In many cases, lighting is an afterthought rather than a focus of construction or decorating plans. However, the right lighting can add just the right finishing touches to a room. Keep the following four tips in mind when considering custom lighting for your home.
LIGHTING FOR BALANCE
Even rooms filled with natural light often have dark spots, often in one or more corners. Strategically placed lighting can illuminate those dark corners and bring an overall balance of light to the room. In larger rooms, floor lamps can add an interesting touch, while wall-mounted or overhead lights illuminate smaller rooms without sacrificing precious floor space.
LIGHTING FOR SAFETY
Proper lighting can also make your home safer. Adequate lighting in dark hallways or in the passageway between the garage and the interior of your home is a must. Minimal track lighting can make it easier to get around in the dark without the glare of an overhead light.
LIGHTING FOR WORK & READING
Your parents probably nagged you about reading in the dark when you were younger. As it turns out, your parents were right. Proper lighting is essential for home offices, workshops, or in any room where you will be performing close work in order to minimize the risk of eyestrain. Multiple sources of light make it easier to move from one activity to the next.
LIGHTING AS DÉCOR
If you’ve ever prepared for a romantic dinner, you know that mood lighting is a thing. Dimmer lighting lends an intimate atmosphere to a dining room or a conversation area. On the other hand, brighter lights are often a smart choice for game rooms.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
The good news about lighting is that it’s a relatively inexpensive addition to your decorating budget. Floor lamps and desk lamps are also easily relocated. Additions such as dimmer switches make it easier to configure lighting to suit different circumstances.