Candles contribute to the warmth of special lighting during the holiday season. (Courtesy) 

Winter holidays are a time of joyous celebrations, gatherings, generosity and light. Beginning with Thanksgiving and ending with the New Year celebration, holiday traditions include variations of use of light. We enjoy candles on the dinner table, an exquisite menorah, tiny twinkling lights on trees and sparklers on New Year’s Eve.

The first day of winter is the longest night of the year. Dark winter months provide the perfect opportunity to focus on the comfort and value of good lighting. 

To function well, we need enough light to perform the tasks at hand. To achieve a sense of well-being and happiness, we need lighting that feels right, day and night.

Lighting design is a science. It encompasses an overall vision and considers fixture styles, properties of bulbs, the output and location of light and the patterns light create on surrounding surfaces.

Here are things to consider to bring light into your home.

HOLISTIC APPROACH

Sunlight is best. Use the sun’s light and energy to your benefit. The locations and sizes of windows, doors and roof overhangs affects the amount of sunlight and resulting temperature inside the home.

Natural light and light from fixtures should provide light where it is needed and create a look and feel that pleases and resonates with you. A good lighting plan takes into account the entire scope of needs. It takes into account mind, body and spirit. 

Trending light fixture styles include globes made of glass, mirrored glass, colorful blown glass and metals formed into cool and unusual shapes. To emulate the concept of a strong sun, think of a sphere.

Look for hanging pendants made of large round globes or flat circular discs. Instead of overhead lighting, consider a fabulous floor lamp in the shape of a ball.

Linear lighting, a manufacturing technology that allows for the look of elegant tubes, also is trending. Bold geometric shapes hang in graceful layers from the ceiling like airy, sophisticated mobiles.

SENSE OF LUXRY

Creating a sense of opulence in lighting includes fixtures with touches of metallic accents, iridescent sheen and high gloss finishes. Others find opulence through hand-crafted quality and understated simplicity. The dazzling and the unexpected add to the feeling of luxury.

Many celebrate the arrival of the new year by watching on television the giant crystal ball drop in New York City at midnight. This spectacular sphere is made by Waterford and contains thousands of crystal facets. 

Imagine a chandelier made of many crystal elements, similar in feel to the New Year’s Eve ball. Or enjoy a delicate display of dangling glass teardrops and cut-glass shapes suspended in layers that catch the light.

QUIET REFLECTIONS

In winter, life seems to slow a bit making it a wonderful time to reflect on how we contribute our own light to the world. We are light!

I love to turn on the twinkle lights on our holiday trees every day at 4 p.m. It marks a nice, peaceful transition between the work day and evening activities.

Later in the evening, when my husband comes home, we light candles on the hearth and chat. Table lamps, wall sconces, twinkle lights and candlelight offer quietness after the sun goes down.

LIGHT AS BEAUTY

Lighting fixtures add style and beauty. Consider the look of a sconce made of wrought iron paired with hand-blown glass. Maybe you prefer the color from the soft shine of light passing through colorful glass. A sconce embellished with jeweled crystal accents seems to make light dance on the wall.

Hang a decorative mirror with LED lights in your home’s entrance. Illuminate bookshelves with ribbons of lights. Install an under-cabinet light fixture in the kitchen.

Use light to draw attention to a favorite sculpture or art on the wall. Light a large grouping of candles in silver mercury glass holders for a spectacular look. Get a colorful LED glow ball for fun.

Enjoy the light. Share the light. Be the light.

Patricia Wilson is an interior designer registered with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. Connect with her at www.PatriciaCWilson.com.