LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

In the olden days, where they used fire as source of light and in the century when the first
electric bulb was invented, inventor’s pursuit is to illuminate the space. In ancient period for
light source it was fire and then invention of bulb using Gas and then Electric bulb. Once the
outcome is success, they strive for reliable, consistent source. Then comes the focus on energy
consumption thereby needed efficient source.

But along the timeline, leaving behind the concept of just lit the space, we learn to out see its
significance in our daily life and influence on our various moods throughout the day. Obviously
our mood is mixed feeling of happy, joy, sad, importance, and ignorance. We needed lighting to
adapt into all these feelings. We needed lighting to be comfort, to give us pleasant atmosphere;
but it should also be efficient and practical. Then only it becomes good lighting.

Lighting becomes the tool that can project our mind, our emotions. Imagine if we illuminate
our home just with uniform light, it is like being emotionless. Our home interior design which is
basically a projection of our mind becomes lifeless, unpleasant without proper lighting, without
PROPER LIGHTING EFFECTS. We needed some places to be highlighted, some places to be not
seen and some being decorative. All these are possible with various lighting effects and within
which by adjusting how light gets dispersed.

Lighting system comprises of Source (Bulb), Luminaries (Fixture) and control system. Each
component plays it own part. Bulb, of course provides light; Control system (like switches,
dimmers) used to control the lighting according to our requirements; Luminaries, plays major
role of determining how light gets dispersed into the space.

So, it is important to know about the luminaries selection also by technically a little bit other
than considering just about their wattage, shape and decorative feature. By understanding
handful of things about Different Lighting Effects; Light Distribution; and Luminaries selection
features, we can create different moods using different visual effects; by managing how light
gets dispersed.

Let us start with the different ways luminaries can distribute the light. Either as a focused light
(Direct Lighting) or as a reflective form of light from ceiling (Indirect lighting) or light gets
scattered into the space (Diffused Lighting). These are the major ways the light gets dispersed.

Direct lighting is achieved when majority of the light falls on the intended object or space. Most
of the luminaries will provide direct lighting. The purpose of direct lighting is to provide strong
illumination and clear visibility. But making direct light into unsuitable task leads to glare and
sharp shadows due to high illumination. Direct lighting fixture is ideal for the task where
focused illumination is required. For actions like reading, objects need to be highlighted, spaces

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

need to be noticeable direct lighting fixtures can be chosen. Some fixtures like Table Lamps,
Down Lights, Track lights, spot lights can result in Direct Lighting.

In living room shown below, the room is lit by the direct light emits from the ceiling recessed spot lights

Workspace above shown is utilizing direct light

from table lamp;
In the left shown scenario, Linear Pendant over
the top of dining table gives direct lighting

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Indirect lighting is achieved when the light falls indirectly on the intended object or space.
Means the light from source is directed to another area like ceiling or wall and makes the
reflected light from ceiling or wall to fall on the actual space that needs to be illuminated.
The purpose of the indirect lighting is to provide even and glare free light. Indirect lighting
fixtures are used to create a practical light in the space by balancing out the strong light from
direct lighting. Some fixtures like up lights, Track lights, Table Lamp can be used for indirect
lighting.

In living room wall washer uplight fixed in the skirting of the wall gives indirect lighting and illuminates
the room. The pendant serves as decorative purpose with minimal amount of lighting.

This bedroom is the best example for

utilizing indirect lighting method. The
sources installed in this room all are
hidden. But the light emits out gets
reflected from wall and ceiling and
illuminates the room.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Diffused Lighting means the light gets evenly distributed onto the object or into the space. This
is achieved by covering the source with fittings such as shade, paper, glass around it. Depending
on the material used for covering and the colour of the shade the intensity of light comes out
from it will be altered. This way of lighting avoids the brightness and glare produced by the bare
bulb. Diffused lighting can be used in corridors, walkways, garden areas to provide clear
visibility for the activity involved.

Fixtures like Table Lamp, pendant, Recessed lights can be used for Diffused Lighting.

The pendants mounted over the kitchen island diffuse the light around its surface in addition to the light
falls on the ceiling which gives indirect light.

