Light can be something we take for granted during the long days of summer, but in the dark of winter you may just find yourself looking around your home and thinking “It’s kind of dingy in here.”
Your first response may be to add a few lamps or up the wattage on your bulbs. That’s fine, of course, if your goal is too simply make things brighter. But today’s interior lighting systems can offer you so many more choices to create a lighting scheme for the home.
Homeowners can think in terms of ambience and creating a mood to lighting up out-of-the way workspaces and corners.
Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it seems. All it takes is knowing a few basic concepts and what your choices are.
For example, there are basically three layers of light that you can introduce to your home—ambient, task and accent, and what type of lighting you’ll want to use really depends on the size of the room and what you use it for.
Basic lighting is called ambient lighting. These include overhead lights and ceiling fan lights. Basically, lights that you need to be able to see and move around in the dark.
The next type of lighting, task lighting, pretty much says what it is in its name. A light over a sink or a work station in the basement is considered task lighting. It helps to light areas where tasks will be performed. Think of desk lamps, work lamps, or even those small lights under kitchen cabinets.
The last type of lighting is called accent lighting. While task and ambient lighting help you move around a room and get things done, accent lighting sets a room, highlighting areas, décor, or just creating a different mood. These types of lights include recessed lighting and wall sconces.
Working with these three types of light, you can turn a dimly lit room into a comfortable, warm space of a brightly lit work area. We can help you design a lighting scheme for your home. Remember, some plans could involve installing new outlets, wiring and complicated recessed fixtures. We strongly recommend you leave the actual installation to trained professionals to avoid the risk of fire and shock.
Still, how your home is ultimately lit these days is only limited to what your own ideas and taste wants to install.
Here are a few home lighting tips to get you started, broken down by room, with help from RealSimple.com:
Bathroom
We do some of our most “detailed” work in this room. From applying makeup to shaving, appropriate lighting is important in this room. Real Simple recommends not only a pair of sconces on both sides of the mirror, but an overhead light to fill in any shadows on your face. Of course, if you have a large bathtub a light over the shower helps, too.
Bedroom
The perfect room for lowlight, using accent lighting will help create a comfortable atmosphere. Keep the lights low over the bed by directing them towards walls or décor and keep a lowlight reading lamp or sconce near the bed.
Dining Room
According to Real Simple, making the table in the dining room the brightest spot will draw people in. They recommend no more than 100 watts in a pendant or chandelier. A few sconces, and even table lamps, set off an elegant dining space.
Kitchen
Here is a room where we can use more of the ambient and task lighting. Overhead lights are a good start, and then add a few tasks lights, such as over the sink or oven to help get the job done. A bright, inviting kitchen not only looks good, but is necessary for cooking and cleaning.
Living Room
The living room is part of your house where both ambient and accent lighting can work. An overhead light is great for game night, but ambient lighting will set the mood for a game night or relaxing evening of wine and conversation. You can even use a bit of accent lighting to focus on a conversation piece in the room.
Do you live in Gloucester County, Salem County, or Cumberland County and have an electrical project idea you need our help with? We’d be happy to assist you! Give us a call at 856.769.3932.