I have a confession to make, if you step into my apartment and attempt to flip a switch on the wall nothing will happen 90% of the time. Seriously, nothing. You may in fact have trouble locating said switch, a few are tucked away behind artwork and the like.
Why? Well for one I unscrewed the bulbs in nearly every overhead fixture in the place shortly after I moved in. I did this because I am vain and you are lazy. Direct overhead lighting is the worst. It's one of the least flattering options available, add fluorescent bulbs and the issue is compounded. While my preference would be to bathe the place in daylight at all times it isn't always an option.
Layering lighting takes a bit of forethought but with strategic placement you can create a sense of ambiance, a more flattering glow and hi-light the things you really love. Start with the broader light sources: pendants and chandeliers are a good option or place your recessed lighting on a dimmer. Next add task lighting to the areas you use most: a floor lamp in a reading nook and desk lamps anywhere that could use a bit of extra illumination. Finally, use accent lighting for areas you want to draw attention to: picture lights, a light perched atop a vignette or over the bar.
The catch is I've find that even with this all effort, I or anyone entering the room naturally reaches for the nearest switch. Which is why none of them work. No one has even blinked at this, just walked over to the nearest lamp and flipped the switch.
(Image Patrick J. Hamilton/Lloyd & Michael's Happy Place)
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proofread! proof read, proofread!
I wholeheartedly agree with the whole layered lighting argument.
You don't even know me so why are you telling me I'm lazy? I am not.
This post is terribly condescending. First, overhead lighting pretty much means anything that's ..overhead...meaning your lovely pendants and chandeliers are also considered overhead lighting. There's no need to be so condescending.
Secondly, you don't seem to understand the nature of light switches and what they're wired to...people flip on a light switch not to turn on OVERHEAD light, but to turn on any light that is plugged into that switch. My light switch turns on table lamps. If that's offensive to you and that's considered lazy, that's your problem, not mine.
If your intent is to show how in YOUR home, the light switch is wired to turn on built-in lighting that is overhead and unflattering, you've missed the mark.
I also hate overhead lights and agree that most homes are over-lit at night, but there's also a safety issue here.
When I step into my apartment at night, it's darn dark in there. I can find a lamp in the dark, but when someone else walks through the door before me, they definitely cannot. They can quickly find the switch next to the door.
If I disabled that switch by removing the (awful) overhead fixture's bulbs, it would just lead to needless problems. I leave the hated light on until we're inside and settled, and then I change the lighting to suit my preference. Simple, and no one trips over my shoes in the dark.
My husband and I recently moved into an apartment that has six holes in the ceiling for recessed lights in just the living room. Fortunately, the owner was kind enough to leave the plastic covers on them so we don't actually have to use them. Instead we've bought a chandelier, a floor lamp and a table lamp which means that we really don't miss the overhead lighting at all. It's just so garish!
I like the article. I agree with the lighting issue. What I love more is your Eames chair!
You're absolutely right about this, though I'd love it if you could go into more detail (maybe even show a blueprint-style lighting layout) in a future article.
Unfortunately, too many people ask themselves, "What is the perfect light fixture for this room?" when they should be asking how many fixtures they need and where to put them. It's not just an issue of making yourself look better, but also giving the room depth.
I'm a bit confused as to how pendants and chandeliers are something other than overhead light, and I don't remember the last time I turned a light on in somebody else's house, but otherwise this article made me laugh. Now if you could just find a way to take the bulbs out of the overhead lights in other people's houses, the world would be a better lit place LOL
UGH.....just HAD to squeeze in that poor Eames chair (without ottoman, nonetheless.) Should have left the room as is......it would have been beautiful without the status chair.
1) Hear hear with the proofread. 2) +1 to all the condescending votes. 3) Chandelier, pendant = what are those, table lamps? C'mon, define your terms better! YOU'RE lazy. 4) Wire a switch to an outlet, yo! 5) Despite all those complaints, the point is well taken. Layered light is indeed the way to go. But 6) Yeah, give us something a tad more constructive and a tad less snooty, Ms. Unnecessary Hyphen Usage! Else you'll get snooty comments like this one.
Overhead lighting, especially the standard apt rental variety, always reminds me of those boys I dated in college who didn't know about lamps and that the girls they date would prefer a lamp instead of a bright, glaring bulb. haha. But now, overhead lighting is great for finding keys or that dropped sewing needle, and as a previous commenter mentioned, safety!
"I did this because I am vain and you are lazy. " : the spit-take I had when I read this probably made my day. LOL Was this a stream of consciousness blog piece? ;)
I don't want to get involved with everyone issue with the article, I was just wondering if anyone know what sofa that is or of one with a similar design? Thanks