What Type Of Lighting Is Best For Your Home?

There would not have been any bountiful landscapes and luscious greenery to appreciate if we did not have light. We would have been living on a dull planet thinking there wasn't anything scenic around us when in reality all we would need is some light to shine around and open our eyes. The same goes for our home; without good lighting, our home will be a dull place. A properly lit space can transform a dull site and completely change the mood of the place and people residing there. There are many different types of lighting and so if you are planning on buying one, you must know how they work. So let's explore the few basic kinds of lights and the purposes they serve.

1. General/Ambient Lighting

Just like the name suggests this kind of lighting is the most common type. It is intended to entirely light up a room with a consistent level of illumination solely without any other light source. This kind of lighting creates a soft glow that overlays the entire space without any harsh glare but enough to give you an overview of the space and its function with ease. In interior design, ambient light is used to mimic the ambiance of natural light in space while not highlighting specific features.

Ambient lighting can be used to create a relaxing environment after an exhausting day or to have a warm chat with your partner. Hence, ambient lighting is often referred to as mood lighting. It sets the mood of the room using adequate temperature and intensity to create a comfortable luminescence. Ambient lighting takes many forms including:

• Ceiling
• Chandeliers
• Pendants
• Tracks
• Torchieres
• Recessed
• Valance
• Wall sconces

2. Task Lighting

This is a concentrated light intended to cater to certain functions. Task lighting is often localized than other kinds of lighting and can come from various sources. The primary function of this light is to brighten a workspace by providing adequate contrasting light which enhances the productivity of the function. This kind of lighting comes in many sources like:

• Small lamps
• Table lamps
• Desk lamps
• Track lights
• Vanity light
• Under Cabinet
• Pendants

3. Accent Lighting

This kind of lighting is much more concentrated than the task light and works as a highlighter in a space. The main function of this light is to draw attention to particular elements of the room such as art pieces, plants, sculptures, frames, bookcases, textures, colors, etc. Accent light adds drama and flair to a mediocre space; creating focal points in the room. The following lights can be used for accent lights:

• Wall Lights
• Track Lights
• Recessed Lights
• Landscape Lights

In order to perfect the lighting plan in your home, you need to layer the three kinds of lighting starting from the ambient, then task, and finally adding the accent lights.

Every room in your house is designed to cater to various purposes and the kind of lighting you choose should complement the purpose. This includes everything from the kind, the intensity of the fixture, to the position, location, and the type of fixture. Here's a breakdown of how to equip each space of your house with efficient lighting:

4. Living Room

Since living rooms cater to many functions you need to set a cozy and inviting tone for this space by using the following light fixtures:

Ceiling lights: Starting with the most common accent light, ceiling lights are the most convenient source to lighten up a small living room. These lights come in various shapes and sizes and can be chosen according to the aesthetics of your house.

Ceiling lamps: If you have a slightly larger living room you may want to opt for a couple of ceiling lamps installed up. These lamps do not come in your way and are easily dimmable to set the right mood.

Standing lamps: These lamps are a great source of general light and also serve as task lights. Arc lamps are particularly trending; when placed by the couch it makes an excellent reading spot and also acts as cute decor.

Picture Lights: When mounted on walls around the artwork these lights exhibit your taste attracting the admirer to take a closer look at the masterpiece.

5. Kitchen

Almost all kitchens need several types of lighting to illuminate the space; after all, that's where all goods things are cooked.

Recessed Lights: For ambient lighting choose these cans to equally distribute the entire space.

Pendant Lights: They work more for task lights especially above the islands. These lights should be installed around thirty inches above the workspace to avoid disturbance.

Toe Kick Lights: These lights illuminate the pathway to guide you to the fridge in the late hours.

Under-Cabinet Lighting: These task lights provide ample light for the counter-top while you chop away your onions or read recipes from the cookbooks.

6. Dining Room

This room should look the most inviting and exude great comfort. All the chit chats and socializing mostly happens here hence you need good sets of mood lights in this space

Chandelier: Make a striking statement with the chandelier of your choice, it is a great way to experiment with decorative pieces while adding function to the space.

Pendant Lights: Another simple way to add lighting to the eating space is by hanging pendants directly above the table. One should be enough if it is a circular table while a couple in a row for long rectangular tables.

Wall Mounted Light: Also called scones, these are an efficient source of light for low ceilings. Since the lighting is more localized it can also work as an accent light.

7. Bedrooms

Bedrooms are mostly for lights out time but it needs most attention since it's your serene haven after a tiresome day.

Table lamps: These lights are essential and have been a staple in bedrooms for years. You may read under these lights or talk to your partner before hitting the sack.

Floor Lamps: These lamps, especially the large ones are particularly trending. They are available in endless sizes and shapes and can be next to your reading spot or used as a night light.

Recessed lights: Like any other room, bedrooms need general lighting to carry out daily activities. Locate these lights equally for uniformly dispersed lighting.

Pendant Lights/ Chandeliers: Install dimmable lights in your room to add the perfect ornate touch of luminescence in your room.

Conclusion

Your lighting choices should reflect the function of each room of the house. Outfitting these rooms with adequate lighting fixtures enhances your house interiors tenfold and also displays your taste distinctly. Hopefully, this guide helped you to set off on a journey to a well-lit house.