p>Installing the proper lighting in each room in your home is an important part of any remodel. While some existing lighting fixtures may be adequate enough, each room can benefit from a different type or amount of lighting. Lights that are well-positioned and the right type for the setting can change the entire aesthetic and functionality of your home. Here are some tips for how to light each room of your home.
Kitchen– The kitchen is one of the rooms that requires the most precise lighting. Practical lighting is best (such as spotlights or ceiling lights), since it will produce the right amount of light upon the work surfaces like the stove top and counters. Additional task lighting near areas where you will be preparing food is helpful as well. One basic light in the middle of the kitchen most likely won”t be enough for all of the work you”ll be doing in there- you”ll need a good mix of lighting for this. Installing lighting over the cabinets will make them look higher by expanding the space above them. Most kitchens use incandescent (a hint of yellow) and fluorescent lighting (whiter) for the general lighting needs.
Bathroom– This type of lighting depends on how you use your bathroom and how large the space is. The light must be bright enough for grooming (shaving, applying make-up and styling your hair), but shouldn”t be too harsh or cold to conflict with the relaxing atmosphere. Task lighting will provide enough for all of your grooming needs. Usually a bathroom mirror or cabinet fixture with ample lighting works well for this. Spotlights will light up the rest of the space, which comes in handy when using the shower and toilet. If your bathroom has a nice window with ample sunlight, you may not need to install as many lights. If you are without a window or it doesn”t get enough sunlight, add ambient lighting, which fills in as a substitute for natural light.
Living room- A dimmer is a great option for the living room, since you can control the amount and level of lighting. For example, if you”re watching a movie, you may want the lights to be dim, but if you “re reading a book, you”d need more adequate light to see what you”re reading. The proper amount of light also helps reduce eye strain that is often caused from light that isn”t strong enough. You can also put table lamps and floor lamps near the end tables and seating to add extra light for any activities your family will be doing. This way, each person can adjust the lighting to fit their specific needs at the time. If you have a special painting, sculpture or space you would like to highlight, add accent lighting to give it extra attention.
Bedroom– Each bedroom can feature a different amount and source of lighting depending on the person, but overall small lamps at the bedside are necessary for reading and other activities. Bedroom lighting should be gentle and ambient, not too harsh or bright. A light in the center of the room usually provides enough light for anything non-task related. Installing lighting in your closet (such as lighted closet rods) will make picking out your clothes much easier. Windows can provide lots of natural light, so position your bed and other furniture in relation to that.
Entrance– Since the entrance to your home is ultimately the first thing guests will see, you want the lighting to be warm and inviting. Choose soft, diffused lighting like a chandelier or wall lights. Choose a detailed or more expensive piece for this area of the home since it will be seen the most often. Placing lights on the outside of your home/front door area is another way to make your home appear more inviting as well.