1: Living Room
* Correct lighting in the Living Room will create a soft, calm atmosphere for relaxed conversation with friends, quiet time for reading and contemplating, as well as allowing for higher lighting levels when required.
* Create layers of light in the Living Room by using a mixture of different types of lighting, each type separately controlled so that different atmospheres can be created.
* A feature pendant or chandelier (or perhaps two in a larger space) will enhance the style of the area but should not be used as the sole source of light because, typically, it will create only general, ambient lighting providing a flat, uniformly lit effect, with little ability to create a soft atmosphere.
* An attractive layer of background lighting can created by illuminating bookcases and shelving units.
* for built-in bookcases use linear LED strip lighting in very warm colour (2200-2700K max) mounted at the front and shining downwards to light the spines. If the shelves are adjustable, mount the LED strips vertically at the sides of each recess, angled at 45degrees to light across the spines. If fixed, mount the LED strips along each shelf, at the front and shining downwards onto the spines. Don't overlight these as this will create glare, so use LED strip 2.5W/metre
* for built-in cabinets/units use miniature downlights or uplights, using very thin light fittings (eg. RAY ???) that will fit into the shelf. Rather than lighting every recess, an interesting effect can be achieved by lighting random recesses.
* Recessed downlights should be used sparingly to achieve specific accent or feature lighting effects eg. picture/sculpture lighting. For picture lighting and/or wall-wash effect set the downlight 400mm back from the wall and centre it/them along each wall (450mm for ceiling over 3m).
* For a more Classic look, use wall- or frame-mounted picture lights to provide accent lighting of paintings and pictures.
* A single downlight, with a narrow beam, positioned over the coffee table will make a feature of a flower vase, sculpture, ornament or special book. For a larger table in a larger space, use two small downlights, spaced approx 750mm apart,
* Table lamps, because they are at eye-level, will create an intimate background layer of light for relaxed conversation or, depending on the style of lamp, effective task lighting for reading.
* Lamps should always be wired into 5 amp wall- or floor-sockets, to allow control via a single button or switch. When placing 5amp wall-sockets make sure you have one in the right place for the Christmas tree lights!
* In-floor/in-sill uplighters in window bays, window sills and fireplace hearth will create a soft but dramatic accent lighting effect but note that curtains, when closed, will hide the effect of the uplit windows.
* In-floor uplighters can also be used for dramatic feature lighting of sculptures and other floor-standing decorative pieces.
* Wall-lights will provide ambient lighting and will help to create a Classic style in the room. Take care that they don't get in the way of your pictures and other displays. The ideal place for a wall-light is often also the ideal place for a picture!
* Wall-lights look good either side of a mirror or picture but don't mix wall-lights and table lamps along the same wall.