How to Light an Industrial Loft
Every year the popularity of the industrial loft style only grows, and this is not surprising. The abundance of free space is very popular amongst young, creative people. But what exactly characterizes this popular style? Brick walls, open wiring, wooden beams, vintage pieces in combination with unique, modern details – these are all defining characteristics of an industrial loft style. The loft style assumes an open-concept, airy space. What typically makes an industrial loft’s style special is its little imperfections, such as uneven layering, scratches, and chips in the brick walls. This style is often preferred by artistic individuals who get easily overwhelmed by crammed and overly-decorated spaces, and prefer chic, minimalistic decors. The loft style is also frequently used in downtown restaurants and bars.
Lighting a Loft
Lighting plays one of the main roles in creating an industrial loft style. If the ceiling design and lighting plan is not thoroughly thought out, the entire look can be spoiled. A loft itself assumes the presence of high ceilings in the space. Given Toronto’s increasingly growing development of condos and homes with 7 foot ceilings, many get discouraged, abandoning the idea of creating an industrial-styled space. However, there are many lighting options that can be adapted to a smaller ceiling height allowing you to create the right style.
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Below are several optimal solutions for lighting a loft space and giving it its conceptual style:
1. Use Lighting to Zone the Space
Spacious, loft-style rooms are typically not cluttered with partitions and doors, making it challenging to select lighting by type of room. However, the issue of dividing space into zones can be easily solved by using the appropriate light fixtures. Use spot hanging lights, table/floor lamps and LED lights to create accents on interior elements such as accessories, sculptures, brick walls and hanging paintings. For work areas, hang direct, functional lighting whose height can be adjusted.
2. Track Lighting Will be your Best Friend
Install fixtures on so-called tracks (or rails, bars) using cables and special fasteners. They can effectively emphasize elements such as metal panels, brick walls, graffiti or printed photographs. Track lighting is an easy solution to install in a loft, and will scatter extra light around the large space.
3. Connect Many Lights to One Junction Box
The concept of connecting several lights to one main junction box via hanging wires in a fabric braid has become increasingly popular amongst interior designers. These types of fixtures solve the problem of limited connection outlets and poor junction box positioning, while adding an aesthetically pleasing accent to the space.
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4. Mix and Match Modern and Antique Styles of Lighting
Get edgy with it! Loft styles are characterized by extremes – choose either an antique-inspired fixture or an ultra-modern piece that will contrast the interior space. TIP! Make sure that the lighting fixtures chosen do not conflict with one another.
5. Don’t Forget About Floor Lamps!
Floor lamps are very convenient to use and can act as a stylish accent in a space. They can be moved to any zone in the space and used for reading, chatting or other tasks. Floor lamps used in lofts often resemble spotlights used by photographers in photoshoots, but can also have fabric shades or ultra-modern sleek designs; they create a harmonious atmosphere together with all other interior elements.