Successful lighting schemes are based on a balance between natural and artificial light, together with the interaction of function and design.
The choice of light fittings available is immense, so much so that the sheer volume of types and styles may prove quite daunting. A good starting point when making a decision is to consider the function the light needs to perform. Is it going to be used to provide background lighting, to create a mood, or is it intended for a more practical purpose, for example, to light a work area in the kitchen.
Generally, lighting can be divided into three main categories: background lighting, such as table lamps, up lighters, and wall and ceiling lights; accent lighting or lights which create a sense of atmosphere and may also illuminate something unusual, interesting or valuable in a room, such as a special picture or piece of attractive porcelain; finally, there is utility lighting, where practical considerations are paramount.
These various lighting functions demand different light fittings. Gentle diffuse light may be excellent as background lighting, but is useless or even dangerous, where food is being prepared and what is needed is a bright light directed at a specific area.
Besides the fitting making a difference to the quality of light, the light source should also be considered carefully. The various light sources commonly used in homes include fluorescent, tungsten halogen, and tungsten. Of these the latter is the most commonly used.
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