The look and feel of your house is affected by the lighting you place in your space. Good lighting brings out the beauty of a room’s shape and ambiance. At the same time, it also improves your mood and helps you complete different tasks.
By following our guide below, getting incredible lighting for your interior space is easy.
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Why Invest in Good Lighting
Pendant lights? Recessed lighting? Are there reasons why these lightings are better than a hanging bulb in your room? Well, here are those reasons:
Lighting Your Mood
When you step into a room, the light sets the tone. It’s like a silent greeting. Take a soft light, for example, which mimics a sunset. This light makes you relax and calm as if it’s about to be evening soon when there is no work.
Blue light is another kind of light that targets your mood, the same one coming from the sun throughout the day. You feel alert and ready to take on any chore, job, or hobby. With the proper lighting installed, you can set the right mood for any time of the day.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Do you know how it is to focus in a dim room? Good light solutions can solve that. A bright work area boosts productivity. It’s easier to read, write, or sort through papers. And let’s not forget the reduced eye strain. Your eyes will thank you for a well-lit workspace.
Green Lights, Green Wallet
LED lights consume less energy. They may cost more upfront, but they last for years. They’re a win-win for you and the Earth. And let’s not forget smart bulbs. These devices let you control the lights through your phone or mobile devices. That way, you’re not burning lights—and money—when no one’s in the room.
Stay Safe With Lights
Tripping over a toy or missing a step can hurt. Proper lights in hallways and stairs lower this risk. Outdoor lights are another ally. A bright light on your porch, driveway, or yard can make intruders disappear. Safety should never be an afterthought, and good lighting helps.
Your Home’s Silent Ambassador
Have you ever visited a home and felt instantly welcomed? Light plays a part in that first impression. When selling your home, good lighting can make it stand out. The perfect light sells your home like a professional celebrity realtor who appeared in several hit movies.
Create Amazing Online Content
Good lights help with more than selfies. It elevates any photo or video you take. A well-lit subject stands out, details are clearer, and the colors pop. You don’t need an expensive camera. A proper LED bulb or lamp can make all the difference in your shots.
Strong Decor Game
Picture a cool lamp as the centerpiece of a room. It draws your eye to that decorative piece of your room, which can be a fireplace or a painting. Great lighting elevates the look of your decorations and your interior space aesthetic.
Health Benefits
Lighting can impact your well-being. For instance, certain types of light combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They mimic natural daylight, lifting your mood in darker months. Also, the right bedroom lights prepares your body for sleep. It sends a signal to your brain: it’s time to wind down.
Types of Lighting
The first step to creating the perfect lighting in your home is to know the different uses. Below are the kinds of light for your home.
Task lighting
Task lighting is your go-to when you’ve got something to do. Reading, cooking, sewing—you name it. This light zooms in on the action. It makes sure you can see every detail without squinting or leaning in.
Picture a classic desk lamp at a home office. You can move its head up or down to light up your work. Or think about under-cabinet lights in a kitchen. They shine right on the counter so you can chop veggies safely. And if you’ve got a craft room, you might use a hanging pendant light. It’s all about putting the light where you need it, right when you need it.
Accent lighting
Accent lighting loves the spotlight—but it puts that spotlight on something else, like a painting or a cool chair. This light makes certain spots in a room catch your eye. It adds a dash of style and makes your space feel complete.
Wall sconces are the old faithful of accent lights. They’re often set up on either side of something you want to show off, like a fireplace. Another option is a picture light that sits above a painting. Outside, you might use a spotlight to make a tree or statue stand out. These fixtures let you aim the light just so, ensuring it hits the right spot.
Ambient lighting
Ambient lights are like the background music of a room. It fills the space with a soft, even light that lets you see and move around. This is the main source of light in most rooms. It sets the overall mood and provides enough light for your day.
Ceiling lights are the workhorses here. Think of a simple flush-mount light or a chandelier in a dining room. Floor lamps can also add to the ambient light, especially in corners that need a little extra glow. And don’t forget the recessed lights. They’re tucked into the ceiling and can light up a whole room without being in your face.
Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting is the sharp-looking curator at a museum. Designers get to have some fun with the lights. It’s not about lighting up a room to see. It’s about catching your eye and making you say, “Wow!” These lights host a room, adding sparkle and flair to the interior space aesthetic.
Have you ever seen a lamp and thought it was too fancy to use? That’s decorative lighting. A crystal chandelier or a designer table lamp fits here. Some people even use string lights indoors for a touch of whimsy. Neon signs with fun sayings can also be considered decorative lighting. These lights are all about personality and style.
Room-by-Room Guide
Below are the fitting lights used in each room of your house.
