Lighting in the home is just one of those things that we all take for granted and unfortunately, never really seem to think about it unless you set out to do something and notice that it’s not suitable for your needs. Sometimes you need more light to accomplish a task at hand, and other times you have too much light in a room in which you’re trying to relax. Have you come to a point where the excess, or lack of lighting, is driving you to distraction? If so, here are some tips on how to choose the right lighting for your space.
Begin with an evaluation of your lighting needs
Often, you notice that you simply don’t have enough light in an interior hallway or in a corner of the kitchen where your prep area is set up. As frustrating as this is, you begin to notice that other rooms have too much or too little illumination as well. Begin with a thorough assessment of the entire home. Within moments you’ll realise that practically every space needs a bit of tweaking to provide the lighting you need. Perhaps you should start with a quick understanding of some fundamental principles of lighting.
Kitchens are often the most problematic
Many homes have a single light source in the kitchen and this can be one of the biggest frustrations you’ll encounter. As mentioned, you’ll need work spaces to be well lit and so perhaps you’d like to begin here. Under-cabinet lights often work well to illuminate work areas and then there is bookcase lighting which many people use to highlight treasured pieces within a glass-doored cupboard or china cabinet. Perhaps you need a pendant light or chandelier over the dining table.
Living rooms, family rooms and dens
Just as you assessed the general lighting in your kitchen and moved on to task or decorative lighting, you’ll cover the same ground in the common areas of the home. For example, if you find that the overhead lights are too bright for quiet moments of relaxation in a living room, family room or den, you could almost always benefit from standard floor lamps like these. Easily located in practically any area of a room, floor lamps offer the ability to illuminate one area of the room, leaving the rest of the space with a soft glow.
Bedrooms, bathrooms and wardrobes
These are typically the least used rooms in the home and so they often get neglected when considering the right lighting for the space in question. If you’ve ever reached for a shirt, for example, that will go well with your skirt or trousers, the lack of adequate lighting in the closet may be totally frustrating. You pull out garment after garment to no avail. An overhead spotlight works well in a wardrobe while wall sconces offer soft, ambient lighting in a bedroom when it’s time to relax and get ready for sleep.
Lighting as an optical illusion
Have you ever tried to sell your home? One of the tips often given is to reduce clutter to make rooms appear larger than they actually are. However, that’s just one way to give that illusion. Effective use of lighting can do much the same thing. For example, bright lights in a room that’s painted white or a light pastel colour can give the illusion of extra space. The reverse can also be true. Open space architecture is trending, but often this leaves the appearance of too much unused space. Try adding a floor lamp in an unused area with a small table and a framed picture or two.
It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you understand the connection between form and function. Are you seeking illumination or aesthetics? The right lighting can get results, but first you need to know what you’re trying to achieve. Only then can you find the lighting you need for your space.
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