Choosing the right lights for your home can elevate the ambience and make the space more inviting. Depending on what mood you want to set in the room, you can combine dim and indirect lighting for a more intimate atmosphere. You can use this space to relax and rest. Or, you can add white and direct lights that brighten up the place and stimulate the brain to be active. You can play, mix and match the lights, creating a space you and your family will enjoy.
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights can be used in every room – be it the kitchen, living room, bedroom and even in the hallways, to add to the overall lighting. They can be versatile and vary in shape, size, design and style. Here are the most common ceiling lights.
Flush Lights
These lights are perfect for a closet, bathroom or hallway. They work best in rooms with a ceiling lower than 2.5 meters. If you put them in higher rooms, the light won’t fill out the space, and it will look empty. They can be between 30-60cm in diameter, depending on the size of the room. They’re discrete and easy to install.
Semi-Flush Lights
They usually hang 10-20cm from the ceiling and look great in a room with a ceiling between 2.5-3m. Their diameter can vary between 17-60cm and will work for small dining rooms and kitchens
Utility Lights
These are very simple ceiling-mounted lights that can be pretty bright and strong. They’ll fit perfectly in the garage or your workshop.
Recessed Lights
These lights blend perfectly in the ceiling and are not visible like the rest of the ceiling lights. Homeowners usually install them in a row, and their light is concentrated or can be spread out.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are hung from the ceiling and have only one bulb in one fixture. They can hang on a rod, chain or sometimes even a rope and provide ambient or task light. Their primary function is to bring the light closer to a surface like kitchen counters, dining tables, work surfaces etc. They can set the mood and be a great centre point of the room.
Pendants can be made from many different materials. Glass pendants, for example, can be clear and opal, simple or engraved. Very versatile and can flatter and compliment any room. Drum shaped pendants are usually made of some type of fabric, and globe-shaped ones are great for an even distribution of light. Cord and linear pendants are minimalist and work well in small apartments above the dining table. Finally, lantern pendants represent the vintage style lighting. They add character to the place and make a great first impression.
When you buy pendant lights, you’ll notice that they’re not very expensive, and there are many styles, materials and designs to choose from. The installation process is not complicated as well. You could easily do it at home with some basic knowledge and the proper tools.
Spotlights
Spotlights belong in the category of accent lighting. They can work as a single light or 2,3, or more lights fixed into one rod that connects them. Depending on the surface you want to accentuate, the size and number of spotlights may vary. You can turn them towards a nice piece of artwork you want to show off, or in the bedroom close to the closet or the mirror.
Spotlights are characteristic of modern and minimalist homes that have high ceilings. They are flexible with their style and placement and can make a big statement if appropriately positioned. For example, you can install them one by one or fix them together, in a long hallway to make it big and bright, above your kitchen countertop for a safer working environment, or even in a big walk-in closet.
When you install spotlights, be careful where you place them. Keep them away from swinging doors and measure the proper distance to not bump into them every time you open them. Place them in rooms with higher ceilings, and if you’re not sure how to install them on your own, consult with an experienced electrician.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps can often be a showstopper and a centrepiece of the room, depending on the positioning, material and style. They are practical and a great light source for every room. They can be easy décor and simple to set up without the help of an electrician. You can place it beside a chair, sofa or bed to provide good lighting for your reading sessions.
First, you need to set the proportions right. If the ceiling is low, don’t get a tall floor lamp. Their sizes vary, so choose a shorter one that will blend in the room. Second, choose the material carefully. Consider the shape and colour as well; make sure it matches the rest of the décor. Last, don’t forget you can combine two or more of the same or similar floor lamps in the same area. But don’t overcrowd the place because these lamps are not made to be the primary source of light.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are created to make a statement and be a great conversation starter among the guests. They can be used in kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms or patios. They have more than one lamp and sometimes a couple of tiers. Modern chandeliers are very distinctive and aesthetically pleasing. Contemporary ones are minimalist and can fit almost anywhere. Rustic chandeliers are representatives of naturalism and use wood and iron as their materials. There are also farmhouse chandeliers that are rustic and nostalgic.
This light source can have many different shapes, round, rectangular, enclosed, oval. It can be beaded, fluffy with multiple rods. And for its finishes, you can find brass, gold, bronze and chrome. Because chandeliers hang from the ceiling and are usually long, be careful where you place them. Take into consideration the height of the ceiling, how tall the family members are, the height of the furniture beneath it, and the natural lighting in the room.
In Summary
When choosing the lighting for your home, be careful; it can either make or break the whole décor. Take into consideration the purpose, style and size of the room. If you feel overwhelmed or can’t decide, consult with an expert, and they’ll guide you through the journey of creating a perfectly lighted home.