The lighting in a house is one of the best ways to set the mood of each room, though it’s not always simple to perfect the ambiance. Learn more about the underlying principles that govern home lighting, and how a homeowner can use these concepts to their advantage.

Scale the Sizing

No matter how much a homeowner loves the look of a particular lighting fixture, sometimes it’s just not practical. A huge overhead lamp will make very little sense if it’s framing a small kitchen or dining room table, while tiny hanging lamps will look ridiculous in a chef’s kitchen. One helpful trick is to add the height and width of the room together in terms of feet. That number is (about) how many inches you want a lighting fixture or chandelier to be. All chandeliers should be a foot smaller than a table’s narrowest portion.

Add Some Lamps

Many people think that overhead lighting eliminates the use of lamps, but lamps actually add more dimension and character to a room. This may come in handy when the time comes to sell your home, as it can make staging your home that much easier. Not only can they be used as a decorative feature, they can also be used to supplement overhead lights as well. Recessed lighting is perfect when having a big party, but it will make the room feel harsh and unwelcoming when trying to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day. Builders and homeowners alike have a tendency to go overboard on recessed lighting, so keep this in mind. Lamps provide just enough light without overwhelming anyone.

Think of the Shadows

Overhead lighting is notorious for casting shadows in all the wrong places, which can both frustrate people and even endanger them if they can’t see where they’re going. Builders attempt to cut down on this wherever they can. For example, sinks are located near a window because it allows the inhabitant to take advantage of the natural light. Under-cabinet lighting can also be used to increase visibility in the kitchen, while sconces can be used in a bathroom. The location and shape of the shadows can make a big difference in how hospitable a Brooklyn Park home is, so consider how natural and artificial lighting can be used to banish the darkness.

Pick the Right Bulb

Picking a bulb comes down to whether or not a homeowner wants warm or cool tones in each room. Warmer light reminds us of natural light with its red tones, and it can help inhabitants feel relaxed. Cooler light with its blue tones can help people stay alert. Bulbs that have a temperature of 3,000K are considered warm, while bulbs around 4,000K are considered cool. Most bulbs (including LED) can be purchased in either tone, so it all comes down to personal preference. Warm glows are excellent in rooms with neutral colors, while cooler tones can brighten up rooms without windows. Bathrooms, in particular, can benefit from cool light so there’s less chance of accidents.

Outside

When it comes to outdoor lighting, homeowners should favor longevity and practicality over aesthetics. Outdoor lighting is susceptible to harsh weather, so spring for quality bulbs. Remember that bright lighting can make the dark areas of a yard or property that much darker, so consider low lighting everywhere rather than harsh lighting in select areas. Finally, outdoor lighting can serve as a privacy feature, because it can obscure the light from indoors. This means you can leave windows open without fear of being seen from inside.