Lighting is incredibly important when it comes to illuminating your home or new addition. Planning out a lighting solution for your home will have you reaping the benefits every day, and a well-lit home can help boost productivity and mood. Keep in mind that each home allows natural light in a different way. If your home has large windows or skylights, the light will naturally pour into the room. However, in homes with limited natural light sources, your placement and pairing of electric lights must be more strategic. Here are a few ways you can begin lighting up your home!

Find the right lighting for your home

Interior lighting comes in many styles and brightness levels. Choosing the right lighting for different rooms is crucial. For example, you wouldn’t want dim lighting in your kitchen. Kitchens should be brightly, but not glaringly lit. You’ll need plenty of light to cook, eat, and host—especially if your dining room is linked to your kitchen.

Bedroom lighting

Your bedroom is your personal space, so get creative with lighting that personalizes it and makes it your own. Keep the light warm and the room well lit by using sconces, recessed lighting, and lamps. If you often read or work from your bedroom, consider getting a reading lamp for your nightstand or a lamp that attaches over the bed for easy light access and easy reading or work.

Lighting up the living room

Living rooms are the ultimate spot to watch television, take naps, relax, and hang out. Keep the lighting in your living room comfortable and not overly bright. Floor lamps are great for living rooms because they are effortless to move and can light a room by themselves or in addition to overhead lights—making it easy to control the light levels of your space. Remember to keep glare in mind when it comes to positioning your lights. Too much light or wrongly-placed lighting can create glare on your screens—definitely something to avoid!

Consider accent lighting

Accent lighting often adds a creative or interesting flair to your space. Its versatility can highlight almost anything you’d like it to. If you have an art piece you’d like to bring attention to, use some accent lighting above or below the piece to draw the eye towards your great style! Accent lights can also be used as art pieces themselves. Try a colored statement light or a light in a fun art deco or vintage style.

Don’t forget the hallway and stairway lighting

A well-lit hallway is not only inviting but also crucial for visibility and for avoiding late-night accidents or tripping. Have a light switch that is easy to access if you need to get down steps at night or consider installing motion-sensor lights. Large staircases provide endless lighting opportunities including using chandeliers and sconces for both functionality and decor.

Lighting up your outdoors

Outdoor lighting is often overlooked, but it adds some serious benefits including curb appeal. It also can deter crime and allow for easy visibility so you can see where you’re walking at night. Outside lights can also be aesthetically pleasing. Illuminate your walkway for some nighttime ambiance or place lights in and around your landscape to provide interest and even more visibility.

These tips should get you started on what type of lighting to use in which room. Use your own personal style and remember to lighten up the darker rooms and hallways in your home. If you want help with your next lighting project or have any questions, reach out to us at gpharrisconstruction.com.