Holiday Lighting – Light in Layers
Holiday Lighting – Light in Layers
By: Debbie Cromb
The holidays are for celebrating, spending time with friends and loved ones and enjoying the season. Our homes become the focus of our social interaction as we host cocktail parties, intimate dinners and grand celebrations. Nothing calls to your guests on a cold Canadian winter evening more than warm, glowing windows breaking through the night. And nothing can ruin the ambience of a holiday fête faster than the wrong lighting. Luckily, you can avoid those lighting faux-pas with a few simple steps that will keep you in good lighting all season long.
Before you begin to think about lighting options, consider the purpose of the space and what you want it to facilitate while you entertain this holiday season. Do you want a romantic and relaxing dinner with quiet conversation or are you throwing the New Year’s Eve bash of the decade? Generally, brighter light energizes while softer light soothes. Pick a mood and let your lighting reflect that mood.
Next, go through your basics. Just like selecting a great outfit, the key to great lighting is layering. The primary light source in your room acts as the first layer. One of the most important features of this light source is flexibility. Dimmable bulbs maximize the usability of your space. Having a bulb that is dimmable allows you to turn up the intensity of the light when it is needed, like during your party prep time and larger get-togethers. But it also allows you to create a softer, more intimate feel in the same space when you are entertaining a smaller group or just spending time with someone special. Look for bulbs that have a soft, warm, white light which is the best light temperature for living spaces. A great dimmable lighting option is the Philips LED 11W Household bulb in soft white. This bulb gives the benefits of LED technology like energy efficiency, increased product life and long-term cost savings, without sacrificing light quality.
Once you have your basic lighting set, incorporate accent lights such as floor lamps, table lamps and spot lights. A great way to refresh your already existing lamps is to switch up the lampshades. Look for a shade that reflects your holiday decor or even something with a bit of drama. A new lampshade shade can also diffuse the light differently and create a new experience in your home. Experiment with sizes, textures or materials, and see what works best in your space. Spotlights are another great way to accent your room and draw the eye to things you want to highlight. If you spend time decorating for the holidays, why shouldn’t you display your efforts?
Finally, candles are a go-to staple in holiday decorating, entertaining and lighting. Nothing says ambience like the twinkling flicker of candlelight. Plus, with so many varieties, colours, scents and price points it is easy to find candles that will work in any home. Candles look great standing alone but they can be dressed up. Try placing tea lights or votive candles in white or brown paper bags to create a rustic and whimsical feel. Use flameless candles if you are worried about a fire hazard. Feeling crafty? Make a cut out pattern in the paper before adding the candle. Long tapered candles create a classic look on a dinner table and you can up the glam factor by looking for metallics, patterns and textures. Lightly scented candles may be good for the powder room or entry way but keep them away from anywhere you and your guests may be eating.
Lighting your space in layers will help you find a perfect balance between beauty and utility. Building off your basic lighting with flexible options and accents are a great way to transform any festive family dinner into a glittering soiree. Ultimately, creating a perfectly lit space will take some trial and error but you may just shine light on something completely unexpected.
