This type of lighting is used purely for aesthetic purposes, often serving as a focal point itself. It can take the form of stylish pendant lights, ornamental chandeliers, or decorative sconces.
Lighting Design Basics: An overview of fundamental lighting concepts, principles, and terminology related to decorative lighting. This includes an understanding of lighting fixtures, placement, and intensity.
Types of Decorative Lighting: Understanding the different types of decorative lighting such as sconces, chandeliers, table lamps, pendant lights, and landscape lighting. This also includes an understanding of their primary use and their impact in different settings.
Lighting Styles: An understanding of various lighting styles such as contemporary, traditional, rustic, and transitional. Each style has its unique features and characteristics that play a role in lighting design decisions.
Color Temperature: The color of light is measured by its temperature, which can range from cool blue to warmer yellow colors. An understanding of color temperature helps designers create the desired ambiance.
Light Sources: Understanding the different types of light sources used in decorative lighting, including incandescent, LED, halogen, fluorescent, and HID. This includes an understanding of their advantages and disadvantages.
Lighting Control: The use of lighting controls such as dimmers, timers, and occupancy sensors can help achieve the desired mood and enhance energy efficiency.
Sustainability: With a focus on sustainability, it is important to understand how decorative lighting products can contribute to a building's energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. This includes an understanding of lighting efficiency, energy consumption, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Photometry: An understanding of photometry, which measures the amount of light produced by a light source, the distribution of light, and how it interacts with surfaces.
Lighting Calculation: An understanding of lighting calculations and software tools used to assess lighting requirements and optimize lighting design.
Lighting Design Industry Trends: An understanding of the latest industry trends, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging innovations in decorative lighting design. This includes an understanding of the latest lighting design and styling techniques, as well as the use of new materials and finishes used in the industry.
Chandeliers: Large, ornate fixtures that hang from the ceiling and contain multiple branches for holding light bulbs.
Pendant Lights: Similar to chandeliers, but smaller and usually hung singularly over a specific area.
Sconces: Wall-mounted fixtures that can be used to direct light upwards or downwards.
Track Lighting: Multiple lights suspended along a track, which can be adjusted to direct light in different directions.
Recessed Lighting: Lights that are installed into the ceiling, creating a sleek and modern look.
String Lights: Small lights that are strung together on a wire or string and used for decorative purposes.
Table Lamps: Portable lamps that can be placed on tables and provide ambient lighting.
Floor Lamps: Tall lamps that stand on the floor and provide focused lighting.
Desk Lamps: Small, portable lamps that are designed to be used at a desk or workstation.
Accent Lighting: Lighting used to highlight specific architectural or design features.
Cove Lighting: Light fixtures installed in a cove or recess, creating indirect lighting.
Under-Cabinet Lighting: Lighting installed underneath cabinets to provide focused lighting on countertops or workspaces.
Picture Lights: Small lights used to accentuate artwork or photographs.
Step Lights: Lights installed into stairs or steps, providing illumination and safety.
Landscape Lighting: Outdoor lighting that highlights landscaping or architectural features outside of a building.
Path Lighting: Outdoor lighting installed along walkways to provide guidance and safety.
Up-Lighting: Lighting fixtures designed to direct light upwards, highlighting architectural features or creating a dramatic effect.
Down-Lighting: Lighting fixtures designed to direct light downwards, providing focused lighting for specific areas.
Wall Washers: Lighting fixtures placed on a wall, providing a wash of light across the surface.
Neon Lights: High-energy lights that can be used to create interesting designs and patterns.