Choosing the right lighting for your home is essential in creating an atmosphere that is both functional and inviting. Here’s a guide to help you make the best lighting choices for each room in your house.
Understanding Different Types of Lighting
1. Ambient Lighting: This is the main source of light in a room, whether it comes from ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, or natural light. Its primary purpose is to provide broad lighting for the entire room.
2. Task Lighting: As the name suggests, task lighting is used to illuminate tasks that require more focus, like reading, cooking, or working on hobbies. Common examples include under-cabinet kitchen lights, desk lamps, and reading lamps.
3. Accent Lighting: This type is used to highlight specific features of a room, such as artwork, sculptures, or architectural details. Track lighting, picture lights, and wall-mounted fixtures are typical sources of accent lighting.
Choosing Lighting for Different Rooms
Living Room:
In the living room, start with ambient lighting that can fill the entire space comfortably; a large ceiling fixture or several recessed lights can serve this purpose well. Add task lighting, such as floor lamps or side table lamps, near seating areas for reading or other activities. Use accent lighting to spotlight artwork, bookshelves, or other features.
Kitchen:
Good lighting in the kitchen is critical due to its functional nature. Start with overhead ambient lighting. Consider pendant lights over areas like islands or breakfast bars, and don’t forget under-cabinet lighting to provide extra illumination for countertop workspaces.
Bedroom:
In bedrooms, ambient lighting should be soft and relaxing. A central ceiling fixture or soft recessed lights combined with bedside lamps for task lighting create a peaceful yet functional bedroom. Consider dimmer switches to easily adjust lighting levels based on your activities or time of day.
Bathroom:
Aim for bright ambient light combined with task lighting around the mirror for grooming or applying makeup. Waterproof recessed lights in showers are also a good idea for functionality and safety.
Tips for Choosing the Right Fixtures and Bulbs
Consider the Bulb Type: LED bulbs are popular for their long life and energy efficiency. They are available in a range of colors from warm (yellowish) to cool (bluish) light, which can significantly affect the mood of a room.
Fixture Style: Choose fixtures that complement the overall style of your home. Modern homes might benefit from sleek, metallic fixtures, while traditional homes might suit more ornate options.
Control Systems: Consider installing smart light systems that can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice commands. These systems offer the ability to adjust both the brightness and color of the light, and they can be programmed to change settings automatically at different times of the day.
Watch the video above to learn more and consider wall torchieres! .
