Screw in a couple of lightbulbs and your lighting is sorted, right? Wrong! Glare or shadows from incorrectly placed lighting can significantly affect the way you experience your home. You need your lighting to be perfect for everything you do– from your daily tasks to your downtime activities like TV viewing or reading. Plus, lighting has long-term effects on your mood and eyesight.
Not everyone needs or likes the same amount of light. Some of us like our homes bright and well-lit, while others prefer soft, ambient lighting. The best way to arrive at a compromise is to offer different types of lighting in a single space. This will allow you to either light up all of the space or focus on particular areas. There are three types of lighting you need: overhead lighting for maximum visibility, focused lighting for specific tasks and accent lighting for a touch of flair.
Overhead ceiling lights illuminate greater stretches of space, while floor lamps and table lamps allow you to shine light on specific areas, and can be switched on or off depending on how much light you need in a space.
Layering will also allow you to switch on only the lights you need at any given time, which means you’ll save on power and electricity bills.
An easy way to figure out what lights you need is to list the tasks that need illumination. Get bedside lights if you like to read in bed, or an adjustable table lamp for a study table. Place lights strategically next to a mirror, inside a closet or down a corridor. Group a few décor objects together next to a table lamp to create the perfect living room vignette. Spotlight works of art to showcase them better.
Now this is the fun bit. You need lights, so why not make it work with your décor, especially in visible areas like the living room, dining room or entryway. Pick the style of light based on your décor. Fancy something industrial? Try this. How about a chandelier? In fact, you can even use your choice of lighting to mix and match décor styles to create a bold statement. An ornate chandelier will add a touch of drama to a minimalist space. A simple beige or off-white table lamp will work in a space that is otherwise full of bold colour.
Nothing produces an ambience like candlelight. They’re romantic, atmospheric and perfect for stress-busting.
If you’re like us, you’ll have candles everywhere. Scented ones if possible, to please your other senses too. And there are many ways to play with candles – you can either dial up the drama, or bring on the calm. For grand, magical look to your room, get pillar or taper candles, preferably quite a few of them, and set them in majestic candle holders at a focal point in the room. For a more intimate, diffused look, scatter tealights or votives at strategic places all over the space.
Research has shown that natural light is better for your health (and your wallet) than artificial light. Sunlight is known to improve mental health and promote better sleep. If you’re fortunate enough to have plenty of natural light in your home, make the most of it. Try using two layers of curtains, with sheer drapes inside and heavier hangings outside. That way, you can adjust the light that enters your home. You can also opt for blinds for the same effect. During the day, don’t forget to switch off artificial lights indoors and let in as much natural light as you can.