The realm of home lighting at first appears daunting. The styles and varieties to choose from when you are looking to decorate, or redecorate, your home seem endless. Additionally, if you’re new to the lighting world, there are terms you’ll need to know that will help illuminate your decision-making and allow you to make the brightest decisions possible.
Setting the right mood in the house isn’t a matter of turning a switch anymore, it’s a matter of what kind of switch, how many lumens, what wattage, preferred color, and bulb shape.
Setting the right mood in the house isn’t a matter of turning a switch anymore, it’s a matter of what kind of switch, how many lumens, what wattage, preferred color, and bulb shape. Add to that the design options and effects and you may be tempted to stay in the dark. Don’t fear, we have the tips that will have you backlit in no time.
Layer Your Light
Your lighting design should include layers in every room throughout your house.
The first layer is ambient light. Think natural light, pendants, and overhead fixtures that illuminate an entire room.
Next: task lighting. This includes areas like your under-counter kitchen lights and bedroom reading lamps.
Showcase your favorite painting, your new fireplace, or your refinished French doors with accent lighting.
Third, you need accent lights such as track or recessed lights to highlight a room’s architecture or wall hanging.
Lastly, don’t forget decorative lights such as chandeliers and lamps. These will give your space an intimate feel and a personal touch.
Know Lighting Lingo
Layering won’t be effective if everything is the same level of bright or cool. Know what you’re getting when you’re spending good money to get it.
Kelvin: A scale of measurement for the “color” a light produces. The higher the Kelvin (K) number, the cooler the light appears.
Wattage: How much electricity a bulb consumes. LEDs and CFLs use far fewer watts than the old incandescents.
Lumens: The amount of light you get from a bulb.
If you’re doing a significant decor overhaul, leave the wiring and installation to someone who knows what they’re doing. It will save you time and having you seeing brighter faster.
How to Use Your Brilliance
Once you know the lingo, you can put your skills into action. Here are four of our favorite suggestions:
- Recessed lights don’t have to be boring. Find fun decorative trims for the kid’s bathroom or something sophisticated for the master bedroom to bring life to the ceiling. Consider a light-diffusing baffle: a wall-washer shield that aims and intensifies light, a beveled glass shade, or an acrylic lens that adds a splash of color to a room. They are easy to install and will give you an excellent bang for the buck.
- Dimming down the lights will help you save money after your illuminating investment. Install dimmer switches to save energy and the life of your bulbs. It’s also an easy way to change the atmosphere of any room with the turn of a knob or the press of a lever.
- Showcase your favorite painting, your new fireplace, or your refinished French doors with accent lighting. Use uplighting with attractive wall sconces or get creative with hidden spotlights. Don’t let your favorite collectibles and architectural features go unnoticed.
- Hire a professional. If you’re doing a significant decor overhaul, leave the wiring and installation to someone who knows what they’re doing. It will save you time and having you seeing brighter faster.
Gone are the days of cardboard-packaging drugstore lightbulbs. If you’re doing it right, your bulbs are expensive but longer-lasting and more efficient. With options galore, you can light up your house in unique and personal ways. From lamps to lumens to track lighting to LEDs, your choices will make your house a warm and welcoming home.
Do you need tips on how to light up your house? Contact us. We offer design consulting services that will help you strike the right bright balance in your home.
