When embarking on your remodeling project, how much consideration do you give to lighting? Most people only consider lighting as an afterthought. But, truthfully bad lighting can completely throw off your newly remodeled room. Do yourself a service and bring your remodeling project to its fullest potential by choosing the best lighting for the room.
Kitchen Lighting
In each room, you should ask yourself what you will be doing in that room. Kitchen lighting is very important. This is a room for both food preparation, as well as social mingling and the lighting should supplement both of those activities. A dimmer on the main light fixture of the room is a great way to adjust to activity taking place.
Task, ambient, and accent lighting are the three types of lighting you will use in most rooms. Ambient light is defined as natural, preexisting light in a room. In this case, ambient lighting is the substitute for natural light. It is the main, central fixture that lights the room as a whole in situations where natural lighting is not an option, like night time or cloudy days. In the kitchen, a pendant light is usually the best option. This is a lone, hanging fixture from the ceiling. In some cases, several pendant lights can be used together.
Recessed lighting is also a good choice for the kitchen. Place them over walkways between counters or over the sink. This is task lighting. Recessed, or downlight, are small, usually circular, fixtures installed in a hollowed opening in the ceiling. They’re great for placing above task-oriented areas, such as the sink or a walkway. Accent lighting can be added by placing light strips under or inside cabinets.
Bathroom Lighting
Bathroom lighting is crucial as the room is no longer a quick stop, but a room for relaxation and even romance. This is another room where a dimming light is necessary. Use a central fixture with a dimmer to brighten when needed and lower when relaxing. Most bathrooms have recessed lighting as their main fixture, but choosing a pendant or chandelier fixture can add elegance to the room.
Task lighting is more important than ever in the bathroom, specifically over the vanity. Avoid casting shadows on your face by placing lights on both sides of the vanity mirror. Use scones or vertical fixtures to make the vanity functional and attractive.
Recessed lights can be placed over the shower and toilet for better lighting while shaving or doing any other bathroom tasks. Recessed lights can also be used as accent lighting. Place a recessed light over a piece of artwork on the wall or over a decorative basket to highlight the beauty.
Living Room Lighting
The living room is often the central and most visited room of the house. Use the right lighting to your advantage to make the space both practical and inviting. A chandelier is a great central fixture if the ceiling fits it. If not, floor lamps can be used instead. Use a large, arched lamp to evenly light the room.
Wall scones can also be used as task and accent lighting. Be sure to place them in places that can be easily navigated around. Next to the television or a piece of artwork is a great way to use accent lighting. Floor lamps can also be used next to the television. All lights near the television should be dimmable to avoid glare on the screen.
Recessed lights can be used over coffee tables or the front door. Make sure to avoid recessed lights above seating areas.
Good lighting can make a world of difference when completing a remodeling project or achieving a new look. Be sure to take the lighting into consideration by asking yourself what you will be doing in the room and how the lighting might help or hinder that.