Lighting plays a vital role both inside and outside our homes, setting the ambience and affecting the overall feel of a space. It’s imperative therefore that any lighting decisions are taken with consideration and care to ensure optimum performance. Here, Piero De Marchis, director of Detail Lighting, talks through common issues when it comes to designing lighting schemes, de-mystifying problems and questions homeowners and designers often have.

Why use lights in the floor, and where do you position them?

“In-ground lighting is used to light a feature, for instance a textured wall, or perhaps a piece of art of sculpture. It can also be used theatrically, to frame an entrance or window bay for example. In these scenarios the in-ground lights should be positioned 50mm – 150mm from the wall depending on the product size and the ceiling height.

“Alternatively, floor lighting can be used for orientation purposes – indicating steps and changes of floor surface are the most common uses in the home. For this purpose, the floor lights should be kept to the edge as much as possible and be low brightness to reduce glare.”

How to light stairs?

“Stair lights should be positioned 200mm – 300mm above the tread, and avoid mounting in the skirting. If you are working with a contemporary ‘floating’ staircase, then carefully routed LED linear lighting positioned under the treads can be installed, either on a string or perhaps as a handrail detail as an alternative option.

“In any scenario, you should be guided by the style of the stairs and your personal thoughts about glare. Lighting every second or third step is a traditional feature and a common application of stair lighting. Make sure that the lighting is angled onto treads asymmetrically and is baffled.”

Where to position lights on the ceiling

• In the bathroom, light the face correctly at the mirror-a backlit mirror is not sufficient. The best task light is lighting directly onto the face.
• Don’t position lights behind you when working at the kitchen counter.
• Position lights to focus on tables and key furniture in open spaces.
• Recessed spots are rarely wise when positioned in grids even if the builder insists!
• Only wall washing has a rhythmic positioning to evenly wash a wall.