TIPS ABOUT LIGHTING

Some people have a passion for boots, bags and bobbles. I love lamps, shades, and light (probably because I worked in fluorescent lights for so many years). Often  times overlooked, lighting is a necessary and vital component of a beautiful home. You can use it to create a sense of drama in each room or highlight a special piece in your focal point, also called accent lighting. The overuse of light or high-wattage bulbs can wash out the beauty of a room, usually from general lighting.

Insufficient lighting can create a room that is uninviting. Using halogen or lower wattage bulbs brightens a room with soft tones. Also try putting higher wattage bulbs on a dimmer so you can control the amount of light in any setting.

Moms makeover

 

Like Ralph Lauren says, "The right lighting can add drama and elegance to any room. Whether turned up or dimmed low, general ambient lighting sets a mood. Ambient lighting works well with task lighting. The contrast between general light and task light gives mystery and drama to an interior space."

Moms makeover

The most romantic light is accent lighting. The gleam of candles through glass hurricanes, or the glow of votives in crystal glasses scattered throughout a room or across a dining table are perfect ways to create accent lighting in a space.

Summer - light on accessories

Autumn - more layered

Winter - cocooning

Find a sense of balance with your use of light. Combine task, ambient and accent lighting to create harmony between other elements in a given space.

2008 in Yellow with black shades

2010 in white with white shades

Refresh old lamps with a new shade or spray paint. Renew your favorite shaped lamp with a trend color in an opaque, lacquered (high gloss) finish – white, yellow, red, turquoise or black.

Even if you don’t paint your lamp, top it off with a new shade, half the height of your lamp, to easily update the look of an old lamp. Black or printed shades add on trend drama and impact to the look of your space, while keeping all shades white, help to unify and give a cohesive look to a space. Re-positioning lamps from room to room can also help to refresh the look of the lamp and the space.

Same lamp: 3 spaces

Bedroom side table

Living Room credenza

Dining Room Buffet

For general maintenance of your lighting, all finishes should be wiped gently with a soft, damp cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. Avoid cleansers with ammonia, bleach or harsh chemicals.

NEVER use chemicals on Lucite.

Silk and vellum shades should be brushed gently with a feather duster or soft cloth to remove surface dust. When storing unused lamps and shades, keep in cool dry place, and wrapped in plastic to protect from dust (or over spray in the garage). Taking the time to maintain your lamps will shed light on your space for years to come.

NYCLQ's 'store' in La Garage

All above featured spaces

styled, organized, and photographed by me.