Interior Design Week-end Projects 4: Illuminating Dark Rooms



Direct lighting can address areas where projects require a little more illumination. This is where decorative lamps and task lighting can offer as much light as required depending on the job. Even in a naturally lighted room, task lighting is necessary for direct lighting but cannot act alone in bringing even lighting into a dark room.

A good plan in covering every aspect of a dark room is needed before drilling holes and purchasing fixtures. The style of the room is also important in deciding on ambient lighting. If you are planning on extra accent lighting in a specific area, be careful not to flood too much light through track lighting. If you are unsure just where to begin with recessed lighting, start with the size of your room and the size of the cans. For a low ceiling in a 10' X 10' room, 3" 50-watt fixtures placed at 3' intervals is adequate. Larger rooms with high ceilings can contain up to 6" 50-watt fixtures placed at 6' intervals.

You should also opt for light décor and accessories. Bright net curtains, voiles or vertical blinds will give you privacy without restricting too much light. Look for light coloured duvet sets in bedrooms to help lift the room and give the illusion of more light and space. Don't forget to use mirrors to help bounce light around a dark room.