HOW DO I LIGHT MY HOME?
Lighting is the jewelry that makes your house sparkle.
As the days get shorter, we spend more hours in our home without the benefit of natural daylight. It is at this time of the year we realize the importance of good lighting.
Many homes are frequently too dark.
Lighting falls in three categories.
- General Lighting
If your home is fairly new, you probably have good general lighting. In older homes, you may want to consult with an electrician on ways to update your general lighting..
2. Task Lighting
It is important to have sufficient lighting for reading and other tasks.
For example, consider lighting installed under counters in the kitchen. Buy lamps that provide sufficient wattage for your individual activities. Make sure that a task lamp is the right height. If it is too tall the bulb will be visible and will produce glare.
If you are in the building process, recessed lights are the best way to provide extra light. Track lighting is easily added during a remodeling project, but can add glare and heat if it is not carefully planned.
3. Mood Lighting
This is the most under used method of creating design and drama in a home. Once you have accomplished the first two functional goals of lighting, creative lighting can really make a big difference in the look of any space.
Here are a few ideas.
Use picture lights to turn even ordinary pictures into a focal point. Tuck uplights behind vases, plants, or figurines to create shadows on the walls and ceiling.
Putting a spotlight on anything gives it a sense of importance.
Landscape lighting outside a window will make a room appear larger and take away the “black hole” of an uncovered window. A lamp in front of a foyer window is a welcoming sight.
Use small lamps on bookshelves and tables to light dark corners.
Lamps should be updated and/or replaced often. Keep them clean and free of cobwebs. Replace worn and dirty shades. Not only are they a fire hazard, they make a room look worn and dirty.
A fun lamp can give a room a sense of humor. Timers, motion detectors, or photosensitive devices can reduce the chore of turning on and off your accent lighting. And do consider green design. There are many bulbs out that reduce energy consumption.
With the right lighting, your home becomes a beautiful and inviting place to live and visit.