Confusion may happen since the same fixture is given in all the three types of lighting.
For example, Table lamp is mentioned in all the three ways. If you use the table lamp for
reading activity, it ends up providing direct lighting. The light emerging out from the top
opening of the shade falls on the ceiling, and provides indirect lighting. The light dispersed
through the shade gives soft diffused lighting.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS
In the living room pictured below, the light sources are ceiling recessed spotlight and Table lamps. The
light from spot lights illuminates the room in two ways; directly downwards; some lights falls on the wall
and gives indirect diffused light.

Same goes for other fixtures like track lights and Uplighters. Mostly, Track Lights are used for
direct lighting and Uplighters are used for indirect lighting. Though uplighters produce lights
upwards which makes it indirect lighting. But if is mounted beneath some wall painting or to
highlight the ceiling decorations it becomes direct lighting. But if you focus the track light into
ceiling away from the particular object to be illuminated it becomes indirect lighting from direct
lighting TO THAT OBJECT.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS
In the left side kitchen, Track light is used for indirect lighting by focusing the track light units onto the
cupboards and wall and in the right-side kitchen Track light is used as direct lighting to the kitchen island.

It is not the concept that particular fixture provides certain way of Light Distribution. It is
based on the Scope of Illumination and where the light falls determines the way of lighting
distribution; whether it is Direct or Indirect or Diffused Lighting. As example shown, most of
the fixture are flexible enough to be utilized for multiple ways of light distribution.

But when buying the luminaries, there will be the manufacture’s guide for its usage. That has
the recommended source and the photometric chart diagram within its technical specification
sheet. Photometric chart also known as light distribution curve is the visual representation of
light distribution by the luminaire. It is the two-
dimensional representation of how actual light being
distributed into space through the luminaire. Gives us
the light direction. Either upward, downward or gets
diffused.

To the right is how photometric chart looks.

The degrees all around the square represent the
angular position from luminaire to the space. The
circles represent the intensity of the light (measured
in candela, Cd). The rays of line over the circle
represent the way that light gets distributed.
If we stand in 45 degree angle from the luminaire
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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

position, we will be exposed to minimum strength of light of 250 Cd. At 15 degree and stand
straight down we will get maximum light strength of 1000 Cd. This chart shows the luminaire
distributes light in downward direction only.
If the rays of line are fully below 90 degree, the luminaire falls into to downward light direction.
Almost entire light (90 to 100%) shall be in downward. This is example of direct lighting.

Photometric chart of various ways of light distribution are shown below.

But again, we have to remember that these are only for guidance and we can alter it according
to our ways to obtain different ways of lighting.

By understanding how lights get distributed and some factors altering the distribution we can
now create various effects into the space. There are basically five different visual effects we can
achieve by distributing the light into the space.

But knowing in little bit detailed about different luminaries; how it disperses light or how we
can alter its dispersion ways; some thoughts of where that particular luminaries can be placed,
will enable us to easily understand the lighting effects much better. So,

If we can define the five lighting effects in a single word then,

Ambient Lighting - Practical Lighting

Accent Lighting - Artistic Lighting
Task Lighting - Functional Lighting
Decorative Lighting - Ornamental Lighting
Kinetic Lighting - Motion Lighting

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

As we seen earlier luminaries plays major role in how light gets distributed into the space.
Luminaries acts as reflector that reflects the light from bulb or diffuses the light evenly into the
space or focus it to fall on particular object. It all depends on the material it is made of and the
components it equipped with. Let us distinguish the luminaries into two divisions as portable
luminaries and Architectural (Fixed) Luminaries.

Below are the luminaries we can identify in the lighting designs majorly.

Pendants/Chandelier

Pendant is a hanging fixture from ceiling suspended by coil, rod or metal. It has wide ranges like
simple Linear pendant, suspension bulb, Drum pendant, Bowl pendant, decorative pendant, rise
and fall (multiple) pendant, and chandeliers. They can traditional, modern, contemporary or
decorative according the appeal expecting in the space. This type of fixture goes well with all
interior spaces. Care and manufacturer guidance have to be considered for the suitable
selection of bulb that adapts and matches with the material of pendant.

