African Theme Decorating - Lighting
Proper lighting is not only needed it is essential in any decorating theme including African décor. There is natural light, accent lighting, ambient lighting, task lighting also decorative lighting. Light of any sort adds to the overall soothing affect of your creation. These elements are all vital to theme decorating.
Natural light is of course daylight shinning through your windows. Large windows play a big part here as do skylights. The strategic positioning of your home also works well to catch the light movement through out the day. Natural light provides a warm overall softness to your rooms including furniture. As Webster’s dictionary implies it is all around you.
Ambient lighting is that light in your home that is some what nondescript. It is artificial such as diffused light from fluorescent fixtures or ceiling pots in the living room - a wall sconce by the stairs. It is discreet in its source, blends well with the natural daylight providing overall interior lighting.
Accent light is that light showing off your latest art purchase, portrait etc. Halogen spots are a good example of accent light found in art niches, feature walls, highlighting individual creative pieces etc. Accent light should be positioned to draw attention in showcasing the selected object in a particular area – perhaps a portrait of a Zulu chief in the study. A good choice for your African theme decorating.
Task lighting is functional light found in the kitchen, master bath or work shop. A good example of task lighting would be a reading lamp next to your sofa or your bedside. Task lighting could be combined with accent lighting to do two jobs – illumination over a billiard table. Task lighting should be sufficiently bright enough to accomplish the task at hand.
Decorative lighting brings attention to itself, such as an Egyptian wall sconce, table top candelabra, perhaps a fireplace used primarily for ambience other than a heat source. A monkey lamp - from Tangiers - would work well here in your African theme decorating scheme.