There are different choices of lighting that can be used for both the interior and exterior of your home. In this topic, I will discuss some of the best choices that are used inside the home.
1) Track Lighting: Track lighting is one of the best lighting alternatives out there; it is a good solution for areas that are hard to illuminate or add lighting to. The system comes with individual lamps or lighting heads that fit into tracks which can be secured to the ceiling. Track lights can be installed to suit your space; and with different choices and colors to choose from, you would end up with a custom configuration that is tailored to your needs. Once you put the tracks in place you can reposition the lamps to vary the lighting effect. The power comes from an existing ceiling junction box which allows for an easier installation compared to adding multiple recessed lights that may require remodeling. There are different choices in shapes and lamp sizes; they can be good for modern contemporary and transitional designs.
2) Wall Sconces: Wall sconces are also accessory lighting, it can be used on walls in rooms that are not getting enough light. It can also be considered as mood lighting and can be used to light small narrow hallways and bathrooms.
3) Pendants/Drop Lights: Dropped or pendant lights are good choices for the kitchen. They come in different finishes and styles. The most popular ones are those made with glass shades that come in different shapes and colors. They can add function and elegance to an otherwise busy area. Adding three pendant lights above the bar or peninsula can add brightness and elegance that can reflect beautifully on granite counters, showcasing the beauty of the design. They are very functional allowing people to see clearly what they are doing.
4) Chandeliers: A chandelier is commonly used in dining rooms. It becomes the focal point taking center stage, enhancing the beauty of your fine furnishings. Use a dimmer to control the brightness of the glow. When the light is dimmed, a soft, glowing atmosphere similar to candlelight is created, giving intimacy and fine dining experience. Chandeliers can also be added to a formal living room adding grandness and beauty to the room.
5) Table Lamps: Used for mood lighting, the table lamps are best used in bedrooms and in the corner of the living or family room.
6) Buffet Lamps: Usually taller and slimmer than an regular table lamp, buffet lamps are used on top of console table to showcase design elements as well as foods displayed on the buffet table.
7) Desk/Task Lamps: Desk lamps otherwise known as task lamps. They are so called because they function for you to see closely what you re doing. Whether it is reading, writing, or working on a computer. Mostly seen in offices and libraries, desk lamps are very useful and work oriented.
8) Torchiere and Floor Lamps: Usually used in dark corners of certain rooms, this adds mood and brightness to the space. This is a common choice of lighting in bedrooms and family rooms. Torchieres are so named because they are like torches with the light going upward. Some floor lamps are like table lamps that make use of lampshades, with the light focusing downwards.
9) Ceiling Lights: These are usually single light fixtures that are placed closely to the ceiling, without a drop. They come with glass covers of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Used along hallways, bathrooms, and foyers.
10) Recessed Lights: These lights are usually used in kitchens and hallways. Newer homes come with recessed lights instead of ceiling light fixtures. The recessed lights are installed by cutting holes through the ceilings and inserting canister lights that come in different diameters and styles. Recessed light installations are best left with professionals, by hiring a licensed electrician to add electrical connections for those canister lights.
11) Under the Cabinet Lighting: Seen in kitchens, mounted under the cabinets, this type of lighting can brighten up the lower areas close to your countertops that are otherwise overshadowed by the cabinets. Some of these lights are low voltage halogens or fluorescent lights that do not emit too much heat since they are too close to the cabinets.
12) Picture or Display Lighting: If you are an art collector, you may want to use picture lighting to highlight your collection of paintings, printed arts, and photographs. Display lighting can be used inside curio or China cabinets so that your display items are seen even in the dark.
13) Spotlights and Up Lights: Spotlights can be used to highlight an art piece like a piece of sculpture. Up lights can be used behind a tall plant to give a glowing shadow, adding ambiance and beauty at night.
14) Utility Lights: Lights used in the laundry, garage, work areas, and storage closets are called utility lights. They are oftentimes just a lamp with a single bulb that is clamped on to tubing or sometimes suspended on a chain from the ceiling. They are oftentimes unattractive because they are mostly used just for their utilitarian purposes.
15) Mirror or Vanity Lighting: Vanity or mirror lighting are oftentimes a long strips of lighting, consisting of two or more bulbs. They are used to show clearly the person’s appearance against the mirror. Mirror lighting needs to be bright but not glaring. The best mirror lighting surrounds the face with light. This provides light from all sides that minimizes shadows under the chin, eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Some bathroom vanities are equipped with ‘Hollywood’ style lights (those strips that use the round light bulbs), however, a wall sconce on either side of the mirror can work nicely without being too overbearing.
How you choose to light each room of your house can go a long way toward creating enjoyable and functional living spaces. In addition to simply making things looking good and brighter, well-designed lighting plays an important role in composing a comfortable atmosphere. You can mix and match your lighting choices in each room. You can also try rearranging the placement and intensity of the light sources to provide a new look and functionality.