These two are the linear

pendants. They distribute light
directly in downward direction.
These types of pendants can
be fixed over the top of
kitchen island or over the
dining table or over the player
table.

It is appropriate for the tasks involved in each scenario. The disadvantage is that concern has to
be taken while during installation and Suspension height as this fixture will be best when
positioned center. If sided to one direction that looks odd and if the suspension height is too
low this makes over brightness and gives eyestrain.

The pendant towards the left is globe pendant. And the

pendant towards the right is drum pendant. Globe pendant
shown here can be installed either as a single over the side
table can be used for reading task. This gives light in a
diffused way on to the table. If used two or three globes
grouped together over kitchen or hang in as rise and fall in
the living room this provides practical light to the room.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

The decorative chandelier towards

the right and drum pendant in the
left can be the best choice for the
entrance that serves both
decorative and practical lighting
purpose. Drum color and material
will affect the intensity of the light
from source. As of chandelier,
centrally installed for the space and
it has to be chosen based on the
interior painting and theme.

Track Light

It is a ceiling mounted fixture that contains two portions. The main track shall be fixed to ceiling
which carries electricity and the lighting units shall be screwed to the track which can be adjust
to moved and rotated to various positions and direction needed.

The lighting units are not having swivel mechanism and this
luminaire provide light in direct way and only in downward
direction. Because of this reason the usage can be limited
only over table tops to the tasks involved on the mounted
space.

But the track shown below has swivel mechanism in its

lighting units. This is more flexible than the fixed one. It can
be positioned downward when more direct light is needed
and the light units can be
tilted onto wall or ceiling to
give indirect light. It can also
be suitable for highlighting
pictures on the wall by
focusing light onto it.

So, in general track lighting serves most purposes like task lighting or general lighting or to
highlight things.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Downlights/Spot lights

It is a type of luminaire that is used to illuminate particular object as well as the big space when
evenly distribute. As name suggests it is a discreet small luminaire that can be flush into the
surface. It is designed as fixed mechanism in which it provides general lighting in space and also
with swivel mechanism for focusing in particular direction.

It is a small luminary that can be installed literally in all

surfaces. It will be referred with various names based
on the usage and scope it carries out. If placed over
ceiling in recess way it becomes Ceiling Recessed
Spotlight (Downlight); if the spot light can swivel it
becomes Ceiling Recessed Directional Spot Light; if
flushed into the floor it becomes in Floor Washers
(Ground uplights); If recessed into the wall it is called
Wall Washers (Downlight/Uplight).

This ceiling recessed downlight can be installed in al

rooms to provide practical lighting. This provides light
in downward direction. Proper pattern has to be
maintained for installation and it is advised to
separate the control connection and integrate with
dimmers. This way the intensity can be adjustable and
can illuminate only particular space needed.

This also comes with swivel mechanism as below which can be used to highlight pictures or can
be flushed into the floors on the side of the walls or in the garden to brings out architectural
effect in the interiors. There it gives accent lighting.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Wall Lights and Sconces

This is the wall mounted fixtures. It can be used for both functional as well as decorative
purpose also. Based on the design they can be used as
uplighter or downlighers.

This fixture can be suitable for the corridor walls and

mounted at particular distance. This emits lights both in
upward and downward direction. The shade colour has
to chosen well for more intensity of light. The wiring has
to be concealed within the wall to looks better.

The lantern on the right side can be mounted on the

outside wall all around for providing light in walkways.
It can also be positioned beside the doors to lit the
space. But the luminaire has to be auditioned with
other luminaire to lit the space well.

The sconce can be mounted beside the bedside and this

acts both as the bedside lamp and reading lamp when
necessary as this has rotatory motion. This gives light in
downward as direct for reading task, soft diffused light for
night time.

Wall lights and Sconces are best if chosen with decorative purpose also if installed in the living
rooms or side walls.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Fluorescent light fixtures

This is the best economical lighting fixture that can be spotted in all the buildings like in home,
office, retail shops, garages. This is the linear fixture that gives bright light in direct downward
way. It comes as ceiling fixed or as hanging way. If we using it for interior purpose rather than
choosing standard fluorescent light somewhat modern choice will not ruin the design.

