Indoor lighting is usually something that most people take for granted, but it is actually one of the most important elements of design in your home. When used properly, it can accent a room or hide the flaws of a home’s interior. Whether you want to update the look of a room or add some brightness to a dark interior, adding new interior lighting can help. There are some things to learn about choosing interior lighting, however, that you might want to consider before you start.
Think about how the room is generally used. The main purpose of the room can often help you to determine the type of lighting that would work best for the space. As an example, since you prepare food in the kitchen you need brighter lighting and may wish to consider adding track lighting or perhaps pendant lighting over an island. If the lighting is for use in the bedroom, however, it should be softer and warmer. A single lamp placed on a bedside table is often enough additional lighting to make the difference.
Determine what type of lighting you actually need in the room. If you do a lot of reading in a particular room, you want a type of lighting that forces the light downward to allow you to see well. If you want to illuminate a less used area such as a hallway, a few strategically placed sconce lights on the wall, should do the trick.
Use repetition to balance the space in a room. Lighting that coordinates with the décor of a room can help pull the look of the room together. If you have a rectangular shaped coffee table, end tables and pillows, consider adding a rectangular-shaped light fixture overhead to make the room look more unified.
Add a touch of whimsy. Interior lighting doesn’t have to be boring. Use colored lighting to illuminate shelves or other unusual areas where you wouldn’t normally expect there to be a light. As an example, HGTV suggests using a colored light with a blue hue above kitchen cabinets and over the top of a back-splash.
Mix and match styles. If you like something you should use it. Just because a room is decorated in a classic style doesn’t mean you can’t add interior lighting that is contemporary or has a retro feel to it.
Install a dimmer for overhead and wall lighting fixtures. This allows you to control the amount of light in a room. Go from bright and practical to soft and warm with just a turn of a light switch.
Try a burst of color. One of the simplest and cheapest ways to update the look of a room is to change out the lampshades on your lamps. If you have been using neutral colors for your lampshades, let them standout with a burst of color. Coordinate the look by choosing a bright color from a matching pillow, painting on the wall, or select a color from an area rug.
Let your interior lighting be the highlight of the room. Use chandeliers and other types of lighting with an unusual shape or look to them. Instead of using interior lighting as a backdrop for the rest of your furnishing, use them as the centerpiece.
– Kevin Vogel writes for several design magazines. To find out more about special home design go to http://www.exclusiv-home.de/#markise.
