Mood lighting - how to create a mood with light in 6 easy steps
Atmospheric lighting, or how to create atmosphere in the interior with light
Artificial light is supposed to provide us with brightness and visibility when dusk falls, when the day has not yet risen, when it is gray and gloomy outside. This is, of course, the most functional and practical side of interior lighting - lighting that is meant to serve us in our daily activities, preparing meals or at work.
However, light is not only our servant, but also a companion, a friend and an indispensable ally when it comes to creating a mood in interiors. It makes us not only see better, but also feel better. Surely you have noticed that on a sunny day we usually have more energy and a positive attitude towards life.
On the same principle, the right light can affect our mood when we are inside - from lifting our spirits after a bad day at work, to creating a romantic mood, to an intimate atmosphere conducive to confidences or evening tranquility with a book and a cup of your favorite tea. How to use light to make our home cozy and make everyone feel good in it? We suggest!
1. Variety of light fixtures - the key to atmospheric lighting in the interior
If you want interiors with soothing character, do not illuminate them with a single ceiling lamp. The use of lamps of various types seems to be quite obvious, but we still tend to equip our rooms (especially the smaller ones - bedrooms, guest rooms or children's rooms) with a single, central light source. Overhead lamps create unpleasant shadows and glare, and tend to give off a strong, blinding light that is not conducive to a friendly atmosphere.
Remember that when designing lighting in an interior, it is necessary to take into account its various purposes - from central lighting, to work lighting, to mood lighting. By mixing different types of lamps and placing them in a layered system - from ceiling to wall to table lamps - we can match the light to the time of day, activity and desired mood.
Layered lighting - based on different types of lamps - adds multidimensionality, depth, and makes interiors more exciting.
2. Create mood lighting with wall sconces
Wall lamps is an effective way to create an atmosphere in the interior and an excellent alternative to overhead lighting. Wall lamps directing light upwards make rooms appear taller, while those shining downwards emphasize the width of the room and create a cozy atmosphere, even in very spacious interiors.
Points of light arranged symmetrically on the wall of a room or corridor, exude delicacy and give the interior an intimate feel. Available in a wide range of options, both in classic versions, as well as industrial whether very modern and minimalist, will be a perfect complement to any type of styling.
Our advice: Hang the wall lamps in the living room so that their top edge is at eye level. In this way, the light will not dazzle the household members. If, on the other hand, you plan to use wall sconces instead of bedside lamps, hang them on both sides of the bed at arm's length.
3. Change the mood with floor lamps
Floor lamps is another way to build up the atmosphere in the interior, as well as an excellent alternative to overhead lighting. Floor lamps placed in the corners of the living room or bedroom, will also be a sensational, discreet accent light, and the lamp placed behind the sofa in the rest area, will emphasize its cozy, relaxing function.
If you are looking for a striking way to build a mood in the interior and you have a fireplace, set two standing lamps on either side of it - you can't even imagine how much of an impression this composition will make on your visiting guests! If, on the other hand, you care about a good atmosphere during meal times and a mood that is conducive to family conversations, place a floor lamp in the vicinity of the dining room or kitchen table and enjoy a positive, tasty atmosphere.
Our advice: If you're looking for a way to light up your bedroom in an atmospheric way, set up a floor lamp in front of a mirror that reaches all the way to the floor. With this treatment and reflections, you will create an atmosphere conducive to tranquility.
4. Table lamps, and mood lighting in interiors
Table lamps are an indispensable part of mood lighting in the interior. They are irreplaceable in creating a cozy atmosphere. Diffused glow and soft radiance, add softness and coziness to the arrangements, and opaque, non-transparent shades made of soft, shiny fabric, will be the greatest allies of warm atmosphere in your interior.
Table lamps look exceptionally good on all kinds of dressers and consoles (also around the sofa and dining table), as well as on tables - coffee and bedside tables. You can also use their power in the kitchen by placing a small table lamp on the kitchen countertop. You will quickly find that an evening cup of tea in the cozy glow of such a lamp, will take on a whole new flavor.
More about the selection of table lamps read in our comprehensive guide here.
5. Atmospheric lighting, and color temperature and light intensity
Surely you have noticed that your body reacts quite differently to strong and cold light, and differently to warm and subdued light. The right light intensity and color are therefore crucial, for creating an intimate and atmospheric atmosphere in the interior.
Light with higher intensity and cold color temperature has a stimulating and motivating effect, while soft, warm, diffused, muffled light has a soothing, calming effect. It is the key to creating atmospheric lighting in the interior. The solution that most easily allows you to control the intensity of light in the room are dimmers, which, thanks to modern technology, not only reduce the intensity, but also save electricity. You can choose lamps with a built-in dimmer or install a dimmer on a cable or switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to light color, choose light bulbs with a warm color - śwind below 2900 Kelvin has a very warm color, and thus will be very atmospheric, similar to the light emitted by a candle. Also remember to choose the right lamps. Fixtures with transparent shades will not promote a cozy atmosphere. Opt for milky glass or fabric lampshades.
6. How to create atmospheric lighting? Choose a lamp with a fabric lampshade
Choosing the right lampshade - specifically, its shape and the material it is made of - has a huge impact on the level of coziness in an interior. Lampshades made of thick soft materials direct light downward and/or upward, creating a more intimate atmosphere than lamps with transparent shades. If you want a cozy atmosphere in the interior, avoid transparent glass lampshades that expose the bulb.
Our tip: Opt for a table lamp with a thick velour lampshade with a soft glossy finish. If you love colors and would like to incorporate them into your interior, check out sawa Velvet New table lamp collection as well as lora lamp collection, in which, in addition to very classic and elegant combinations, you will also find lampshades in surprising, fresh colors. Lamps with fabric lampshade encourage closeness and make the term "soft light" take on a whole new meaning.
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