Whether
you have just remodeled your house into the dream home you've always
wanted or you're just moving into a new space, your home or apartment
isn't complete without the right lighting.
There are several important aspects to consider when choosing the
proper
lighting for your home.
1. Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the central light in a room that bathes
the entire
room in light. In addition the the conventional ceiling fixutre,
recessed lighting or tall floor lamps are great for
ambient
lighting. Make sure you're not left in the dark by choosing enough
fixtures to
light up the whole room.
2. Task Lighting
Ambient lighting may light up most of the room, but you'll need extra
lighting for desks, over stoves, and near couches and beds. The best
task lights include small floor lamps with an adjustable neck or short
table lamps.
3. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is one of the trickiest parts of home lighting.
Utilizing gallery, spot & track lighting to
illuminate portions of a room, or works of art can be an artform in
itself. To draw attention to important artwork, photographs
and other items, place gallery lights carefully above or
below the item you wish to light, taking caution not to place the light
too close to the work so as not to spoil the medium. Spotlights work
perfectly above mantels and artwork, as they brings
out the color and texture in wood grains and oil paintings.
Common
track lighting includes halogen bulbs
which give off a bright white
color, while incandescent bulbs have a warm yellow color. Use
fluorescent lamps to enhance the look of large artwork and sculptures.
4. Brighten Your Room
Brighten large rooms by using fluorescent lights and wall sconces.
Ceiling lights are great for making small spaces look larger.
Choose from flushmount or semi-flush, depending on your room
size and ceiling height.
5. Dimmers
Purchasing dimmers for your lights is a great investment. You'll
instantly have control over the atmosphere of the room.
6. Your Style
Each person has their own unique style. Choosing the right lighting for
the style of your room can make a world of difference. Common room
themes include:
Contemporary
- Contemporary
lighting includes sleek accent lighting and slim floor lamps. Try
modern chandeliers that exude
understated class.
Contemporary styles include shiny metals and frosted white glass. Wall
sconces with brightly colored glass
add a new twist to a favorite lighting style.
Rustic
- If you love the tranquil atmosphere of
country loving, rustic lighting is for you. Lights featuring wood
finishes
transform your room into a rural serenity. Ivory shades add a touch of
elegance
to your rural room.
Retro
-
Retrofit shades add a touch of
elegance to a
retro lighting style. Think boxy chandeliers and uniquely designed
lights that
look more like sculptures than actual lights! If you're going for a
1960s look, white and red are great colors,
while a 1970s style utilizes natural looking hues.
Lavish
-
If you love to be posh, then a lavish,
elegant look is perfect for you. Go for 3 Tier Chandeliers, but
remember not to
overdo your lighting. If you have a large chandelier, be sure to keep
the rest
of the lighting in the room minimal and coordinating with the
chandelier.
Vacation
Homes -
Keep the decor simple in a vacation home. Think 1 Tier Chandeliers,
wall sconces over each bed, and recessed lighting. Simple floor lamps
placed near chairs and couches are perfect! If you're near the beach
or feeling the heat in your vacation home, fill your home with stylish
ceiling fans to keep you cool and save you energy.
You're no
longer left in the dark on the basics of home lighting. Find
the lights perfect for your style and home decor!
For lighting solutions for
every style, check out the selection of brand-name lighting at
below-retail prices at TheLightShop.com.
