Lighting is essential for creating a space that looks great and is functional. It can change the entire feel of the room, making you feel more productive, or more comfortable and relaxed.
It can also be used to complement your existing decor or accentuate focal points. But, there are lots of different options to choose from. Here’s how to choose the perfect lighting for your home:.
Choose the right type of lighting
There are three main types of lighting. These are:
1. Ambient Lighting
In most rooms, ambient lighting is the main source of light. It puts out an overall glow and can be anything from overhead fixtures to recessed lighting in the most suitable brightness.
2. Task Lighting
Another type of lighting is task (or directional lighting), which highlights a particular area of the room where a task can be performed – some examples include mirrors or desks.
Task lights only light up a small area of the room, but they can be in various forms. For example, they could be sitting on a desk or mounted on a wall at whatever angle is needed.
3. Accent lighting
The third type of lighting is accent lighting, which is used for decorative purposes or to draw attention to something in the room, like a fireplace or painting.
Most rooms will include at least two of these types of lighting, with the main source of light coming from overhead ambient lighting. When you’re planning how to light your space, it’s best to start with ambient lighting and then add a task or accent light where needed.
Think about styling
Once you know how many lights you need and where they should be positioned, you can start to think about the styling and how they can fit with your decor.
There are loads of amazing options – from modern to traditional, or farmhouse to cool and chic. Start picking out fixtures to go with your design style. You can mix and match and experiment until you find the right combination to suit the room.
Pick the perfect light bulbs
Lastly, the type of lightbulbs you choose can transform a room and change the entire look and feel of your home. There are lots to choose from, but here are some popular options:
1. LEDs
LED lights are a bit on the expensive side, but they save energy. These bulbs work best with bright colors and for accent or task lighting.
2. Incandescent
These provide warm lighting and are the most commonly used bulb for ambient lighting. They can be used for a range of lights, including floor and table lamps and hanging ceiling lights.
3. Halogen
Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent ones and they also provide warm light. They typically last longer and have higher energy consumption.
4. Fluorescent
Fluorescent lighting is less popular than the other options, but it can still work well in some designs. The color quality isn’t as good and can’t be dimmed, so it provides a cool light.
These bulbs are better suited for areas that aren’t used as often, like hallways, basements, attics, or garages, but they may also suit some types of decor.
