Rarely anything can make or break a room as lighting can. It has the power to change the ambience and mood, and it can help give more definition to different living spaces, particularly if you have an open-concept layout.
If your home is beautifully decorated and with an appropriate colour palette and textures, but you still feel something lacking, consider the lighting. Different tones of light coming from various sources and positions, under different angles and heights can completely change a room and make an enormous difference.
Here are 9 tips to help you improve lighting in your home.
Lamps are a Must
Ceiling lighting is practical and necessary so you can see well at night, but it’s usually not enough to create a warm and homey feel. When you have light coming from various sources, it will create a sense of warmth, particularly if the light tone is warm yellow distinguishing it from colder white tones of ceiling lights. This is where lamps come in – they make an ideal addition that contributes to the aesthetics of your space. They are easily set up in any room, come in various shapes and sizes, and you’ll always be able to find something that matches your style and taste.
Choose a Lighting Focal Point
When combining light sources, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Your light fixtures should vary in both style and size. If you keep them uniform, the eye will keep searching for visual clarity but won’t linger on anything specific. In a larger space such as a dining room, use a chandelier as a focal point. In a smaller space, pick a distinctive or oversized floor lamp that can sit in a corner, or you can go for vintage sconces flanking a large mirror or your wall art piece.
Layer Lighting
Different light sources will help you layer lighting in your space, but you still need to think about balance. To achieve it, you should have at least three sources of light in every space. In small rooms, use smaller fixtures with smaller bulb wattage. However, don’t neglect the accent layer, as this is the trick that helps highlight the design details you intentionally introduced to the room.
While at it, replace your older light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, and install dimmer switches to help you control light levels and set the mood in each room. Light fixtures with three-way bulbs are a great solution. Also, update old ceiling fans to get a more modern look.
Use lighter, transparent curtains
When you’re trying to improve lighting in your home, you can’t ignore your windows and French doors. Get rid of the annoying and boring blinds, and opt for light, bright and transparent curtains, particularly in the common areas such as the kitchen, the living room, and the lounge. These will do a lovely job of dressing up your windows but still allow a ton of light to penetrate.
However, you still need to think about keeping the bugs out, so the best choice is to go with retractable fly screens which are very easy to use, durable and perfect for providing both insect and UV protection, while not blocking any light.
Use Lighting in Unexpected Ways
Lighting is versatile so you don’t just have to stick to overhead fixtures and portable lamps. In addition to functional task lighting, use pops of light to bring in some unexpected glow and a unique feel. Think outside the box and hang a pendant bedside your reading nook or highlight a bookshelf with mini strip lights. You could also use a tiny spotlight to illuminate various objects such as a plant – angle it at about a 45-degree and point it toward the foliage. It will create a wonderful play of light and shadows.
Choose the right tone
It is important to say that not all lights are suitable for all areas of one house. The tone or colour of the light can vary so it needs to be placed in an adequate space. For instance, white light tones work best on the ceiling, and in functional areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry. For other spaces, such as the living room, bedrooms, study and lounge, warm, yellow lights are recommended. However, layering colder lights with warmer tones is always welcomed.
Use Mirrors
Reflective surfaces like mirrors always make a space look brighter and bigger, so combining light with shiny metals and mirrors can intensify the light and give the space extra sparkle. Putting your lights next to mirrors can do the trick, but you can also try to find lamps made of shiny materials that create the shimmering effect.
Lights play a vital role in the ambience of a home and if you’re looking to design a warm and welcoming feel, use light as a design tool. All you need is some strategic planning and these useful tips. Some changes will only require some hefty DIY, while others may demand more planning, but, in the end, you will surely be able to create that homey vibe and a space that is stylish and comfortable.