Living Room
Kinds of Lighting to Use
The living room is a place for chilling and chatting. You want a light that makes everyone feel cozy. Start with ambient light to brighten the whole room. Add task lights for reading or puzzles. And remember accent lights. They can show off your favorite painting or even a cool plant.
Picking the Right Fixtures
Ceiling lights give the whole room a glow. For reading, a table lamp by the couch is your friend. Want to highlight a bookshelf or artwork? Go for wall sconces or picture lights. The trick is to mix and match. Use different lights for different needs.
Kitchen
Kinds of Lighting to Use
The kitchen is your cooking playground. You need good light to see what you’re doing. Bright ambient light is the first step. After that, add task lights where you chop veggies or wash dishes. And for some extra flair, think about accent lights.
Picking the Right Fixtures
Recessed lights are a kitchen favorite. They give lots of light without taking up space. Under-cabinet lights make your countertops shine. They’re great for chopping and mixing. For a kitchen island, hanging pendant lights do the job. And for that extra wow, put some LED strips above your cabinets. They’ll make your kitchen look like a cooking show set.
Bedroom
Kinds of Lighting to Use
Your bedroom is your escape. It’s where you unwind, read, and maybe even work a little. Ambient light is key for picking out an outfit or cleaning. Task lighting is great for reading in bed or working at a desk. And if you have special art or furniture, accent lighting can make it stand out.
Picking the Right Fixtures
Ceiling lamps or a simple chandelier provide good all-around lighting. For reading, think about bedside lamps or even wall-mounted lights. These can focus right on your book without lighting up the whole room. And for that cozy vibe, a few wall sconces can make a big difference. They add a soft touch without overwhelming the space.
Bathroom
Kinds of Lighting to Use
In the bathroom, you’re doing more than taking showers. You’re also shaving, putting on makeup, and maybe even reading a magazine. That’s why you need a mix of light. Bright task lighting is a must near the mirror. Ambient light fills in the gaps and makes the room feel inviting. And if you have nice tiles or artwork, accent lighting can highlight it.
Picking the Right Fixtures
Above the mirror, you’ll want bright vanity lights. These eliminate shadows and make tasks easier. Ceiling lights work for general lighting, and they keep the bathroom bright. For an elegant touch, you might use recessed lights around the bathtub. And if you have a display shelf, a small picture light can make it look special.
Outdoor Lighting
Another important space to consider its lighting is your outdoor space. Below is our short guide on outdoor lighting.
Why Outdoor Lights Matter
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see. Outdoor lighting can make your home inviting and safe. It can also give your outdoor space a whole new look when the sun goes down. But it’s not just about pretty lights. Good outdoor lighting can guide you on paths, make steps safer, and even keep burglars away.
Types of Outdoor Lights
When it comes to outdoor spaces, different areas need different kinds of lights. Path lights help guide the way in your garden or to your front door. Security lights can keep your home safe by lighting up when they detect movement. Decorative lights, like string lights or lanterns, make outdoor spaces feel special. And don’t forget task lighting for places like outdoor kitchens or reading nooks.
Safety First
One major reason for outdoor lighting is safety. You don’t want anyone tripping on a garden hose or missing a step. That’s why lighting up paths, driveways, and steps is important. Motion-activated lights are good here. They light up when someone is near, making it easy to see obstacles.
The Right Fixtures
Path Lights
Low-to-the-ground lights are great for paths. They show you where to walk without blinding you. Solar path lights are an eco-friendly option. They charge during the day and light up at night.
Security Lights
Floodlights are a top pick for security. They’re bright and can be set to turn on when they sense movement. Place them near doors or in dark corners to deter intruders.
Decorative Lights
String lights can add a party vibe to any outdoor space. Hang them across patios or around trees for a festive feel. Lanterns are another option. They can sit on tables or hang from trees, giving off a softer glow.
Task Lights
You’ll need good light to cook if you have an outdoor kitchen. A bright overhead light works well here. For reading spots, an adjustable floor lamp is a good pick. It lets you aim the light right where you need it.
The Style Factor
Outdoor lights come in all shapes and styles. From sleek and modern to rustic and old-fashioned, there’s something for every home. Choose lights that match your home’s overall vibe. You want your outdoor space to feel like an extension of your indoors.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve got your lights, don’t forget the extras. Dimmers let you control how bright your lights are. Timers can turn lights on and off when you’re not home. And if you go for solar lights, ensure they get plenty of sun during the day. This helps them work their best at night.
Conclusion
Lighting is an art form for every indoor and outdoor space. There is no single correct answer since so many kinds of lighting fit your space. Knowing the different kinds of lighting and which ones fit your home is the key to improving the ambiance and function of your home.
