Lighting is one of the most important things to consider in every single room of your home. There is more to think about than you may have realised, so here are my top 10 tips...
1. First things first, before you decide the position of any lighting you need to figure out the layout of the space. Where is your sofa going to be positioned or your mirror in the bathroom? This will dictate where different lighting would best be positioned.
2. Layer your lighting by using different heights for lights! Think a mixture of pendants, table lamps and wall lights for example.
3. Consider the different types of lighting you need to or want to include in a space. Do you need task lighting for working or reading? Perhaps you want to include accent lighting to highlight artwork or atmospheric lighting (including candles) for a softer mood.
4. Use different circuits for your lights so you don’t have to have them all on at once. If possible, put lamps on a light switch too - it really makes such a difference.
5. Dimmer switches, always! This is an easy way to change the intensity of lighting and atmosphere of a space for different moods and needs.
6. In bathrooms, the room is zoned according to the distance between the water and the light fitting and so only particular light fittings can be used in certain areas. Alongside this, bathroom lights have a higher IP rating (Ingress Protection rating - how well the light fitting is sealed against dust and water) than other spaces.
7. Lighting isn’t just functional, it is also a great way of adding a decorative element to a room. This can be easily achieved through a statement pendant or beautiful lamp shade.
8. LED bulbs are a more eco-friendly bulb option - they might cost more but they are an investment as they can last for more than 20 years!
9. Light appearance is measured in temperature using the Kelvin scale (the higher the Kelvin the brighter the light!). You will likely want brighter lighting in kitchens and bathrooms and softer lighting in bedrooms and living rooms for a more relaxing environment. I would recommend a 2700K warm light for these cosier spaces.
10. If you aren’t calling in the electricians for a rewire, you could consider a battery operated lighting option. This works really well for wall lights or pendant lights either side of beds.
If you need assistance with your lighting, I can help look at different layout options for your furniture so you know the best locations. I can also put together some lighting options that suit your needs and style. Get in touch with me today!
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