An entrance to a building is a transitional space. It is the place of first impressions and often a vantage point from where you can glimpse connecting rooms and spaces. As the initial statement for the interior scheme of a building it can pose a challenge for the designer. Thankfully, (here too) lighting comes to your aid!
Sources of light do more than just provide illumination. Where you choose to position a light source is where the eye will be drawn – like a magnet. A well positioned array of lights allows you to weave a pattern to captivate the viewer.
Here is a tip. Take each connecting space and reward the onlooker with a highlighted point of interest and draw them to it. By choosing intensity and colour of light together with style and colour of the fitting itself, you are equipped with a complete kit of tools.
A warm welcome is essential for any home. Try our new Lumi 2700K extra warm white LED downlight which has been praised as the best coloured LED downlight available by the industry!
Another tip. Hallways can be narrow, so effectively push the walls out by reflecting light down the wall with directional LED downlights. Remember to avoid lining them up in a row down the middle of the space like Heathrow’s main runway at night!
Generally in residential properties the major architectural entrance feature is the stairs. From the Hallway or Lobby we link one floor to the next level. Draw the eye through to the next space by providing a pocket of illumination. Light a picture, use a wall light, light some shelves. Why not help the eye up to the next level by picking out stair treads with small LED fittings or channels of light. Be on guard against glare in the positioning of these lights, as open balustrades could shine fixtures at eye level. Choose indirect sources of light. Project LED fittings down at an angle; effectively obscuring the source from the eye.
Obviously highlighting any obstacle or potential hazard is important so consider installing stair lights within the stair tread connected to a ‘night light’ circuit. Ideal for that midnight snack or (heaven forbid) a quick exit in the small hours!
This tip may sound obvious but avoid wall lights on stairs that are too deep!
Overall, stairwells are amazing opportunities to fill a space with a dramatic piece of lighting. Some successful schemes opt to contrast the linear repetition of stair treads with a more abstract arrangement of shapes. Remember these kinds of light fitting are not usually great sources of light but they do add drama.
For a full range of lighting options click here and call us for guidance on any staircase from sweeping opulence to just plain functional!
