bright or too hot. They also allow for privacy after dark.

Obviously windows are the best source of natural lighting, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Skylights are another great way to bathe a room in natural light; there are many styles and shapes to choose from, including those that open to allow fresh air into the room. Tube style skylights are a great option when you don\’t have a lot of ceiling space to spare – such as in a bathroom – but want to add some natural light. A built-in prism captures and reflects the maximum amount of natural light.

Author Bio: Alyssa Davis, is a design specialist and writer at Metal-Wall-Art.com, and she offers many suggestions and unique ideas for designing with wall decor art and outdoor metal wall hanging.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: natural light,overhead lighting,three layers,room looks,dimmed lighting,mood lighting