HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LIGHTING FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE

Paying attention to decor design is only half the battle. Without proper lighting, your efforts will be a waste. Lighting is just as important as any other aspect of interior design. Good lighting doesn't just illuminate your space; it can make a room cozier and more welcoming. 

Good lighting can also emphasize a specific decor feature and make it eye-catching. A stunning artwork, for instance, would be more noticeable if wall lights were strategically placed above.

To choose the best lighting for every room in your house, you have to understand that different types of lights serve differing functions. In this guide, we'll take you through choosing the best lights for each room in your home. 

THINGS TO PUT INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN LIGHTING YOUR HOME

When choosing the best lighting your home, put the following things into consideration: 

• Size and Space 

Consider the size and space of your room before choosing a lighting fixture. Take note of the room's measurements and the decorative or architectural features you want to highlight. If the room is too big and feels empty, you can use cluster lighting to make the space smaller and cozier. 

• Understand the Different Types of Lighting 

Each type of lighting serves its purpose. To use the most effective lighting design for your home, you must know the difference between Ambient lighting, Task lighting and Accent lighting and how best to utilise each of them for your space. 

• Consider the Requirements of Each Room

The different rooms in your house should have different lighting fixtures best suited to their uses. For instance, if you want to light your office space in your home, you might not need to invest so much in ambient lighting. A blend of accent and task lighting will be just right for your office space. 

CHOOSING THE BEST LIGHTING FOR EACH ROOM

After taking the features of each room into consideration, the next step is to choose the lighting. In the following paragraphs, we'll take you through a detailed process of choosing the best lighting for your kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom and entryway. 

• KITCHEN LIGHTING 

The kitchen is more than just a room for making meals. The kitchen is the centre point of the home where the family bond. To light your kitchen, you'll need plenty of ambient lighting supplemented by task lighting. 

You can place a visual emphasis on your kitchen island using a pendant light. You can also illuminate the tops of your kitchen counters by fixing cabinet lights under your kitchen cabinet. 

Dimmers attached to your kitchen light fixtures can help dim the lights to create a romantic atmosphere. Most importantly, ensure you purchase energy-efficient light bulbs like LEDs for durability. 

• BEDROOM LIGHTING

When lighting your bedroom, think 'comfort'. Your bedroom is your haven of rest after a busy day, so the lighting should be soft and welcoming. The bedroom is a critical area to pay attention to; you have to consider the size and scale of the room before deciding on the lighting design.  

Your bedroom lighting should be a combination of ambient and task lighting. But you should avoid installing the ambient lights directly above the bed. 

Attaching dimmers to your bedroom light allows you to control the brightness of the light in your room. You can brighten or dim the lights depending on your mood. 

Also, depending on the size of your room, you can decide to forego the ambient lighting and only use accent and task lighting in your bedroom. Other tips for bedroom lighting are: 

• Make use of flexible reading lamps for your reading table. 
• Use light bulbs of lower wattage. 
• Fluorescent lights are ideal for your closet. 
• Place fluorescent lights above your closet door frames.
• Use downlights for your walls. 

• LIVING ROOM LIGHTING

Families spend time together in the living room, so the lighting scheme must be flawless. Ambient lighting is a necessary lighting fixture for the living room. We also recommend wall lights that can help highlight artwork, sculptures, and architectural details. Here are some steps to follow in lighting your living room: 

• If your living room has shelves or cabinets, fix lights under them for aesthetic appeal. 
• Attach dimmers to your light control to increase or reduce the brightness. 
• Invest in downlights, portable and accent lights to make your living room more intimate. 

• BATHROOM LIGHTING

Bathrooms require a mix of ambient and task lighting. Even though the bathroom is a utility room, it should still be aesthetically pleasing and well-illuminated at the same time. You can follow these pointers in lighting your bathroom; 

• Place wall lights above the mirrors and sinks.
• Use pendant light to illuminate the entire room. 
• The colour of the light should be neutral and calm. 
• Place dimmable lighting above your bathtub. 
• Affix dimmers to your light control to set the mood. 

• ENTRYWAY LIGHTING 

The entryway to your home should be well-lit to ensure safe passage from the entry of your home to other areas of the house. Ceiling fixtures are perfect as they give a warm feel and can make your home's entryway inviting. Follow these tips for lighting your entryway: 

• Use a pendant light to make your entrance welcoming. 
• Avoid downlights, as they can create shadows.
• Use wall lights on artwork. 
• Light switches must be easily accessible. 
• Use LEDs as they're energy-conserving and durable.  

CONCLUSION 

Any interior designer will tell you that lighting is an essential aspect of interior design, not the afterthought many think it is. Good lighting can lift your spirits and make you more productive. By following the listed guidelines, you'll hit the goal of lighting your home to provide visual comfort.