Decorative lighting, sometimes referred to as FF&E lighting by those in the design community, is an imperative component to any successful project. Everyone wants their space to look good and investing in lighting is one way to make sure it does. While it’s important not to forget task lighting, decorative lighting plays just as key of a role. The biggest misconception that needs to be cast aside about decorative lighting is that it’s expensive. Decorative lighting can sometimes cost significantly less than task lighting, sometimes referred to as architectural lighting. FF&E lighting design is a service that Fuchsia not only offers but also loves to work on.
Decorative lighting does not mean spending the entire budget. Decorative lighting can be affordable, especially for the value it adds to a project. Knowing where to look can start you on the right foot. Should you not go through a designer, who in almost all instances receive discounts off retail from lighting suppliers, using the internet will help you out. When you work with a designer, they typically have the ability to get a sample fixture to review for finish. In doing this by yourself, you may get lucky going to a supplier and seeing if they have the fixture you want in their showroom. Otherwise, you will more than likely have to take what you see on the internet for what it is worth. So there are pros and cons to both routes. While you might be able to save a bit more by purchasing via the internet, you may not end up with exactly what you hoped for.
From L to R: Artcraft, ELK Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting
Placement of decorative lighting is also important to a project. For commercial applications, restaurants for example, you will note the decorative lights centered above tables to provide ambiance. While this is a great idea, you always have to be careful about where to place these lights. At fixed tables, they work great, while in areas where the tables might be moved, they would look odd and out of place. Use this example, whether you are adding decorative lighting to a residential or commercial project, to think about where the fixtures should be placed. Is the fixture being placed above an item that is mobile? Will I always have this item in this location? If I move it, how will it affect the look of the decorative light?
Decorative lighting is a great tool in tying together a theme. For instance, in a current project, we are going for an old-world look. The metal on the light fixtures we selected have a burnished look to them while the glass is translucent with an amber lip, giving the impression these fixtures are old. By using fixtures that work with your theme, you not only create continuity but can use them to play off of other pieces of the theme. And there are a million styles out there! From contemporary, classical, modern, etc., you will have absolutely no problem finding a fixture that works with your theme.
Take a look around your home or office. Would it benefit from a new, dramatic addition of decorative lighting? If so, contact Fuchsia. We love putting together decorative lighting packages that add a whole new level to a project!
