How to use colored light in the interior
Using Colored Light in Interior Design: A Trend Worth Trying
Colored lighting is one of the latest and most captivating trends in interior design. When used in the right amount and with proper execution, it can create a stunning wow effect that transforms any space.
However, overusing colored light can quickly turn your interior concept into a disappointment, becoming a constant source of irritation. In this article, we'll explore various lighting decor tools that are easy to implement and can enhance the look of different interiors.
Neon is Back in Style
Neon elements in interior design are making a strong comeback. This trend has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years. Just a few years ago, neon signs, plaques, and other light objects were highly sought after, only to later fall out of favor and land on the list of design anti-trends. However, last year, designers revived the club-style aesthetics of the 1980s, and neon lighting has triumphantly returned to modern interiors.
The renewed popularity of neon lighting is partly due to its rising appeal among modern bloggers. They seek to add brightness and a fresh twist to their photos, and neon light provides an accessible and effective way to achieve this.
Neon lighting is typically made from flexible LED neon cables. These cables contain LEDs and have a matte surface, resulting in a soft light that is easy on the eyes. It's important to note that neon lights are primarily decorative and cannot fully replace functional lighting, such as table lamps, as they do not provide enough brightness.
Neon signs offer a unique way to personalize your interior, making it more expressive and tailored to your tastes. If you're drawn to this style, consider placing your favorite quote, a welcoming message, a symbolic sign, or an image that holds special meaning to you on an open wall. This type of decor can easily replace a traditional painting or poster, serving as a constant reminder of something meaningful or pleasant.
Versatile and Popular LED Lighting
If neon lighting feels too bold for your taste, LED-based light decor offers a versatile and appealing alternative. With LED lighting, you can highlight specific areas of a room, add color to ceilings, walls, and curtains, or even create the illusion of floating furniture. The key is to use these lights thoughtfully, avoiding an over-the-top effect that could make your space resemble a nightclub.
One popular trend in lighting design is the use of hidden lighting. This involves placing LED strips along baseboards, in niches and openings, behind cornices, and along the lower perimeters of furniture. The result is a subtle, dim colored light that adds depth and character to your interior, creating a sense of mystery and a magical atmosphere.
For a simpler and more budget-friendly option, consider using LED garlands with colored bulbs. Once reserved for decorating Christmas trees, these garlands have found their way into everyday interior design.
Colorful Classics: A Timeless Approach to Home Lighting
Bold neon and high-tech LED lighting might not fit seamlessly into every interior style. These solutions are often best suited for modern apartments and homes. If you prefer a classic aesthetic, consider incorporating lamps with colored lampshades or shades into your lighting design. These options offer a more delicate look, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Colored lampshades come in a variety of materials, including glass, paper, textiles, and even translucent stone. They can be solid-colored or adorned with stained glass patterns, making them ideal for local lighting. These lamps work beautifully on bedside tables in the bedroom, next to a favorite lounge chair in the living room, or above the dining table in the kitchen.
When selecting lamps for your home, it's crucial to pair them with the right light sources. Avoid using cool-toned bulbs with warm-colored lampshades, and vice versa. The visual dissonance from mismatched light tones can disrupt even the most carefully planned lighting design.
If you wish, you can even add color to the natural light that enters your home. This can be achieved by replacing individual panes of glass in interior doors or windows with colored glass. While this technique may slightly reduce the overall illumination, using it selectively in rooms where bright lighting isn't essential will allow you to enjoy the ambiance without sacrificing comfort.
Colored lighting is a niche interior trend and should be used sparingly in room decor. No matter what creative ideas you want to bring to life in your home, it's important to prioritize high-quality general and functional lighting to ensure your everyday comfort. For colored lighting, consider installing a separate control system so you can easily turn it on when desired without affecting the overall lighting.
