Buying Guide: Lighting Your Home
Several different elements in your home work to create the mood and atmosphere that you have in mind. Of all the things that establish a certain aesthetic in your home, it almost goes without saying that lighting is going to be one of the most important things you will have to plan for. Each room has to be considered carefully, and you’ll also have to consider the different types of lightbulbs, different types of light, and different ways to bring that light into a space.
Simply put, in terms of lighting your home, there are a number of variables to keep in mind. To that end, we have come up with a few suggestions to help get you started.
Tips For Lighting Your Home
First things first, don’t get overwhelmed by all the factors that go into lighting your home, particularly if you don’t have a ton of experience in this arena. If you follow the tips in this article, and the help of the lighting showrooms at Improve Canada, you’ll have a clear idea about what you need to do to accomplish your lighting goals.
Decorative or practical lighting. This is one of the first things you need to think about. As the name implies, decorative lighting is more about the mood you want to create. Practical lighting, on the other hand, takes into account what you actually need your lights to do within a specific space on a daily basis. So, decorative or practical? That is the first question you will have to answer before you start shopping around. More often than not, you can find a compromise in the middle, if all else fails.
Lighting styles. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of different lighting styles out there. Chic lighting works with warm materials, as well as classic, casual designs. Urban lighting takes advantage of clean lines and crisp colouring. With luxe lighting, you will often find elegant, sophisticated shapes being used. You’ll have to find the right balance between what you like, and what is compatible with the space you are purchasing the lights for.
What about wall lights? With wall lights, you have an excellent means of adding ambient light and gorgeous accents to your space. Wall sconces are one possibility, but people are also quite fond of wall lamps and picture lights. Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste, and whether or not you feel wall lights can be a harmonious addition to a room.
Lamps. This is a much bigger category than people sometimes realize. Floor lamps are just the beginning, and there are also table lamps with bases to consider. A floor lamp can blend verticality into a space with great interest, while a good table lamp has the power and versatility to work with a wide range of spaces.
One room at a time. This is one of the most important tips on this list. Rather than trying to come up with a lighting solution for the entire house, you should focus on finding the best option possible for each given space. As you will soon find, each room and space in your home can differ wildly from one another, especially when it comes to something like lighting.
LEDs, CFLs, or Halogen. Your major light bulb options will essentially come down LED, CFL or halogen. LEDs are a little pricey, but the price continues to drop. They also offer lower energy usage when compared to CFL bulbs. Halogen bulbs are ideal for the simple fact that they utilize 25-30% less energy than your standard incandescent bulb.
Bring your old bulbs along. When you go shopping, make it a point to bring your old bulbs along for the ride. This can help narrow your focus; and if you need a little help while shopping, your old bulbs can be a good visual reference for the person helping you shop for new bulbs.
Proper lighting has a big influence on our perception of a space and our overall well-being. In order to be happy and comfortable in a room, the lights need to adhere to an individual’s tastes and desires. The above tips aren’t exhaustive by any means, but they should give you a solid foundation towards understanding everything you will need to enhance the lighting in your home. Remember, the best place to start any home renovation project is Improve Canada, your number one home improvement destination.
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