Brighten Up Your Home - Guide to Home Lighting
Lighting Guide
APR
3
2009
1. Shop for the right types of light bulbs:
When you're lighting your home, be aware that there is a wide variety of light bulb options available. Depending on the light, the room and your taste, different bulbs are appropriate.
- Halogen bulbs: Halogen bulbs are more efficient than regular incandescent light bulbs, although they are similar. Halogen light is is also brighter so consider halogen bulbs for spot or accent lighting.
- Fluorescent light bulbs: When you think fluorescent light bulbs, you usually picture an office, school or institutional setting. But new fluorescent light bulbs are on the market come in smaller bulbs that give off a more inviting light. The benefit to fluorescent light bulbs is they are extremely efficient. However, they can be costly.
- LED: These small solid lights stand out against breaking and are the most efficient on the market. They are common in Christmas lights, electronic lighting, and wide-scale city lighting. However, they aren't available in traditional bulbs yet so you might want to consider halogen bulbs or fluorescent light bulbs when it comes to simple home lighting.
- Incandescent bulbs: These are your traditional light bulbs. They are cheap but aren't efficient, so consider investing in other more energy efficient options. You'll end up saving money in the long run and wont have to worry about replacing your bulbs often.
To have a perfectly bright home, you'll use several different types of lighting. Before you set out to liven up your home, be sure you're covering all your bases.
- Ambient lighting: Ambient light is the foundation light in your home. Think big floor lamps, ceiling lamps, or other major light fixtures. This is your primary light and you want it so be strong, but not overbearing. Try using either a 60-watt incandescent light bulb or a 15-watt compact fluorescent light bulb.
- Accent lighting: Accent light is directed light used to - you guessed it - accent different aspects of your home. It's a great decorative tool and can draw attention to a particular part of your house. Consider using halogen bulbs for accent lighting because the light is particularly bright.
- Decorative lighting: Lighting isn't just about brightening your home. Light fixtures are also a great way to add flair to a room. Consider using table lamps, antique lamps, chandeliers, or even candles.
- Living areas: Floor lamps are a great way to add ambient light in a room. Avoid using floor lamps in TV rooms though, the light will reflect off the TV screen. Instead, opt for a ceiling light fixture. Living areas are also great places to use accent lighting. Ceiling lights can shine directed light onto specific areas in your home.
- Kitchen: When you're working in the kitchen, you need bright light. This is where accent lighting is essential. Consider adding under the cabinet lighting or a ceiling light fixture above your island or primary kitchen cabinets.
- Bathroom: This is the place for primping, so be sure to have appropriate light. Consider wall lamps or mirror lamps with halogen bulbs for effective accent lighting.
- Dining room/foyer: Accent lighting isn't as important in these intimate areas. Opt for decorative lighting, instead. These are great places to spruce you home up with an intricate chandelier. Think about going for the dimmer option for the ultimate mood lighting.
- Outdoor lighting: Don't get too wrapped up with the indoors and forget the outside of your beautiful home! Outdoor landscape lighting can really set the mood for a barbecue, lawn party, or any event you plan outside. Shop for outdoor light fixtures that accent appealing aspects of your yard.
