The Hindu Business Line : Dim or bright... get it right

If you're planning to redecorate your home this year, one area you could pay more attention to could be lighting. And there is more to lighting than just having tubelights and bulbs in all rooms. Lighting influences the feel of a room, giving it a personality.

There are three types of lights that can be used in home lighting. Fluorescent lights are the tubelight varieties found in all homes. These are generally used in kitchens, study rooms and toilets; these last longer than other varieties. Incandescent lights are bulbs that come in many colours and tones; these are generally used in living rooms. Halogen lights are highly focused with reflectors that help streamline light in one direction. Dining rooms use overhead lights to focus on the dining table.

Philips Lighting India has a wide range of lighting solutions to cater to every segment of the population. The Area Manager of Philips India - South, Raju, says the trend in lighting is towards electronic versions of lighting. "We are seeing two broad usages. One is in the TL (tube-light) category with people going for electronic versions. Another is CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) that is replacing bulbs," he says.

The middle-income group prefers TLs; and those who can afford more opt for even electronic versions of CFLs. Raju recommends TLs for those living in a two-bedroom home with a hall and kitchen, as there is no clear demarcation between reading and non-reading sections.

Many homes today look at functional lighting. This means different areas of a home are lighted differently depending on what the room is used for. "Bedrooms can have dim light with certain points lighted up, like the bed-post to help reading at night, dressing table (if in the same room) and cupboard," says interior designer, Sujata Shankar.

A living room conveys the personality of the house and single central lights are passé. A mix of light sources can create a dynamic and interesting atmosphere, especially in living-cum-dining rooms.

Large spaces can bring in additional lighting effects with lampshades, while wall mounted lighting is preferred for small houses so that the floor is left uncluttered, says Sujata.

Lighting can bridge areas in a house and draw attention to or from objects. For example, if you want to take away attention from a dark spot on the wall, use focussed lighting. This is done by using a series of lights, all pointing in one direction.

You can also use this technique to focus on paintings or wall-hangings. Want to add colour to your child's room? Don't spend money on a wardrobe that he will outgrow. Instead you can an add Mickey Mouse lamps around the room. These are not only friendly but also inexpensive, and can be changed if your toddler grows up.

Key facts

The interiors of Cognizant Technology Solutions' Chennai office. -- Shaju John

Irrespective of your budget, these are some points you may want to note while hunting for the right lighting.

Always test the lighting equipment at your home. This will help you visualise how it will enhance your room. Never place lights directly facing a mirror.

Mirrors can, however, be used to divert light to focus on a specific element in the room, like an artefact. Halogen bulbs create a sharp look and must not be overused in rooms painted in pastel shades. Dim lighting complements light hues.

If you like entertaining people, keep a stock of special lights and bulbs. These are not easily available in the market for you to replace when the old bulb dies out.

Well, if understanding light and shadow is not your cup of tea, it helps to work with an interior designer to create the right look for your rooms.