Choosing the appropriate lighting for various rooms in your home can be a complex task. There is a wide array of options to consider, including bright lights, dim lights, hanging lights, wall lights, chandelier lights, and LED lights. The extensive selection of lights available in stores can be overwhelming.
Selecting the perfect lighting requires careful thought and effort to ensure it suits both your preferences and the specific space. Several factors come into play, such as functional purpose, the right level of illumination, and stylistic elements that enhance the room's aesthetic.
It's important to avoid mismatching lighting choices, such as placing a simple, modern ceiling light in a room filled with antique furniture.
To help you navigate this process, we will guide you through the various lighting options and how to choose the appropriate lighting for each room in your home.
Let's begin because there is a lot to cover!
The three types of lighting are as follows:
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Ambient Lighting: This type of lighting serves as the primary source of light in a room. It can include overhead fixtures or recessed lighting. The amount of ambient lighting in a room is usually determined by a contractor who measures the lighting in "foot-candles," indicating the brightness of a light one foot away from its source. Brighter lighting or more foot-candles are typically needed in kitchens and bathrooms.
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Task Lighting: Task lighting is designed to provide focused light for specific activities, such as reading a book or applying makeup in front of a mirror. These lights illuminate a small area rather than the entire room. Task lights come in various forms, such as wall-mounted lights, desk lamps, or lights embedded in mirrors. Some task lights offer swivel or rotating capabilities, allowing you to adjust them to your desired angle and location.
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Accent Lighting: Accent lighting serves a decorative purpose in a room. Its main function is to draw attention to particular features or objects, such as paintings, fireplaces, or bookshelves. Accent lights can range from simple and elegant fixtures to more luxurious and eye-catching options like chandeliers, sconces, or lamps.
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In addition to the types of lighting, there are different lighting categories to consider:
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Sconces: Wall-mounted lights that can be hardwired into the wall or plugged in via a hanging cord. They are commonly used in pairs on either side of a mirror or fireplace. Alternatively, swing-arm sconces can be mounted individually as accent lights to highlight artwork or bookcases.
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Flush Mounts & Semi-Flush Mounts: These lighting fixtures are typically installed on the ceiling, providing general illumination while maintaining ample walking space. They do not hang significantly low, usually staying six to twelve inches away from the ceiling.
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Pendants: Pendant lights hang lower from the ceiling than mounting lights, using cords, chains, or wires. They serve as task lighting options and are commonly placed above dining room tables or kitchen islands. Pendant lights come in various sizes.
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Chandeliers: Chandeliers are large lighting fixtures that emit multiple light sources simultaneously. They are always suspended from the ceiling and can be both functional and decorative, depending on their placement in the house.
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Lamps: Floor lamps and table lamps are versatile options that can be used as task lights. They do not provide full room illumination, making them suitable for focused lighting needs. Lamps offer a wide range of choices, are easily movable, and often cost-effective.
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Each room in your home requires a different lighting scheme. Let's explore the lighting needs for common rooms:
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Entryway: Create a friendly and inviting atmosphere in your entryway by installing a chandelier in the middle of the ceiling, especially if you have tall ceilings. If the ceiling is lower, choose a lighting fixture that emits a warm tone.
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Living Room: The living room serves as a space for entertainment and relaxation. Consider a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces to provide both access to bright light when needed and options for softer ambient lighting. Dimmer switches are also beneficial for adjusting the light intensity based on the room's mood.
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Dining Room: The dining room requires sufficient lighting for comfortable conversation and dining. Consider placing a chandelier directly above the dining table. Alternatively, opt for a couple of pendant lights, ensuring they are not too low to avoid head collisions.
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Kitchen: Lighting the kitchen can be challenging due to different areas requiring varying lighting schemes. Bright lighting is essential for kitchen islands, while other areas might benefit from dimmer lighting. Pendant lights work well above wide sinks, open bars, or beautiful kitchen islands, both functionally and stylistically.
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Bedroom: Warm lighting is ideal for the bedroom, creating a cosy atmosphere. Center the room's lighting around task lighting, such as lamps placed near bedside tables, allowing you to read or watch television comfortably. Dimmer switches are useful for adjusting the brightness, offering flexibility for different activities.
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Bathroom: In the bathroom, adequate lighting is essential. Place sconces or bright LED lights above the mirrors to serve as key focal points. Mount them near face height to maximise their effectiveness.
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Now that you have learned about the types of lights, lighting options, and lighting needs for each room in your house, you are equipped to embark on your lighting endeavour's. The choice is yours, and with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions to create the desired atmosphere in every room.
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