Lighting is an important means of decorating and beautifying the environment and creating an artistic atmosphere. Decorative lighting and lamps are very important to decorate the interior space, increase the spatial level, and render the environmental atmosphere. Lighting has become integral to the environmental design of modern home architecture, theater architecture, commercial architecture, and entertainment architecture. So, LED lamps have become an indispensable decoration in interior spaces.
Three main types of lighting form are ambient light, contour light, and focus light.
1. Ambient light is a conventional source with the largest lighting range. Its direct light source and direction cannot be seen clearly, and it has soft lighting like LED ceiling lamps and pendant lights, etc.
2. Contour light: The main avenues of contour light are Aluminium profiles and LED strips to emphasize the contours of walls, ceilings, etc., creating a sense of space and can also add to the beauty of the interior.
3. Focus light: A relatively small lighting range, focus light can focus on creating a local atmosphere; there are many types of LED light to achieve, like chandeliers, dimming lamps, LED spotlights, standing lamps, table lamps, foot lamps, etc., how to match depending on the specific occasion.
Lighting effects are mainly divided into direct lighting, indirect lighting, diffuse lighting, effect lighting, accent lighting, and wall washing.
1. Direct lighting: Avoid using direct lighting that is too bright, as this can cause shadows and visual fatigue. Also, avoid placing it on surfaces prone to glare or reflections, such as mirrors or glass.
2. Indirect lighting is primarily reflected from a surface before spreading throughout the environment.
3. Diffuse lighting: Most diffuse light achieves the desired effect by reflecting off the ceiling and walls, and the ambient lighting will be uniform.
4. Effect lighting: Light sources for effect lighting are usually recessed into ceilings or architectural elements. They are often used indoors for crown molding or outdoors for landscaping or facade effects.
5. Accent lighting (LED track light / LED downlight) is light sources directly above a prominent object, such as a painting or sculpture. They are often used in residential, commercial, and museum spaces. 
6. Wall-washing lighting: Light-wash walls utilize a series of LED downlights or LED strips to create a "wash of light" on a surface, ideal for highlighting facades and enhancing architecture.
It is impossible to create a space environment with just one method for lighting design in a space. Different techniques must be combined to meet design requirements.
There are no clear regulations on the techniques of creating spatial lighting. Still, for everyone's better understanding, we will classify the lighting methods into 3 categories: direct lighting, indirect lighting, and interpretive lighting.
Direct lighting is the main lighting method in space. Other lighting methods can also be used, such as basic, functional, focal, decorative, and other lighting methods. However, the form of lighting varies depending on the space and usage requirements.
Concentrated light: Direct lighting means that the light directly shines on the target area and is mainly concentrated under the lamp, which reduces diffuse reflection and loss of light and improves lighting efficiency.
Good lighting effect: Due to the direct light, direct lighting can provide uniform and bright lighting effects, making the indoor space more comfortable and bright.
Wide application scenarios: Direct lighting suits various indoor spaces, such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, etc., and can meet different lighting needs.
Indirect lighting is generally used as auxiliary and decorative lighting. Still, it can also be used as basic lighting in small spaces where the demand for lighting brightness is not high.
Basic lighting is most commonly used in stair treads and handrails. However, the material of the floor paving should be chosen carefully to avoid glare caused by light sources' reflection.
Soft light: Indirect lighting illuminates the space by reflecting light. The light is smooth and not dazzling, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Multi-level light effects: Indirect lighting can create multi-level light effects through different installation methods (such as ceiling atmosphere light, home background light, etc.), enhancing the visual layering and comfort of the space.
Dimming and color adjustment function: Through dimming and color adjustment functions, indirect lighting can create different atmospheres for different times and occasions, providing a more flexible lighting experience.
Interpretive lighting is mainly for creating atmosphere, which can create scene-based, dramatic, artistic, creative, and technological space scenes.
Drama and concerts: In drama and concerts, interpretation lighting enhances the stage effect through lighting design and guides the audience's emotional experience.
Concerts and evening parties: Interpretation lighting enhances the visual impact and viewing of the performance at concerts and evening parties through rapidly changing light and shadow effects.
Fashion shows and exhibitions: Interpretation lighting highlights the design details of clothing and exhibits and creates a fashionable and artistic atmosphere.
Bar and KTV entertainment: In entertainment venues such as bars and KTVs, interpretation lighting creates a specific atmosphere and enhances the customer's entertainment experience.
In lighting design, lamps that meet the requirements of functional use and lighting quality should be selected, are easy to install and maintain, and have low long-term operating costs. Specifically, the following aspects should be considered:
1. Optical properties, such as light distribution and glare control;
2. Economic efficiency, such as lamp efficiency, initial investment, and long-term operating costs;
3. Special environmental conditions, such as environments with fire hazards, explosion hazards, dust, moisture, vibration, and chemical corrosion;
4. The light should be coordinated with the building;
5. High efficiency, which depends on the shape and material of the reflector, the size of the light outlet, and the shape and material of the diffuser or grille;
6. IP rating that meets environmental conditions.
Understanding the different kinds of lighting methods allows the most suitable lamps to be installed according to the interior decoration and the placement of objects. Therefore, the indoor lighting design must meet the functional requirements, select different lighting methods and LED lamps according to different spaces, occasions, and objects, and ensure the appropriate illumination and brightness.
Maybe you would like to read how to design LED lights for the bedroom.
