So, finally, your house is prepared, the wall paint is done and the furniture is in place. Congratulations! But still, something’s missing?
Is your home still lacking a pleasant look?
Then, it’s time to focus on the lighting. Careful lighting design not only adds to the beauty of the building but also contributes to the feeling of comfort and relaxation.
There is a wide range of options for home lighting. Other than the basic styles, you can find numerous latest designs, such as recessed lights, track lights, chandeliers, classic candlelight bulbs, transparent globe lights, sculptural lights, pleated lampshades, outdoor landscaping lights, etc.
Besides, some clever tricks can help you glow up your home in an enchanting way.
If you are interested in learning about the best lighting ideas for your home, this article can help you out. Let’s start then!
TYPES OF LIGHTS FOR LIGHTING UP YOUR HOME
There is a list of lights available for the customers. No matter whether you are looking for lights for your home living area, office, bedroom or backyard, there is an option for each area. The main types of lights for lighting up your home are: –
Pendants
One of the most popular home lighting sources, Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling using a wire or cord and are available in a wide range of designs and colors. If you are looking for a light fixture that can also contribute to your home décor, opt for these. Variation can be seen in application styles as well. Pendants can be installed as clusters, as a rhythmic row and even as a singular piece. The kitchen and dining rooms are the preferred areas for installing these lights.
Track
Like Pendant lights, Track lights are also installed to ceiling through a junction box. However, you will also find some single-bulb surface-mounted models. Track lights are among the most flexible lighting fixtures with several bulbs assembled in a track that can be oriented anywhere. These light fixtures are mostly used for accent or task lighting.
Recessed
Recessed lights are the hidden light sources, usually installed inside the ceiling. They can be very thin or require a 6-inches space above the ceiling and can be used freely in any room. Recessed lights consist of 3 main parts: bulb, trim and housing. However, new LED recessed fixtures changed all of that, they come in one integrated piece without a housing and some models have color selection feature! If you are looking for a comprehensive, shadow-free and dimmable lighting solution for a decent room look, pick these.
Surface
Surface lights are installed against a flat surface, mostly a wall or ceiling. There is a wide array of sizes and shapes available in surface lights. The ideal spaces for the use of such light sources are bedroom sconces and hallways surface dome fixtures.
Portable
Portable lights as the name suggest are portable ones. They can either be battery-operated or plugged into a socket employing a cable. Portable lights are ideal options for your study desks and bedside tables.
Undercabinet
Interested in saving some money? Here’s the solution. Undercabinet lights, particularly LED lights can cut down your high electricity bill. Typically installed under a kitchen cabinet, they are easy to install, enhance your room look and provide localized lighting on a work surface. The three main electrical choices available in this category are plugged-in, battery-operated and hard-wired lights.
TIPS FOR LIGHTING YOUR HOME
Here are some essential tips to help you lighten up your home: –
Choose Appropriate Bulbs
The selection of bulbs demands careful attention. Light bulbs are available in a range of color temperatures, ranging from warm white to cool white. Warm light bulbs are better for use at night whereas cool LED bulbs can be used in active areas of the home. It’s better to check the Kelvin value of bulbs printed on the packaging to make a better choice.
Consistency is Crucial
It is indispensable that the light sources you are using are consistent with your room’s color scheme, material finishes and theme. A contradiction between various elements or using multiple colors of lights in a single room can create a feeling of confusion and distress. Conversely, neutral colors and softer tones can make your room feel bigger.
Use Appropriate Color Schemes
Colors play a significant role in our lives. Bright white or blue-toned light can make you feel active and energetic. Hence, they must be used in areas where most of the routine tasks are carried out. On the contrary, yellow-toned light is ideal for use at bedtime as it provokes the feeling of relaxation.
Create Layers of Lighting
This tip is perhaps of prime value that can be achieved by using different light sources at distinct levels to generate ambience and add to the beauty of the room. These can also create an optical illusion and make a smaller room feel larger and a low-ceiling room look elevated.
Spotlights can Create Magic
Spotlights can have a mesmerizing effect on your home. You can highlight your favorite decoration pieces, antique elements, mirror, mantelpiece of a fireplace by using spotlights. However, avoid too much use to maintain uniformity.
BEST LIGHTING CHOICES FOR YOUR HOME
Every room in your room has a different style and purpose. Hence, each demands a different lighting choice. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best lighting fixtures for your rooms: –
Living Room
The living room is the central room of your home. A combination of accent, task, ambient and decorative lighting can be used in a living room. The ideal light sources for a living room include wall sconces, chandeliers, recessed lights across the ceiling and pendant lights suspended from the top.
Dining Room
The table is the centerpiece of a dining room. Therefore, install light sources in a manner that emphasizes the table. Dimmers play an essential role in this area. As the dining room usually contain wall hangings, ornamental pieces and sometimes a fireplace, spotlights can work well here. Chandeliers and pendant lights together with floor and table lamps can contribute to a pleasing look.
Bedroom
The bedroom is the place where you relax after a tough routine. Make careful lighting choices to make this area as comfortable as possible. Use warm-colored lamps for bedside tables. Each lamp should have its own switch. The mirror must be away from the light sources to avoid reflection. Ambient lighting is ideal for the bedroom. If you are fond of reading before bedtime, installing wall sconces on either side of the bed would be great decision.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the area where uniform lighting at every side and corner is crucial to avoid eye stress and ensure the appropriate addition of ingredients. Use bright lights for an easy work experience. The main combinations of lights in the kitchen include undercabinet lights for task lighting, surface-mounted light on the ceiling in combination with built-in or recessed lights.
Bathroom
Good lighting is also essential in bathrooms because of their emphasis on personal grooming. Hence, appropriate lighting on the mirror is of prime significance. Spotlights can be used over the mirror in combination with the central ceiling-mounted light source. Using light fixtures on either side of the mirror can be an even better choice. Wall-sconces can best assist you in this purpose. Besides, you can install track lights rather than a spotlight or wall sconces.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Your home says a lot about your personality and choices. A nicely organized home not only appeals to the guests but also make you feel relaxed and stress-free. Appropriate selection and application of light sources in every part of your home are crucial. It is also important to keep the purpose of each area in mind, before making a lighting selection. By following the above-mentioned guidelines, you can make better lighting choices for your home.
