Lighting is something that we often take for granted. Most of us are familiar with the basics of light and its effects on our perception, yet few people know just how much lighting can affect the feel of a space.
Lighting sets moods, affects visibility in dark spaces, and even influences your physical health – all without you realizing it!
This article will be covering everything from how to make sure your home has enough light (and not too much!) to what types of lights work best for different rooms.
The Amount of Light
One of the most important things to consider when designing your home is the amount of natural light it receives.
If your home lacks windows, or if they are positioned in a way that doesn’t provide enough natural light, you will need to compensate with artificial lighting.
The type of artificial lighting you choose is very important – fluorescent and LED lighting produces a bright and airy atmosphere, while incandescent bulbs cast a warm, inviting glow.
If you have multi-purpose rooms in your home, you may need to install several different types of light fixtures to create the perfect environment for each activity.
In general, it’s best to stick with soft, natural-looking light sources for your home. They tend to be more relaxing and create a more calming atmosphere.
That being said, there are some rooms where bright light is essential – the kitchen, for example, or the home office. In these cases, you should use bright light sources that don’t create too much glare.
Living Room
In the living room, you want to focus on creating a relaxing and comfortable space. This means avoiding bright, harsh lights and opting for something more subdued.
A floor lamp with an incandescent bulb is perfect for providing a gentle glow, while a table lamp with a fluorescent bulb can be used to brighten up the space.
If you have a reading nook in your living room, consider using a floor lamp with a directional light – this will help you see better when you’re reading.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s often where family members gather to cook and eat together. This means that the kitchen needs to be well-lit so that everyone can see what they’re doing.
A good option for the kitchen is a combination of overhead and under-cabinet lights. Overhead lights should have a fluorescent bulb to provide plenty of light, while under-cabinet lights can use either incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
LED lights in the kitchen are a great option because they produce very little heat, so they’re perfect for use near the stovetop.
Bathroom
The bathroom can be a tricky room to light because it’s often used for both grooming and hygiene tasks, as well as general activities like reading or bathing children.
In most cases, it’s best to use a combination of overhead and task lighting. An overhead light fixture with a fluorescent bulb is perfect for general tasks, while a task light with an incandescent bulb can be used for activities that require more focused light, like shaving or applying makeup.
Vanity light with an incandescent bulb is perfect for providing bright light while you’re getting ready in the morning. Just make sure to avoid using fluorescent bulbs, as they can cause a harsh glare when you’re looking in the mirror.
Home Office
The home office can be a difficult space to light because you need both task and ambient lighting. Task lighting is essential for tasks like reading or writing, while ambient lighting helps to create a relaxing atmosphere.
A good solution for this is to use floor lamps with fluorescent or LED bulbs for task lighting and table lamps with incandescent bulbs for ambient lighting.
If you have a large home office, you may also want to consider using a ceiling light fixture with a fluorescent bulb. This will provide plenty of light while also providing some ambient light.
Bedroom
A bedroom is a place for relaxation, so you want to avoid using bright light sources. A bedside lamp with an incandescent bulb is ideal for providing soft, calming light.
If you have a large bedroom, you may also want to consider using a ceiling light fixture with a fluorescent bulb – this will provide enough light to see what you’re doing without being too bright.
On the other hand, if you have a small bedroom, you may want to use a wall sconce instead of a floor lamp. This will help to save space and avoid clutter.
The right lighting can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. By using the right light sources in the right places, you can create a beautiful and inviting space that’s perfect for relaxing and spending time with family and friends.