Using lighting to set the mood for any occasion
If you’ve ever been in a cinema at the end of a film or in a pub when it’s closing time, then you’ll know how much turning the lights on can change the atmosphere. The whole place transforms from an intimate, cosy and personal experience into a stark, cold and unpleasant one. It’s like someone has let reality back into the room and that usually means it’s time to go home.
We sometimes say that this switching on of lights ruins the mood. However, perhaps the correct interpretation should be that it alters the mood. That’s because the lighting itself very often is the mood. Think about why romantic dinners almost always have to be candlelight.
So, it is a logical extension to understand that by using lighting in our homes, we can create the mood we’re looking for. Depending on the occasion, the lighting we choose can influence the atmosphere, the feeling of warmth and even the conversation.
Imagine if you’re having a potential romantic interest round to your home. Stark general lighting is probably not a good move. You need to set the scene with some accent lighting. Create a sensation of comfort and calm – or even add a touch of extra romance by creating an intimately lit space. This kind of lighting will bring the two of your closer together, lighting only the area around you, so that it feels like you’re completely alone (even if your flatmate is sat in the other corner).
Of course, it’s not just the light itself that creates mood but also the types of light you have. For example, if you’re lucky enough to have a library, study or reading room in your home, it’s unlikely that you’ll want modern up-lighters. A study is a space where light very much needs to be focused on the important workspace area. A traditional green glass desk lamp always look great in a study space, especially if you have gone for the old-school look of rich mahogany and leather bound books.
Similarly, a traditional standard lamp with tassels on the shade won’t quite set the right mood in a modern, contemporary and open plan living space. Match your lamps and lights to your space as much as you match the type of light you need to what you use the space to do.
Think about the kind of bulbs you use too. Richer tones offer more warmth than stark white lights. Just imagine trying to have a romantic evening under the glare of an office strip light. Although remember that your choice of shade can also influence the type and colour of light around your room.
Use-specific rooms such as the kitchen often require specialty lighting, including work surface under lighting and pendant lights to illuminate certain areas, and bright general lighting for safety reasons. Bathrooms also need good general lighting as you need to see what you’re doing. However, accent lighting or even candles are also a good idea in case you want to have a relaxing soak.
In short, think about the use of the room, the occasion, the type of lights you have and bulbs you are using, and you can influence the mood of any room. Just remember, if your date is going well, make sure you don’t turn on the main light as it could spoil the whole evening.
About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Litecraft. Litecraft is based in Manchester and celebrates over 60 years of lighting experience; designing, manufacturing, and distributing decorative lighting across the UK. Drawing inspiration from traditional and modern sources, we pride ourselves in bringing the best in lighting design.