Getting your home's lighting right is incredibly important, but often overlooked (or left for the last minute) during the design process. And recently, 'the big light' debate has taken over the interior design world, proving the important of thoughtful light schemes tailored to specific spaces.
While some designers and homeowners see nothing wrong with overhead lighting and lean into its appeal, others are staunchly against the look and argue for a soft, ambient atmosphere instead.
Jasmine Roth, interior designer and HGTV star, just dipped her toes into the debate, speaking specifically about lighting integrated into ceiling fans. Here's what she thinks about 'the big light,' and when to opt for one in your own home.
'Today's question is, do you need an overhead, or "big light" in your bedroom or your living room,' says Jasmine in an Instagram video. 'And my answer is: not necessarily. It all depends on the amount of natural light and other light sources in the room.'
For better or for worse, the answer to most design questions is 'it depends' – no one space, aesthetic, or lifestyle is the same, after all. That's why Jasmine says she doesn't take a concrete side in the 'big light debate,' and takes stock of her surroundings instead.
She points to one example, a kid's bedroom that includes the Malden ceiling fan from her exclusive collection with Hunter. The rest of the room features a big window and built-in can lighting, so Jasmine says there's less pressure to include a 'big light' in the form of a ceiling fan.
'I think it works great for this little girl's room. I love putting ceiling fans in bedrooms for air circulation – it gives a nice cool breeze. But I don't feel the need to have a fan with a light if the room is already well-lit with natural light or another light source like a lamp or maybe a floor lamp,' she says.
On the other hand, when a room is dark and dim without one – like the second space she shows – a big light might just come in handy. 'This room does have windows, but no other light source on the ceiling. It can feel a little bit like a cave in the winter or at night. That's fine if that's what you want, but here I wanted to make sure that the room is well-lit without the sun,' she concludes.
The beauty of interior design is that it's all up to you. If you like a big light in place (even if it's not used every day), then make your space work for you. And if your room doesn't get natural light but you're strictly against the big light, lampscape your living room with plenty of smaller light fixtures. No matter where you fall within the debate, the end goal is the same: lighting your home in a way that makes you happy.
