How to Choose The Right Lighting for Your Space
Aug 24th 2021
Lighting is probably one of the most important steps of the interior design process.
Think about it. Without adequate lighting, no one would be able to see the beautiful new sliding barn doors you just installed in your den or the wallpaper you mulled over for hours before settling on. And while lighting serves the ever-important function of allowing your guests to see all of the work you put into redecorating your space, it plays an even more crucial role, too: it enables you to see and move around in your space!
Because proper lighting is so important, we're going to give you a few tips for choosing the right lighting for your space. Read on to find out more!
Before We Dive In...
Before we get to the design tips, you should know about the different types of lighting you have to choose from:
1.Ambient Lighting: Ambient lighting is the primary source of lighting for a room. Think overhead fixtures, like chandeliers.
2.Task Lighting: Task lighting is light used to perform a specific task, like a desk lamp for reading or a light-up vanity mirror.
3.Accent Lighting: As its name implies, accent lighting is used to accent a specific part of a house, like a painting or bookshelf. Wall sconces are common examples of this.
How to Choose the Right Lighting
Find Your StyleIf you've ever wandered up and down the aisles of your local home improvement store, you know there's a wide world of lighting fixtures out there. From recessed lighting to lamps to chandeliers, there are options to suit everyone's taste and style. Avoid overwhelming yourself as you shop around by narrowing down a few styles you like or looking at light fixtures that match the look you're going for.
Consider the RoomBefore you purchase lighting for your space, it's a good idea to map out the room to determine how it will be used; consider the places where you'll need light to read or where you'll want an accent like a lit sconce, for example.
You should also bear in mind that the lighting you choose should say something about the room it's in. If you were lighting an entryway, for example, you'd want the space to be warm and inviting, but if you were looking for fixtures for your dining room, you'd probably want something a bit brighter — you wouldn't necessarily want super-bright LED lights or anything, but you would definitely need to illuminate the space enough for anyone sitting around the table to see each other and their food.
Size Up the SpaceFinally, when you're searching for lighting fixtures for your space, think about how big the room is and plan accordingly. Think practically here; for instance, you'll probably need something more than a single floor lamp to adequately light a large living room, and you probably don't need a massive chandelier in your tiny half bath.
Now that you have a few lighting design tips and examples to work with, it's time to light up your space!