Question 1

What is ambient lighting in interior design?

Accepted Answer

Ambient lighting offers illumination across wider spaces. It is meant to create a uniform lighting level throughout a room and is generally the first layer of lighting, setting the tone of a space. That's why it's typically softer and can be adaptable to accommodate day and nighttime situations.

Question 2

How do I style my lights?

Accepted Answer

It's important to choose a light fixture that suits the aesthetic of your home. We carry a range of lighting options that suit various interior styles, from modern contemporary to post-modern designs. When choosing a light fixture, ensure the design of the light matches your sofas, beds, or dining tables to create a cohesive look. For small HDBs and condos, look for lights with slim profiles to avoid overwhelming the space. Opt for pendant lights or wall sconces to make use of vertical space.

Question 3

What's a good height for table lamps?

Accepted Answer

There are a few general rules of thumb for getting the right height of a table lamp:

Table height: Keep the table lamp no taller than half the height of the table. For example, if your table is 100cm tall, make sure the lamp is no taller than 50cm.
Sitting height: Having the table lamp just above eye level when sitting down ensures proper illumination, especially for work surfaces like desks.
Room size: If the room is small, you may want to avoid using very tall table lamps to avoid making the room feel even smaller. And if the room is big, you may want to consider getting a large lamp to fill in space and ensure the room is lit up well.

If you need some help, here are some useful guidelines for table lamp heights

For end tables: 61-81 tall
For nightstands: 51cm-71cm tall
For console tables: 76cm-91 inches tall

Question 4

How do I clean lampshades?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning lampshades depend on the material of the lampshade:

Fabric:

Dry clean delicate fabrics like silk or linen lampshades to avoid damaging the fabric.
Vacuum using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner on a low setting to remove built-up dust and cobwebs.
Use a sticky roller if you don't have a vacuum.
Soft brushes are great for getting into pleats and crevices
Spot clean using a clean toothbrush in detergent solution by gently dabbing the stain, blotting the area with a clean, damp cloth and then allowing to air dry completely

Glass:

Use a glass cleaner by spraying on a microfiber cloth and wiping the shade clean. Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Soft brushes are great for glass lampshades with fluted details to get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies

Question 5

What's the secret to soft atmospheric lighting?

Accepted Answer

The secret is to layer a room with multiple lamps and lighting sources, and avoid using bright overhead lights.

Combine different light sources at various brightness levels and heights to create depth and avoid sharp contrasts

Ambient lighting: Sets the overall mood, best achieved by using dimmable overhead lights, wall sconces or cove lighting with warm white LEDs
Task lighting: Use focused light sources like table lamps or floor lamps with adjustable arms for specific activities like reading. If you need to soften, use diffusers or cover the lamp with a thin cloth
Accent lighting: Use accent lights to highlight statement pieces, artwork, architectural pieces or even plants. Keep the intensity low and warm for a gentle glow.

Lighting & Lamps