You may have seen custom lighting at a showroom and fallen in love with it. You may even have tried to make it yourself, but ultimately failed because you didn’t know how to create a project plan or didn’t know where to start. Learn about Tonsda Lighting’s custom lighting process, to create a custom lighting plan that fits within your budget and matches your sense of style.
Know your style
Once you know what your style is, it’s time to get it out of your head and onto paper. Remember that styles are always evolving—you may be an Art Deco fan today, but in 20 years you’ll be into mid-century modern! Start by making a list of all the spaces in your project that need new lighting fixtures. For each space, think about the overall feel and ambiance of the place:
- What colors do I want? Is it more formal or casual? Will there be more than one type of furniture in the space (i.e., living room with both couches and chairs)? Consider whether you prefer light colors or dark colors for furniture and fabrics as well.
- What kinds of materials should my fixtures use? Wood? Glass? Metal? Ceramic? Other material options could include acrylics, paper mache’ or even plastic!
- How much space does each fixture require (height/depth)? Make sure there will be enough clearance for any bulb types used in different lamps without knocking over any lamps nearby!
Consider the size of your fixture
When choosing a fixture, consider its size. You’ll want to make sure it will fit in the spot you have picked out for it. Also consider whether or not the fixture will be mounted, as this will affect how large it can be. If you plan on installing your light fixture by yourself and don’t have a lot of experience with electrical work, then something like an LED strip light would be ideal as far as size goes since these are very small and easy to install without having to worry about wiring them up correctly. If your lighting project involves dimming functionality (like if you’re using LED bulbs), then make sure that whatever light fixtures you choose have the ability to be dimmed with either switches or remote control devices.
- If you have a small space, it may be more appropriate to use a smaller fixture. A smaller fixture will produce less light than a larger one, but it will be more concentrated on the area in which it shines. This can help to make an area seem brighter and more spacious.
- If you have a large space, it may be more appropriate for you to use a larger or brighter light fixture. A larger fixture will produce more light than a smaller one, but this light will be spread out over a larger area. This can help to make an area seem brighter and more spacious.
Discuss and confirm design drawings
This is a critical step. If you are not 100% satisfied with the design at this point, it’s better to know now than later on. You will want to make sure that all elements of the project are included in your custom lighting plan and that there are no mistakes or omissions. It is also important to confirm that every detail of your unique custom lighting design has been accounted for in a way that makes sense. The best way to confirm this is through an exchange between you and a Tonsda Lighting designer, where we can go through each item on the list with you, one by one until both parties agree that everything has been properly handled and resolved.
Select your fixture finish, color, and tone
The way you choose your lighting fixture finish, color, and tone will have a huge impact on the overall look of your space.
The first step is to select your favorite finish—there are lots of options! Finishes can be polished, matte, or shiny; they can be glass-like or painted on. They can be an opaque color like white or black, or they can have an iridescent finish (which means that the light reflects off of them in a rainbow of colors).
Next, you’ll want to decide what color you want your fixture to be. There are dozens of different options for this as well: maybe you want something bold and bright like yellow or red? Or maybe something more neutral like white or cream? Maybe you want something that’s more muted and neutral but still has some pop to it? We’ve got you covered here too!
Last but not least, pick a tone! Tone refers to how light or dark a color appears when light shines through it. For example, a bright red tone appears bright red when lit up by other lights in the room; while a dark red tone appears more burgundy when lit up by other lights in the room.
Make one sample
- Before making your first batch of lights, it is important to check the quality of the design. This will help ensure that all the components are working properly and that there are no flaws in the assembly process.
- While you’re at it, also make sure that you’re happy with every aspect of your sample light—the dimensions and overall aesthetics should be pleasing to you as well as anyone else who will see them in use.
- Check each component’s color and tone so they match together well without any clashes or off-putting contrasts; this step can save you from having to go back later and change components individually (which will cost more money).
Assemble and perform the required tests
After you’ve completed the assembly and installation process, it’s time to perform the required tests. Some of these may include:
- A “fit” test, which ensures that all components are working correctly
- A “function” test, which checks that your new light fixture is installed correctly and functioning properly
- A “safety” test, to ensure there are no defects in the material of your light fixture or its wiring
- A “warranty” test, ensures that your light fixture is operating correctly and within the manufacturer’s specifications.
Most light fixtures include a warranty that covers the materials and workmanship of your light fixture. This warranty is typically valid for two years from the date of installation or purchase, whichever comes first.
In conclusion, the process of creating custom lighting can be a lot of fun and will give you the opportunity to make something that is truly unique. There are many options available for materials and styles, so it’s important to consider what kind of look you want before getting started.
