How to Mix and Match Light Fixtures in an Open Concept Space

Lighting is an important interior design element as it can make or break the stylistic and architectural features of living space. By properly combining natural and artificial light sources, we can create a functional atmosphere that is warm and reassuring. Lighting fixtures are emerging as a game-changer in interior home décor and require careful thought and consideration before installation. Here is an overview of mixing and matching different open concept lighting fixtures.

Pick a Common Thread

It can be tempting to repeat the same lighting fixtures throughout the home, but the result may be less inspiring than expected. We can customize a home’s open concept interior design by mixing different lighting pieces. Picking a common thread helps establish a cohesive feel among the different lighting fixtures.

Layer the Types of Light

Light layering forms the foundation of proper open concept lighting. Layering improves versatility, creates dimension, and sets the moods of any space. We need to pick at least two light types, with the most common ones including task, ambient, and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting provides a canvas for painting a unique lighting picture. It can be the track lighting in the living room or the big fluorescent box at the kitchen center. We can also use the evenly-spaced recessed lights and downlights to set up the perfect ambiance.

Task lighting

Task lighting provides the illumination we need to perform our daily duties. We can concentrate on these lighting fixtures where we need to accomplish regular tasks like cooking, applying makeup, doing homework, and brushing our teeth. The layering of task lighting often happens over or under cabinets, around mirrors, and above countertops.

Accent lighting

The fun starts when setting up accent lighting, as we get to cast a glow on our favorite things. The lighting fixtures help make a design statement as we can use them for decorative lighting. Accent lighting helps to highlight and complement the different furnishings and items like plants, sculptures, and souvenirs in a room. The lighting fixture can be a sconce, a pendant, or a light inside a bookshelf.

Choose a Focal Point

Creating a focal point in open space lighting helps draw attention to a specific element in the room. The focal point can be a unique lamp or a magnificent chandelier. Both options are a great way of distracting guests when entering your expansive living space.

Harmonize Across Different Rooms in an Open Floor Plan

Conventionally separate spaces blend in an open floor plan as there are few physical breaks. For example, the living room, dining room, and kitchen area end up forming one large gathering space. Their styles don’t necessarily have to match as long as there is harmony amongst the different spaces. We can use lighting fixtures and sources to create breaks and differentiate the functions of each space. Alternatively, we can install sliding barn doors to separate the spaces while seamlessly transitioning between them.

Choose Barndoorz

Lighting fixtures play a key role in setting the ambiance of a room. Finding the right light source and carefully placing them ensures we create a stylish, comfortable, and functional open floor space. To find the right barn door for your open space layout, check out our diverse custom barn door collection at Barndoorz. 

Lighting is an important interior design element as it can make or break the stylistic and architectural features of living space. By properly combining natural and artificial light sources, we can create a functional atmosphere that is warm and reassuring. Lighting fixtures are emerging as a game-changer in interior home décor and require careful thought and consideration before installation. Here is an overview of mixing and matching different open concept lighting fixtures.

Pick a Common Thread

It can be tempting to repeat the same lighting fixtures throughout the home, but the result may be less inspiring than expected. We can customize a home’s open concept interior design by mixing different lighting pieces. Picking a common thread helps establish a cohesive feel among the different lighting fixtures.

Layer the Types of Light

Light layering forms the foundation of proper open concept lighting. Layering improves versatility, creates dimension, and sets the moods of any space. We need to pick at least two light types, with the most common ones including task, ambient, and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting provides a canvas for painting a unique lighting picture. It can be the track lighting in the living room or the big fluorescent box at the kitchen center. We can also use the evenly-spaced recessed lights and downlights to set up the perfect ambiance.

Task lighting

Task lighting provides the illumination we need to perform our daily duties. We can concentrate on these lighting fixtures where we need to accomplish regular tasks like cooking, applying makeup, doing homework, and brushing our teeth. The layering of task lighting often happens over or under cabinets, around mirrors, and above countertops.

Accent lighting

The fun starts when setting up accent lighting, as we get to cast a glow on our favorite things. The lighting fixtures help make a design statement as we can use them for decorative lighting. Accent lighting helps to highlight and complement the different furnishings and items like plants, sculptures, and souvenirs in a room. The lighting fixture can be a sconce, a pendant, or a light inside a bookshelf.

Choose a Focal Point

Creating a focal point in open space lighting helps draw attention to a specific element in the room. The focal point can be a unique lamp or a magnificent chandelier. Both options are a great way of distracting guests when entering your expansive living space.

Harmonize Across Different Rooms in an Open Floor Plan

Conventionally separate spaces blend in an open floor plan as there are few physical breaks. For example, the living room, dining room, and kitchen area end up forming one large gathering space. Their styles don’t necessarily have to match as long as there is harmony amongst the different spaces. We can use lighting fixtures and sources to create breaks and differentiate the functions of each space. Alternatively, we can install sliding barn doors to separate the spaces while seamlessly transitioning between them.

Choose Barndoorz

Lighting fixtures play a key role in setting the ambiance of a room. Finding the right light source and carefully placing them ensures we create a stylish, comfortable, and functional open floor space. To find the right barn door for your open space layout, check out our diverse custom barn door collection at Barndoorz.