10 tips for decorating with lamps

Luminaires are elements with their own character and, as such, can contribute significantly to the attractiveness of any room. But there is more. Aspects such as color temperature, type of lighting and design are key to exploring their full potential. That is why we have compiled a dozen tips that will be of great use to you if you want to make your interiors shine with their own light.

Lighting is an essential chapter in any interior design project. Decorating with lamps is an effective way to achieve style and functionality in any room of the house.

The first thing you should know is that, in any lighting project, it is important to take into account natural light. Its contribution is key to the attractiveness of the whole and combining it with a good proposal of artificial lighting is essential to achieve success.

Having a clear idea of the types of lighting that you can incorporate in your rooms is another fundamental issue. It is not the same to have to define the general lighting of the room -for which are interesting from recessed spotlights to ceiling lamps- than to include ambient, spot or decorative lighting.

Each of them will require a different type of light fixture. You will also have to choose between warm, cool or neutral light to create the perfect ambiance.

With the above concepts clear, it will be time to start thinking about what you expect from each room. Planning is essential, above all, to be able to define the most appropriate type of lamps to achieve your goals.

Think about what you are going to use the room for. Define the points of light you need, the lighting time, the intensity...

With the sketch of each room defined, it is time to choose the lamps. To make the lighting decoration attractive and functional, combine different systems. Floor lamps, recessed lights, wall sconces, pendant lights... Always look for those that fit your needs and those of the room in question.

Low hanging ceiling lights will make ceilings appear higher. Conversely, light fixtures that emit light toward the ceiling will make the room appear larger.

If you do not have much space you can always opt for multifunctional lighting solutions. A flexo lamp for your work area that also serves to create atmosphere in the living room, a soft light in the form of a floor lamp for the bedroom that also serves as a reading light... There is a lot to choose from.

Creating visual games is one of the advantages of decorating with lamps, not in vain, light is a more than attractive resource to deceive perception. Just place your luminaires at different heights and you can achieve all kinds of effects.

Make sure you choose lamps that are not only aesthetically appealing but also illuminate properly. Sometimes, in our eagerness to create an interesting lighting decoration, we don't get the choice of fixtures right: the pieces look divine turned off but give a horrible light.

The material and shape of the lamp are determinant to know the light they will offer. Each of them will be more or less appropriate for different purposes and it is convenient to know some basic characteristics before installing an option that goes against your interests.

Glass lamps, for example, diffuse light better, while metal and plastic reflect light to a greater degree. Fabric, on the other hand, allows light to pass in all directions but in a softer way than glass.

Not all lamps emit the same type of light so their contribution to the decoration of the room will be different. Keep this in mind when choosing the most appropriate for your needs.

Among the basic premises to correctly illuminate a space is the search for balance. It is not about overlighting certain areas to the detriment of others. The key is to distribute the luminaires harmoniously throughout the room.

Avoid leaving shaded areas and opt for creating charming nooks and crannies or drawing attention to focal points.

Whether you are trying to decorate your interiors with lamps or you intend to add the charm of light outdoors, if you don't know where to start, expert advice will be your best ally.

However, if you are preparing your patio or deck for summer nights: verbena lights, garlands, lanterns and even candles are a safe bet.