A correct layout for lighting can make a huge difference to each room within your home. Meteor’s 5 simple steps below can help you create a tailored lighting design to best suit your space.

 

 

Calculate the dimensions of your room using a tape measure. You should include objects which cannot be moved, for example chimneys or built in furniture. 

 

 

Sketch out on a piece of paper, the basic floor plan of your room along with the measurements you recorded to ensure that everything is to scale. Make sure you include the immovable and movable objects.

 

Remember to take note of the locations of your light switches and plug sockets. Although these can be moved, this can be untidy and expensive. You could always vary the brightness of your lighting by using dimmer switches. 

 

 

Consider what your room is used for and whether your area requires ambient lighting (overall illumination), task lighting (direct lighting used for reading) or both.

Also consider anything you might want to illuminate such as paintings, photographs or architectural focal points. You can draw attention to these using spot lighting or accent lighting.

 

Decide who uses the space the most and determine their lighting needs. For example, a child’s play area will have very different requirements to adult’s office.

 

 

Mark on your plan where you would like the lights to be placed or to illuminate. Try to avoid overlapping lights or neglecting certain lighting. This can help you see what type of fixtures you need (e.g. wall, ceiling, lamp etc.).

 

 

Pick the lights that not only will meet your lighting requirements, but will also fit in with your existing or planned design scheme.

 

Wall lighting is great for creating subtle lighting effects and also enhancing key features in your room.