Perhaps you have just moved to a new home or are about to undertake a remodel. Either way, you are probably excited about choosing wall colors, flooring, window treatments, and furniture. The last thing on your mind might be lighting. Many people consider this last as something that sheds light in the room rather than adding aesthetic beauty and value to your living space.
You may not realize that considering your options early in your interior design process can bring your whole room together in ways you never imagined. Lighting ideas go well beyond walking into a store and taking a lamp off a shelf. There is a lot to consider, and they vary based on the room.
Our lighting guide will cover elements for illuminating each room in your home for maximum effect. Make sure to click the link in each section for a more in-depth look at illuminating these rooms.
Types of Lighting
Lighting has a purpose. When we say types of lighting, we are not just talking about table lamps and chandeliers. You will often have more than one of the following three types of lighting in a room:
- Ambient Lighting: the majority of your room will consist of this general lighting, including ceiling lights (recessed or track lighting) or wall-mounted fixtures. Ceiling fan lights are another option. Remember that ambient light mimics natural daylight.
- Accent Lighting: these lights focus on a particular point in the room, such as wall art. Accent lights often have dimmers to enhance the mood in the room. Downlights, uplights, and spotlights are some of the options to consider for accent lighting. Table lamps can create a pool of light on an accent table.
- Task Lighting: these lights help you with a specific function, such as floor reading lamps, pendant lighting over a kitchen island, desk lamps, or bedside reading lamps on a nightstand.
Many rooms incorporate all three types, depending on their size and purpose.
Living Room Ideas
Living room lights depend on various factors, including the size and use of the room, the layout, and the design of the space. A living room can be a formal place for entertaining or the one area in your home where everyone gathers for watching television and playing games. It can be a cozy space for conversation or a vast room that requires many elements.
Bedroom Lighting
There is a certain simplicity when looking at bedroom lighting ideas – you want some form of light overhead, and then either table lamps on a nightstand or dresser or a corner led floor lamp. Having a combination of bedroom lights does more than illuminate your room – it creates a relaxing ambiance that will help you enjoy your personal space and rest easy at night.
Dining Room Ideas
No other room in the home offers as easy a decision about lighting as the dining room. The primary light source here will be your chandelier. Of course, that is not always an easy decision, as you will want to select one that will enhance your dining furniture.
Oversized light fixtures are ideal for large dining tables. A small chandelier will get lost in this space. For more information on picking the right chandelier for your dining room, click here.
Kitchen Lighting Ideas
One of the most important rooms to consider when discussing design elements is the kitchen. Your kitchen will typically feature several light sources, including overhead and support fixtures.
Because the kitchen is the heart of the home, it is crucial to create the proper ambiance in this room. It is also essential to remember that task-oriented lighting will help with food preparation. Check out more information about selecting the appropriate kitchen lighting here.
Bathroom Lights
Bathroom lighting can either start your day off on a good foot or make you feel terrible if it is unflattering. Lights that point down from above may cast shadows. Light fixtures placed on either side of the mirror provide more balance. You will want to go with 70 to 80 lumens per square foot as you do need bright light in this room. Of course, a dimmer switch makes it possible to adjust the light to suit different needs.
Remember to visit our HK Collections page for some of the latest design trends. You may find the very piece that will complete your room.
Call HK Interiors today at 954-401-8542 for more information about the many services we offer to beautify your home.