You may want to add an extra ‘wow’ factor with decorative lighting. It is not always essential or functional, but it can create intrigue and reflect an individual interior design style. If you want to specify decorative lighting, but do not want to overbear the space, why not try one of Phos’ special finishes to make your architectural light fitting a decorative feature? Using our antique gold baffle can significant warm up the colour temperature and make the space much cosier…
This type of lighting is designed to create a mood or ambience, by using different tones and colours of light, as well as different levels of brightness. This includes the use of dimming circuits in bedrooms and living spaces, as well as dining areas, letting you easily choose which lights you want to use and at what level to perform a desired task.
The choice of dimmer system is critical here as not only can you dim each layer, but you are able to marry them together to create specific scenes.
Linear lights that are discreetly designed into drop ceilings and coffers can make striking architectural features as they provide clean, shadow-free light. If done well, the strips of light that run around the recessed ceiling cast an even and gentle light, which can provide general lighting or, if layered with downlights, can create a brighter atmosphere.
We recommend that you wire-in a dimming control system so that you can reflect a desired mood and add a sense of drama to the space when required. The Decoline range from Phos is compatible with dimming systems via mains/1-10/DALI/DMX.
Install a dimming system to control the mood
When tucked into a niche around the ceiling, lines of light can make the most out of a minimalist space. Their subtly adds warmth and interest, whilst at the same time, draws your eye upwards and visually raises the height of a room.
What's more, if you have a restricted depth for installation, we manufacture ultra-slim options and offer a bespoke, cut to size service so that you can specify strip to your specific project requirements. This gives you limitless creativity with your linear design.
Accent lighting is about picking out the features that matter to you and highlighting them. Linear lights can be fitted in the tightest of spaces making it possible to conceal them so that the focus is purely on the feature that is brought to life in the light.
But don’t just limit yourself to accentuating bold features; consider applying accent linear lighting to highlight work surfaces or mirrors.
Our tip for these types of applications would be to install the lights with a control system for both the output and colour temperature of the fittings. That way you can alter the mood whether you require brighter light for tasks such as cooking or getting ready in the morning and then adjust to a warmer colour temperature when relaxing in the evening or entertaining guests.
Lighting under cabinets, counters or kitchen islands can highlight the architectural lines of the unit and cast a flattering glow across the dining area. It can also make the unit the centrepiece of a room and accentuate interesting materials or finishes used, such as wood or brickwork.
5. Control Systems
One factor that we strongly advise is installing an automated control system with your lights so that they can be dimmed to reflect the desired mood.
Your lights will need adjusting to suit the different occasions, functions and levels of natural light, which can change throughout the day.
Lighting control through dimming is the key to modulate the intended atmosphere. The level of light and the colour temperature that a customer desires in the morning will be completely different to their requirements later in the day. A control system can give you those 'scenes' at a single touch of a button and often allows the user to make their own individual tweaks via an app.
At breakfast, a cooler colour temperature and brighter light is more desirable, whilst evening diners want a more intimate setting with dimmed, warmer lighting which is generally 3000 Kelvin or less.
Finally, dim everything!
Control your LEDs with a compatible dimmer switch so that you can adjust your light for different functions and to reflect different moods. Whether that be a bright light for the ‘getting-ready-in-the-morning-regime’, or a warmer colour temperature for a cosy night-in.