LIGHTING TIPS for YOUR HOME
The key to successful lighting is LAYERING. Mix and match types to give every room in your home a good feel. The types you can use are: General - (all over light), Accent - (spotlights), Decorative - (interesting by itself), Task - (perform a function like reading or working on the computer).
Lighting is the cheapest way to decorate and each type of room requires a different approach based on its function.
dining room - Give this room the brightest light so people can see their food. Halogen light makes food look better. A central decorative chandelier can be the theme for the room setting. Size hanging lights to your table size and make sure they are placed 6 feet from the floor. Diffuse light so there are no harsh shadows.
living room - Combine general light with task lighting. Spotlight special possessions with lighted cases. Position floor lamps where it’s hard to add lighting and to add interest. Place table lamps lower to invite seating. Establish lighting areas for conversation. Add ambient lighting around your tv to reduce eye strain.
kitchen - Light a kitchen for safety. Use mostly flourescents so the room does not heat up. Bounce light with recessed lighting. Hang Pendants over islands and sinks for interest. Eliminate shadows by hanging lights from more than one direction.
bedroom - Soft and relaxing are the key words here. Tungsten golden light is traditional. White halogen light is used for crisper and whiter effects. Mount task lighting near the bed for reading or place it on cabinets as table lamps.
bath - The general rule here is bright enough to see for tasks like shaving and make up, yet soft enough to enter at 6 am in the morning. Balance the bright light over the sink and mirrors with soft light overhead. Use PLC lights in wet areas. Aim light at the edge of the tub to reduce glare.
outdoor - Safety and security are the first concerns. Light your walkways and steps for nightime safety. Deter unwanted persons and animals by putting sensor flood lights at strategic points around your home. Use spotlights as accents for landscaping features such as trees for beauty and drama. Create outdoor rooms (patios) where your guests can enjoy when the sun goes down. Use LED bulbs because they are eco-friendly, throw as much light as incandescents, last longer and are cheaper to use. Solar powered lights are another alternative if your home is in a sunny area.