Poor lighting can drastically impact the overall appeal and color scheme of your home. Fortunately, there are an array of affordable and stylish options for every style of home. Considering it has such a large impact on the design of your home, it’s important to get the right fixtures. Lighting can often be expensive, but below is a compiled list of tips to not only help you narrow down your options, but how to find exactly what you want within your budget. If you want to know what type of light fixtures are best suited for your personal taste, style, and space, consider the concepts below when making your selection.
Establish your Tone:
Is the ambiance in your home light or dark? When considering your light fixture, it’s important to evaluate how much lighting the room actually needs, or how much light you want it to have. If the room has a lot of natural lighting, you may not have to factor this in as heavily in your decision making. However, if the room requires a lot of lighting, you may want to go with ceiling lights. If you have a high-ceiling, chandeliers can be a great option and a bold statement piece. Flush lights, fans, and spot lights are also great options to consider for a large space, such as living and family rooms. A great way to calculate how much lighting your space needs is by calculating “incandescent watts.” (Length (feet) x width (feet) x 1.5) If the light source is a prominent design piece, keep in mind how the light emitted will impact the color scheme and space. Not only can a light fixture be an outstanding design element, but can drastically change the color palette. Different types of fixtures have more yellow or blue bulbs than others, consider this when picking your fixture.
Decide if you Want Your Space to be Subtle or Glamorous:
If your space is a family room, you may want your lighting to reflect a casual and inviting atmosphere. If your space is an elegant dining room, you may want a more luxurious fixture. Establish the purpose of the room and how you want people to feel within the space whenever you’re choosing your lighting. If you want create a more luxurious and sophisticated ambiance, you may lean towards a chandelier or an intricate pendant light. For a simple and casual space, a ceiling flush light or ceiling fan may be a fitting choice.
Different Types of Light Fixtures:
There are a variety of different fixtures for different rooms, styles, and budgets. Keep in mind that most styles can be found at an affordable price if you know what you’re searching for. Each style of fixture serves a different purpose and can be incorporated in a variety of ways. Below are a few of the most popular lighting options for each room.
Living Room:
Chandeliers – For higher ceilings, decorative centerpiece, bright ambient light, suspends from the ceiling Ceiling Fan – Provides temperature control, central light source, can pair with other lights Wall Sconces – mounted to the wall, typically installed in 2+ pairs, ambient light source Spot Lights – Wall or ceiling mounted, adjustable and aimable, highlights walls and objects “Up” Lights – Accents lighting upwards, use near walls or behind portable furniture
Kitchen:
Pendant – Up or down lighting, typically installed in pairs of 2-3, over table or seating, great for island bars
Recessed Pot – Mounted in the ceiling, over seating, minimal appearance, typically several are installed
Under Cabinet Lights – Installed under cabinets for additional counter lighting Semi-Flush – Decorative, close to ceiling, for medium spaces, up/down ambiance
Bathroom:
Vanity Sconce – mounted to the wall, often pair well over vanities/on either side of a mirror, typically installed in 2+ pairs, ambient light source
Ceiling Flush – Close to the ceiling, less decorative, for smaller spaces and hallways
Semi-Flush – Decorative, close to ceiling, for medium spaces, up/down ambiance
Dining Room:
Chandelier – For higher ceilings, decorative centerpiece, bright ambient light, suspends from the ceiling
Pendant – Up or down lighting, typically installed in pairs of 2-3, over table or seating, great for island bars
Bedroom:
Ceiling Fan – Provides temperature control, central light source, can pair with other lights
Chandelier – For higher ceilings, decorative centerpiece, bright ambient light, suspends from the ceiling
Pendant – Up or down lighting, typically installed in pairs of 2-3, over table or seating, great for island bars
Hallways/Stairs/Foyers:
Semi-Flush – Decorative, close to ceiling, for medium spaces, up/down ambiance
Recessed Pot – Mounted in the ceiling, over seating, minimal appearance, typically several are installed
Wall Sconce – mounted to the wall, typically installed in 2+ pairs, ambient light source
Budget:
Before you start your search, know whether or not lighting is an area you’re looking to splurge or save. Lights can easily be found at budget prices, but can also range on a very high-end spectrum. There are an array of alternatives for most expensive light fixtures. From wall lights, table lights, floor lamps, and so much more below are a few websites that offer chic and affordable lighting options.
Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/cat/lighting-c215735.html
Overstock: https://www.overstock.com
Urban Outfitters: https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/lighting
World Market: https://www.worldmarket.com
CB2: https://www.cb2.com
Shop Vintage:
Shopping vintage is also a smart tactic to find cheap lighting. Often times, you can find the exact lighting you want for a lower or discounted price. Keep in mind designer lights may be more expensive, but websites like ebay, craigslist, and etsy are valuable resources. You can also explore local restoration shops for inspiration.
Cost:
There are still costs to consider outside of the fixture itself. Installation, bulbs, and simply running the light are important to keep in mind. All fixtures take different bulbs, which have different life expectancies and different prices. Some fixtures are also more tedious to install, which may increase the installation price. Ask your contractor about the logistics of your personal project before making any decisions. While there is a lot to consider when selecting the right light source for your space, having a fully cohesive room will bring you more satisfaction in the long run. Do your research and explore your options before narrowing down your options. Once you have a clear vision for your room, consult your contractor to find the best means necessary for your installation. At New Life Homes our professionals have the insight necessary to help you make the most informed and satisfactory decision for your home.