This modern shaded fixture

can be fixed at outside of
doorsteps to give bright
diffused light. This can be
mounted on the kitchen top to
lit the space instead of
multiple spot light.

Floor Lamp

A standing lamp on the floor that can be portable. In recent years a vast innovation has been
made in their design and styles. A kind of floor lamp known as Torchier which is a traditional
kind of standing lamp, which can be suited into contemporary interior designs.

A traditional look floor lamp that can be placed as a pair on the sides
of Arch in the home. The little light upwards through the top open of
the shade falls on the arch makes dramatic feel and warm shade on
late evenings. But proper selection of source has to be taken into
account. Person should always be cautious about being trip down by
connection wires laid on the floors which means the power socket
should be nearby its position.

It can be placed beside sofas on the living room or beside sitter on the
lounge for reading or beside bedside which acts as both night lamp
and reading lamp.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Table Lamp

Table lamp is smaller version of floor lamp that can

also be portable but placed over the top of tables.
These also available in huge ranges that can be
adapted well in traditional, modern as well as
decorative environment.

This plant kind of table lamp is suited for woody

interiors and also along the bedside that can eases
one’s mind. This acts both as task and decorative
lighting. Again, socket has to be nearby its position.

Cove Lighting in which the light bulbs are covered by pocket kind of things or letting the bulbs
coved into the space and make it hidden to give indirect lighting. This gives a major decorative
creation to the interior if it is designed into the ceiling or into the hall way to give practical
lighting. And also it can be seen in the shopping malls as the clearness energize the customer
and feel fresh.

This hallway and the ceiling of the shopping mall has been
designed with cove lighting.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Photovoltaic lighting that can be

used in outdoors in patios and
garden to decorate the space and
to provides minimum amount of
light. As this is of solar type, the
disadvantage lays in the weather
condition. But it is easy to build on
our own or buy and easy
installation in short period of time.

This garden walkway is illuminated by

post lamp kind of solar photovoltaic
lighting.

Apart from these luminaries there are other types of luminaries that serves its own purposes.
Each luminaire has its own unique design and own way of distributing the light.

Selecting luminaires by considering the lighting effects we planned, the task we going to carry
out in the particular space, the level and way of lighting we expecting will gives us a wonderful
outcome.

A perfect luminaire is the one that blend into the interior instead of acting just as object.

By knowing the selection of luminaire and where to utilize it, we can create different lighting
effects in more efficient way.

Ambient Lighting is the general lighting used to illuminate the space. It is the first layer of
lighting used to provide even illumination and clear vision to make the space easily accessible.
Ambient Lighting is the practical lighting seen in most of the interiors and spaces. But this just
the basic layer of lighting that gives us warmth and security. For practicality in most of the
interior we can see only ambient lighting. In those cases, controlling the lights with dimmers
can provides us the flexibility for controlling the light level as we needed.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Ambient Lighting can be experienced by the pendant/chandelier in the foyer; the ceiling
recessed down light in living room; the track lights in the Kitchen Island; the floor washers over
the staircase and wall lights in outdoor.

The space shown left side has now only utilizing the ambient lighting provided by ceiling recessed spot
lights. And the distribution of light is direct lighting.

The entrance above has enough natural light

during day time. But during evening and night time
the light from chandeliers lit the space. As we
seeing the light hits the ceiling and gets diffused
into the space.

The wall washers flushed into the wall gives additional light to the stair case along with the ceiling spot
light (Hidden in the picture shown) provides visibility to the staircase.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Accent Lighting - To highlight and amplify particular object or space from this general layer of
lighting, Accent lighting is used. It is used to create focal point in the room and interest into the
object. It is used to bring out the architectural features of interiors, the artistic form of
sculpture or the conveyance of the painting. Accent Lighting is the Artistic lighting. Used well
adds various moods and effects within the space.

Accent Lighting can be added as the picture lights in the entrance to highlight the pictures; the
sconces or the wall washers in the corridors to bring out the dramatic effects on the wall; the
ceiling recessed directional lights in the bedroom; floor recessed up lights within the garden
steps to bring out dramatic effects in the garden.

In the hallway above, The flower

vase in the niches are
highlighted by a ceiling recessed
spotlights providing downward
direct lighting. And the floor
flushed spotlight before the
doorway provides uplighting and
gives us a feel of entering into
magical room.

