One of the main types of project I get asked to work on are ‘knock-throughs’ where people combine separate rooms into one large open plan space.

The lighting design challenge

The challenge for the lighting plan is to provide enough light in what is generally quite a large area, but at the same time create ‘zones’ so that the functions of each space are clearly defined and well served according to lighting need.

Also, the lighting needs to create a sense of continuity, so that the light temperature and brightness levels flow evenly through the space reflecting a sense of well thought through design.

What to avoid

The main thing is to avoid rows of symmetrical downlights which will do little more than cast a bland, shadowless and potentially glary wash of light throughout the room. This will kill any sense of ambiance or practicality – in fact rows of downlights should be avoided most if not all of the time!

Think about where you need light

Each area should be considered for its own role or activity and where and what light is needed for. For example in the kitchen section we would use downlights above the worktops, led strip under and above wall units and bright spot downlights over an island for task work. Above an island you can also have pendant lights which deliver a softer, more social light, for example positioned above the seating/eating area of an island.

In the sitting area, downlights should be positioned around the side of the room, and angled towards the walls. This way they will highlight pictures, bookcases etc as features of interest and also reflect indirect ambient light back into the room.

Dining tables can be quite challenging to light because pendants – the standard idea – can either be in the way, or cast too bright a glare, or flatten the overall effect. An option is to think of lighting around the table rather than above it, using standard, floor or wall lights, and making use of candles or usb rechargable lights to go on the table.

A well-lit bookcase or set of shelves will also give off pleasant ambient light in a social area, using concealed led strip along the front or back of the shelves.

Circuits and Switching

An important thing to think about when designing the lighting for an open plan space is how the switching is going to work.

Even if the area isn’t huge, because of the zoning and multi-functional needs you need as much flexibility as possible to ensure the right lights come on together, and that one area (eg kitchen) can be dimmed while you are eating or sitting elsewhere in the room. Or similarly, that the kitchen lights are bright for cooking and working while other lights can be set to low.

The best answer to this is to use a wireless or ‘scene setting’ system to control the lights. This means that individual lights don’t need to be wired to a switch; simply, you run electricity to the lights and then programme which light comes on with which, at pre-set dimming levels, using a simple mobile app. Lights can then be controlled either with a bluetooth wall switch or on your phone.

It may sound a bit of a new concept to get your head around! but is definitely the way forward for practical and effective lighting of open plan spaces.

Further Information

For any information or questions about lighting open plan spaces please contact me, or request a visit to the Cat Lighting Show House for further conversation.