From the earliest forms of firelight to today’s innovative lighting technologies, light has always played a crucial role in enhancing the ambience of interior spaces while improving the way we use them. Its advancements over the years are a testament to human ingenuity and reflect our innate quest to improve both aesthetics and functionality. Let’s take a look at the history of lighting and explore its impact on interior design.

Ancient Beginnings:

Lighting design dates all the way back to ancient times when early civilisations discovered fire and harnessed its illuminating properties. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, in particular, pioneered early lighting fixtures from primitive torches to oil lamps in order to create warm and inviting interior spaces.

Medieval Era:

The Middle Ages saw a dramatic shift in the way fire was used as lighting design. The invention of the candle meant that illumination was now portable and controlled, allowing for greater flexibility in illuminating living quarters. Chandeliers and candelabras were used in monasteries and castles and became symbols of wealth and status.

The Enlightenment and Gas Lighting:

Gas lighting became widely used in the 18th century, with numerous cities adopting gas-powered street lamps in the Enlightenment era. The advent of gas lighting improved safety and enabled social and commercial activities to extend into the night thanks to the generous illumination it offered. Gas lamps soon replaced candles and oil lamps in affluent homes and public spaces.

The Electric Era:

A transformative leap in lighting design took place in the late 19th century with the invention of the electric light bulb. This invention by Thomas Edison revolutionised interior lighting and inspired the development of fixtures such as pendants, wall sconces and table and floor lamps. It also ushered in the beginning of layered lighting as we know it today, with various fixtures being used for ambient, accent and task lighting.

Modernism and Functional Lighting:

The Modernist movement emerged in the early 20th century, prioritizing functionality and simplicity in design. An emphasis on task light increased, with architects and designers including considered fixtures to meet the needs of each space. The merger of form and function in lighting design also became more prominent during this time.

Technological Advancements:

During the second half of the 20th century, lighting design saw rapid technological advancements. At first, there was the development of fluorescent lighting, halogen bulbs, and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), followed by the invention of the LED (light emitting diode). LED technology revolutionized lighting design with its versatility, extended lifespan, and enhanced energy efficiency.

Integration of Lighting Controls and Automation:

Now, in the second decade of the 21st century, advancements in lighting design show an increased focus on fixtures that are interactive and customisable. Designs that can adjust brightness and colour temperature allow users to create various atmospheres to suit the desired mood and task at hand. These fixtures are often controlled by a remote or smartphone app and can be switched on and off with the touch of a button.