Kathmandu :

Function, mood and harmony — these three words should be the guideline while planning the lighting a room. The way lighting is incorporated in the interior decoration plan has a significant effect on the overall look of the room. The way a particular space is illuminated also influences the theme and appeal of the room.

As Sarosh Pradhan of Sarosh Pradhan and Associates opined, “Always have the opportunity to light up a space.”

The proper mixture of décor and function of light fixtures make a perfect lighting scheme. The functional aspect of lights is something everyone is well aware of. Thus people today have practical lighting built in while constructing their homes.

“Lamps have become more of an accessory these days,” said Tejita Amatya Vaidya, Director, Conception Interiors Pvt Ltd.

Decorative lights are used to create a relaxed atmosphere as their aesthetic element enhances the décor of the whole room. Interior decorator of MAC Décor, Saika Sthapit added that lamps which earlier were about lights are treated more like a piece of art these days. And like any other piece of interior design, lamps also need to complement the colour scheme and the furnishing of the room.

This new value and functionality of lamps have led to a revolution in their designs. Lamps no longer are just about a base and a lampshade as more and more contemporary designs are coming in the market. Vaidya pointed out that lamps, which have always been an integral part of interior decoration are designed these days more to fit the lifestyle of different people. “People these days are ready to spend on accessories and so more varieties of lamps are available.”

The most popular contemporary lamps include floor and table lamps crafted from stainless and other metals. According to Sthapit the since the ‘Sleek look’ is in, rectangular and square shaped lamps also are in demand. So are torchieres, which casts light upwards. Lamps with particularly dramatic shapes or bold flashes of colour can be a terrific way to personalise a space.

Lamps with base made of wrought iron, cane, steel, wood, clay pot, glass bowl or even small sculpture are popular these days. And as for the shades, the ones made of Nepali paper or glass are still popular in Kathmandu.

When it comes to lampshades one should consider the effect the colour of the shade will have on the room. Colourful shades can be useful in achieving various kinds of special effects that coordinates well with other accessories of the room.

Lampshades are easy to replace so you can afford to experiment different choices. You can even try a shade that is lined with a metallic finish. “Lampshades should match something else in the room and should blend with the theme,” said Sthapit.

Splendour lightings

Though used more as an accessory one cannot ignore the fact that the way lamps project light also decides its décor position. Pradhan believes that lamps liven up a corner so should be used generously.

Stand lamps should preferably used in pairs and should be placed at a focal point like next to sofas or in the corners of lobby. Table lamps should sit on a centre or corner table in living room or at the bedside unit in bedroom.

The type of objects placed below a lamp also determines what light could be used. A narrow beam halogen down light can be used to light a single vase or a piece of china. As the lower part of the object remains in shade this gives a dramatic floating effect.

A table lamp with a wide based shade will throw a pool of light onto the surface below it and is an attractive way to light a small collection or some framed photographs. Objects on glass shelves can be lit very effectively by positioning a row of small halogen spotlights below the bottom shelf. Small pharmacy type lamps are a great solution for tight spaces where a regular table or floor lamp may be too large.

Certain stand lamps can be set up around furniture pieces to bring out a particular colour and add a soft touch of light over work areas like reading areas. Wall lamps can further accentuate that soft, gentle feel throughout the room.

With so many choices one is likely to get confused about what type of lighting they should go for. All you need to focus on is to have a blend both bright and dim lights so that your room has varied illumination. Because sometimes you need the energy boost triggered by bright lights, and at other times you need the relaxation of soft, warm lighting.

Proper

• There’s actually a proven formula for calculating the proper amount of light a particular room needs, and it’s not difficult — just some basic arithmetic.

Formula

Room Length x Room Width x 1.5 = Proper amount of watts to light a room. For example, let’s say, you have a 12x16-foot living room: 12x16x1.5 = 288 watts of lighting. Therefore, a ive-light chandelier using 60-watt bulbs will provide sufficient light for the room. For more concentrated lighting over a task or work area such as a kitchen island, simply multiply the dimensions of the island by 2.5.

• If you’re using a floor or desk lamp, the bottom of the lampshade should be approximately 42-inches from the floor’s surface. Desk lamps should be 16-inches above the work surface, and torchieres, used to light dark corners, should be 66 to 72-inches from the floor.