Lighting is an essential element in any home and can offer comfort, warmth, illumination, and a certain ambience. Selecting the right lighting for your home can be a challenging task. It’s important to consider the size of the room, activities it will be used for, and the design style.
Before you start shopping, make sure that all the ceiling fixtures in the home are operable. It’s also important to check that all lights are working, all shades and bulbs are clean, and the bulbs are the right wattage to avoid damage.
Once you’ve inspected each fixture in the home, have a look around the various rooms and notice how all the existing lights are used. Take note of any task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting.
Types of Lighting
When choosing lighting, it’s necessary to understand the types of lighting available. Task lighting is perfect for activities like reading, sewing, and working, while accent lighting adds a heightened interest to a decorative item or a wall. Ambient lighting sets the mood of a room.
Layering the three types of lighting can help create balance in a room. Add dimmers to the light fixtures and switches to control the brightness and the hours that the lights are on.
Lighting Tips
When selecting lighting, keep in mind the size of the room and its purpose. For example, a smaller living room should have a single overhead light fixture, with two or three task and accent lamps. You should also choose light fixtures that fit the design style of the room.
In the bedroom, opt for lamps with dual lighting, which offers light from both top and bottom. For an office, use task lighting, such as a desk or wall-mounted lamp, which gives light from one source of illumination.
In the bathrooms, pick fixtures that balance the humidity from showers and sinks. Also, check the wattage and other safety requirements and try to use natural light wherever possible.
Designer-Approved Lighting
- Avoid using overly bright lights.
- Include at least three types of lighting.
- Choose fixtures that fit the design style.
- Look for higher-efficiency, longer-lasting bulbs.
- Use dimmers to adjust the brightness level.
Conclusion
Lighting plays an important part in a home, creating comfort, warmth, and ambience. When selecting lighting, consider the room size, purpose, existing fixtures, and design style. Don’t forget to use dimmers and switchable lights to adjust the lighting according to the desired mood.