Lighting in the home, not just a functional necessity

by Radu Călian

Radu Călian was part of the Revista din Lemn team present at nZEB goes Passive held in Cluj. One of his passions being wooden lighting fixtures, Radu chose to create such a piece only with traditional tools. During the three days, in between talks with visitors at the stand, he carved, cut and sanded, turning a piece of walnut into a wall light. Radu is passionate about design and has made many light fittings over the years. In the following he will tell us his vision for home lighting.

Lighting in the home is not only a functional necessity, but also an important element in creating a pleasant atmosphere. Lighting fixtures play an essential role in defining the style and personality of each space. Choosing the right ones can completely transform a room, accentuating architectural features, highlighting design elements and influencing the way we perceive colours. From ambient to functional lighting, luminaires contribute to the comfort and functionality of the home, having a significant impact on mood and quality of everyday life.

Recommendations for the best choice of luminaires

When choosing lighting fixtures for our home, it is advisable to take into account a few aspects, such as:

• The purpose of the space in which we put them. We need to establish at the outset what the main function of each space will be and then choose the lighting accordingly. For example, lighting for the office should be more focused and efficient than in the seating area.
• Room dimensions. The luminaires will be chosen according to the size of the room and we will try, as far as possible, to be directly proportional.
• The style of the decor. It is very important that the lighting fixtures also support the style of the space, to be in line with it.
• Lighting control and light intensity. It is advisable to opt for lighting sources that are energy efficient and allow us to adjust the light intensity to the desired atmosphere. In addition to comfort, adjusting light intensity also contributes to minimising environmental impact.
• Durable and quality materials. The recommendation is to choose sustainable lighting fixtures, made from sustainable materials and well constructed.

Wooden luminaires

An example of a renewable, clean and durable material is wood, which is increasingly the choice for luminaires. If we decide to make our own luminaire, it is very important to choose healthy, quality wood.

The great advantage of wood is that it can be successfully integrated into both a modern, classic or rustic design. Very important in integrating into a particular design is also the finish of the wood. Depending on the style chosen, wood can be finished naturally, textured, oiled, varnished or painted so that it is compatible with other materials in the room and gives a sense of coherence.

Another important element is functionality. It is necessary to make sure that we have a lighting fixture that works properly and provides the necessary light for the space. We need to bear in mind that wood is opaque if it is solid and can influence the way light is dispersed. Some luminaires also need some periodic maintenance to keep their original appearance and functionality at full capacity.

Choosing the right wooden lighting fixtures for your home depends largely on your personal preferences and the characteristics of the space in which they are to be placed. By carefully approaching lighting in interior design you can achieve a space that not only meets functional needs but also aesthetically enriches the living experience. By considering these aspects you will be able to choose the right lighting fixtures so as to create a pleasant and functional environment in your home.

Radu Călian has been drawn to design since high school, when he dreamed of studying automotive design. He took admission to the University of Arts and Design in Cluj Napoca and to the Technical University, industrial design section. He was admitted to both, but eventually chose to go to the Technical University. He later discovered that his technical training was an advantage that helped him create functional objects. He started working with wood as a hobby in 2014, and the positive feedback he received from friends who received gifts of various wooden objects he had made prompted him to continue. He has a workshop called Tilion Studio where he creates one-of-a-kind pieces that are his own creations from scratch the final. Concept, realization, electrical part, everything up to the installation in the beneficiary's house are thought and realized by Radu Călian. Without a manufacturing model and a standardized manufacturing process, the realization of the project is slower but full of creativity.