Lighting is a tricky part of home decorating that is often overlooked and under appreciated. But the truth is that lighting deserves to be in the… well… spotlight. Check out these tips to make your home the light of your life!
Don’t Save Lighting For Last
When it comes to decorating a home, most people make the mistake of waiting to worry about the lighting until everything else is in place. Worse yet, most people just plug in any old lamps they have lying around. Or, God forbid, they just use the built-in overhead lighting. You can’t tell, but I literally shuddered while writing that. If you’re planning on redecorating any space in your home then make sure to consider the lighting as early as possible in the process. Wondering what aspects you actually need to consider? Here are some tips for helping you pick the perfect lighting for your home.
How Will You Be Using The Space?
Lighting takes on very different roles depending on the type of space being decorated. Kitchens and bathrooms require bright, even lighting so that you can see what you’re doing. Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms can enjoy a bit more dramatic lighting. These spaces also benefit from having variable lighting so that you can set the right mood. This is especially important in the living room where activities can range from watching a movie to entertaining guests.
Vary The Sources
A room will never look good if it’s only illuminated by one type of light from one type of source. There’s a reason that fluorescent overhead lights at your office are depressing. They’re flat, boring, and they don’t add any visual interest to the space. Try varying up your light sources by using a mixture of ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and highlight lamps. Floor lamps help light up a room without the source of the lighting feeling harsh. Table lamps are great for lighting up smaller, more specific areas. Put your ceiling lights on a dimmer so that you have great control over their range. And try installing highlight lamps to target specific items like a painting, a unique architectural detail, or your prized houseplant. This mix of sources will add real drama and dimension to your space.
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- The Paladin Floor Lamp offers a varied amount of lighting, which is perfect for creating the right mood
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- The Mason Pendant Lamp can, and should, replace any built-in overhead lights you might have
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- The Jayne Lamp is perfect for highlighting a specific feature in your space
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- The Esker Agate Table Lamp is perfect for an end table, nightstand, or desk
Lighting Temperature Is Crucial
Did you know that light bulbs have different temperatures that can have a massive influence over the color of the light? It’s true and it has a more significant impact on interior design than you might think. Light temperature is measured in Kelvin and ranges from red to blue. Lights on the red end of the spectrum are better for living rooms, bedrooms, and other relaxing spaces. Blue or “daylight” bulbs will work best for rooms like a kitchen or bathroom where bright, clear lighting is preferable. A standard light bulb is 2400 Kelvin, a “soft white” CFL bulb is 2700 Kelvin, and “daylight” bulbs are 5000 Kelvin. Modern light bulbs will have the temperature listed on the box.
Throw Some Shade
Just like color temperature of a light bulb, the color and quality of a lamp shade will have a big impact on the lighting of a space. If you’re aiming for a brighter, more inviting space then consider white, linen or cotton shades. These won’t block nearly as much light and will offer a clean, bright look. You can also go the other route and use a darker color of shade to create a more subdued, romantic look. Shades can significantly cut down on the output of a light bulb, so make sure to get a brighter wattage of bulb if you have a darker, thicker shade. If you have a thin shade then it’s wise to use a dimmer light bulb.
The gray shade on this Grenadier Round Table Lamp creates a more romantic mood
The white shade of this Grenadier Table Lamp creates a bright, clean look
Dial It Back
Another major mistake that people make is that they over-light their space. They introduce so much light that any sense of curation disappears in the overwhelming brightness. Often less is more when it comes to lighting. Allow each lamp and light source to feel individual and independent. This will make your lamps feel like unique pieces of decor in your space and not just necessary utilities. Less light can also help you sculpt and mold your rooms so that you achieve a specific look.
If you consider even one of these aspects before lighting your home then you’re already way ahead of the game. Once you start paying attention to lamps, brightness, and color temperatures then you’ll start to grasp the significance of lighting in your home. In other words, you’ll see the light.
Ready to make your home the light of your life? Then check out Apt2B’s collection of brand new lamps!
