How Do You Plan a Lighting Layout?

Lighting is one of the aspects to look out for while planning the layout of your house. It's imperative to understand how different light sources help in creating different environments.

Lighting adds to the beauty of your home, so it is essential to properly plan for it. If you’re struggling to find ways to plan a lighting layout, our expert advice will take the weight off your shoulders.

Start by considering the purpose of the lighting

Determine the sort of lighting you require based on the functional requirements by outlining what occurs in each area of the room. For example, if you read and watch TV on your sofa you might need different types of lamps to enable you to achieve both.

The dining table is another space to consider if it's part of your plan as it serves as more than just a place to eat for many people. It may also be used for crafts, homework for the kids, or a pleasant entertainment area, therefore, the type of lighting required must take this functionality into account.

Decide on a mood or feeling you wish to create

The first step when planning a lighting layout is to decide how you want the area to feel. Once you've decided on the mood you want, you can then plan out the lighting placement accordingly.

Start with an idea in mind. Are you looking for something bright and airy, or more subdued? You can choose different types of lighting for different kinds of moods. A soft and ambient light will complement a relaxing atmosphere while bright overhead lighting provides a more upbeat feel.

If you're aiming for a romantic setting, lights that can be dimmed are the perfect option. The Ics Wall Lamp by Vesoi is ideal for setting up a dreamy feeling.

However, if you're planning an event or party we suggest brighter lights in colours that suit your aesthetic. To gain more insight on planning a lighting layout or for some aesthetic encouragement, take a look at our interior design project portfolio. With our wide range of lighting options, you’ll definitely find something to suit your needs.

Choose the right type of light bulbs

Light bulbs are available in different types and colours, to create different moods. The three main categories are incandescent, LED and fluorescent bulbs.

1. Incandescent

Incandescent bulbs are the most common type and produce light through the heating up of a filament. These bulbs have been around since the 1800s and provide a warm glow that's great for creating a cosy atmosphere.

2. Fluorescent

Fluorescent bulbs use an electrical current to excite mercury vapour inside the bulb, which then emits ultraviolet light that is converted into visible light by phosphors on the inside of the glass tube.

3. LED

LED (light-emitting diode) lamps last longer than most others. LEDs don’t heat up as much as incandescent or fluorescent lights do; however, they can be very expensive upfront due to their technology involved with producing bright white light without generating heat.

Map out your layout and measure accordingly

Whether you're planning a lighting layout for your home or office, it's important to be sure that you're getting the most out of your space.

To do this, you'll need to map out your space and measure it. Once you know the size of the room you have and how much lighting is needed for its intended purposes, you can begin choosing the lights.

Here are some helpful questions to bear in mind when you start mapping out your lighting setup:

• What kind of lighting do you want? It’s essential to factor in the mood you want to create with your lighting. Consider the brightness, the ability to dim the lights or simply having a soft ambient light.
• What kind of room am I working with? Take into account the size of the room and what lights would fit in it without being drowned out or overwhelming the space. If you have a large space and a contemporary atmosphere, consider the sculptural 38V Armature Suspension Lamp by Bocci.
• What is your budget for the lighting project? Think about what type of light fixtures are within your budget.

Make any necessary adjustments before installing the light fixtures

Planning a lighting layout is an important part of the design process. It helps you visualise how the final product will look, and it allows you to make any necessary adjustments before installing the light fixtures.

Before installing your light fixtures, ensure all crucial modifications are made. This can include adjusting the height or angle of the fixture or adding or removing a fixture. If you're installing a light fixture that is not adjustable, you may want to consider changing the location of your furniture or other items in the room to create a better flow.

Test out your new lighting and make any final tweaks

At FCI London, we have been designing residential and commercial spaces around the globe for over 30 years.

Once you've installed the lights, it's time to test them out. This is your chance to see how well they work in their new environment and make any tweaks you need before moving on.

You may find that some of the bulbs are too dim or too bright, or that they just don't merge well next to each other. If you do find issues, don’t fret—you can always swap out bulbs or move them around until you find the setting that works best for you.

Conclusion

Take the time to consider your own needs, as well as your home's architecture, when planning your lighting layout. Arranging lights in your home has a direct impact on the space and the mood of visual elements within.

The art of arranging lights is fun, exciting, and the final decisions are solely left to you. If you're in the market for a new piece of luxury lighting or just want to learn more about what's out there, we can help.

We've got a team of experts who know contemporary lighting inside and out. They'll be happy to assist you with sourcing the perfect piece for your space— get in touch with them via WhatsApp to start lighting up your life.