In the dining room, modern wall

washers gives diffused and
upward lighting and creates a
moody effect in the space.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Though above mentioned two lighting are enough, for doing particular action, Task lighting is
appropriate for carrying out certain task without any trouble such as eyestrain or glare. As it
serves important purpose positioned properly to avoid glare and shadow. Task lighting is the
functional lighting. The luminaries should be choosing well for the task involved and If selected
in attractive way, it can be used as decorative lighting also.

Desk lamp in study table and the side table lamp beside bed for reading before bed and
pendant over the playing table and directional spot light over mirror in bathroom and surface
recessed spot light in the kitchen counter all are designed for particular task it involved.

To the top left, is the same space shown under

ambient lighting category, but the pendants
over the dining hall serves as task lighting. As
we seeing the lighting layers should be
separated to get its purpose effectively.

In the washroom, the spotlight and the

pendants are acting as task lighting that can be
switched off when work is done.

In the kitchen, the tracklight over the island is used as task lighting. The lighting units in the track are
distributed for covering the island all along. Distributes light in downward direction as direct lighting.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

Decorative Lighting, as the name suggests it is used for decorative purpose. It brings the final
touch that doesn’t mean that it has to be designed at later stage and should be designed
separately. Decorative Lighting is ornamental of lighting in the interior. Proper level of
decorative lighting into the design will accessorize the interiors. Adding more decorative
lighting may lead to over attractiveness and mess up the mood we about to achieve. If it is
chosen only for being decorative, the application will be limited. But if integrated with other
lighting effects along with being decorative it serves many purposes.

The ornamental chandelier instead of common one in the hallway and living room, the fancy
track light in the kitchen, showy floor lamps and pretty table lamps, and designed wall lamps in
outdoor wall, besides serving its intended purpose also can be decorative.

In the kitchen, the pendants over the The sconces on the wall providing ambient lighting by distributing
island is for decorative purpose, as light in indirect way and also acts being decorative.
we can feel most of the illuminance
is provided by natural lighting.

To draw the attention instantly, kinetic lighting is the best choice. Kinetic lighting is the
moving lighting that can be calming light or strong irritating light based on the usage and place
it is equipped. In the office receptions and corridors shall be equipped with kinetic lighting to
being decorative. In big malls exterior, kinetic lighting is used at night time to draw people
attention and to bring out the architectural beauty.

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 LESSON 2 – LIGHTING EFFECTS

In home interiors, it is designed in ceiling or walls of children room to make the child calm and
attentive before sleep. It can be used to decorate the Outdoor walls during party and festivals.

This bedroom is designed with kinetic lighting effect for bed time.

With these understanding about luminaries, their selection criteria, the ways they can distribute
light, and knowledge about applying various lighting effects, we can even project our story just
by lighting.

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Bibliography

‘The Home Lighting Effects Bible’ by Lucy Martin

hgtv.com/remodel/interiors
m.manufacturer.lightting.com
stouchlighting.com
warehouse-lighting.com
For photometric chart
https://ransenlightingandcolor.blogspot.com/2016/11/how-to-understand-photometric-
polar.html
https://www.livexlightinglights.com
http://www.lightopiaonline.com/cerno-aeris-led-linear-pendant.html
https://www.lights.com/powell-matte-black-globe-pendant-p-39595.html/Matte Black Globe
Pendant
www.bar-cotton.com/bendable-track-lighting-system
https://www.screwfix.com/p/philips-fresco-recessed-ceiling-spotlight-stainless-steel-5w/8891g
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Brookhaven-1-Light-Bronze-Swing-Arm-Sconce-
with-Fabric-Shade
www.pinterest.com/pin/115334440430321078/?lp=true
https://www.universal-lighting.co.uk/shop/home-lighting/kitchen-lights/fluorescent-kitchen-
lights/
http://www.lightopiaonline.com/mulberry-table-lamp.html
https://metsolar.eu/lighting/solar-powered-bollard-for-garden-and-park-lighting/
http://tenderfootdesign.com/inspiration/an-enlightening-lesson/
https://www.decoist.com

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