Lighting is so important for defining a home to the extent that it can literally make or break a room. While it is impossible for people nowadays to imagine life without light, the role of it is so much more than illuminating a space. Though we might take it for granted, all it takes is imagining yourself living in the harsh Dark Ages to understand the true meaning of “you never miss the water till the well runs dry”, or in this case – to not be in a situation of “you never miss the light till the electricity goes out.”
Whether you realise it or not, your set of lighting fixtures matter more than a certain piece of furniture or decorative elements since lights themselves are a form of art. Same as choosing a wine varietal, your choice of lights depends a great deal on personal taste.
What works for some homes does not work for others and the same applies to different rooms of a house or apartment. Let this be your guide when choosing the right lighting for your home since the world of light is vast. Start by clarifying the tone you’d like to set within your home. Based on the colour within a room, our brains pick up on tones which subconsciously affect our mood. Are you interested in bringing more light to your living nest or do you enjoy the predominantly dark atmosphere?
The lighting fixtures should fit in seamlessly with the room. Visualisation is key when looking through the many lighting products: once you find the ones you like, see if they will actually suit the interior they are intended for. As is the case with shopping in general, proper planning will save you both money and time without leaving much space for disappointment with your purchase. Here are a few suggestions that could give you an idea of how to choose lighting for different rooms.
Grand Entrance
Regardless of the size, an entry should get as much attention as the rest of your home. Depending on the light you have, the ambiance can either seem inviting or make visitors feel reluctant to step in. Since your entrance makes the first impression, it should create a smooth passage to the rest of the rooms with a sense of unison. Smaller entrances demand considerable lighting to make up for the size so you can’t go wrong by opting for more brightness. A pendant light is an ideal option, whereas more than one or a floor lamp could work well with larger entries.
Art of Living
Living rooms, being the central place where many activities occur, such as watching TV, relaxing after a long day’s work, entertaining guests and sometimes even having meals, usually get the most attention from a decorative point of view. Whether your style is more traditional, or you’re looking for chic pieces, there are home lighting fixtures to match every personality. You don’t need to spend lavishly to get a touch of elegance. For instance, Hindmarsh Chandelier – Medium (by Milan Direct) with its clear crystal twin spiral will gives you a look of opulence. For modern homes, you can express sensuality with Creative Co-Op’s Tree Tealight Holder.
Stylish Study
People who simply cannot part from work and require their own office, study or library at home have a variety of options at their disposal. You’ll want to provide an adequate layer of lighting to the entire room whilst also focusing a central light on the desk area to allow you to focus. The unique marble based Clint Desk Lamp (by West Elm) may be just what retro lovers’ heart’s desire. To accentuate certain wall art you love, you can use delicate lighting, such as the Wall Lame Marie Theresa 1 Clear (by Lamp and Light).
Pleasant Dining
As most of the days revolve around eating, it is only natural both the kitchen and dining room to receive the same decorative treatment. You need all the light you can get to make sure all the ingredients are properly added to your dishes, so use as much lighting around as possible (note: the overhead cabinets). The table (and kitchen island for that matter) is an obvious focal point, and a pendant light is your best companion. If you have more freedom to show some individuality, Finnish oak Industrial Dane Pendant Light (by Milan Direct) might add a bit of flavour to your meal (pun intended).
Sweet Dreams
Though we make as much use of light as possible during daytime, to be able to get all the beauty sleep our bodies need, we have to find proper lights with less light emission. Everyone loves snuggling up and reading a book before bed or spending some quality time with a partner. A bedside light is absolutely necessary to set an ambient mood, one that doesn’t require an overhead light.
Shower Power
Who can resist the calming feeling a shower can give? Turn your bathroom into a relaxing haven by using soft lights above your bathtub or shower cubicle, as well as your mirror.
Considering all the rooms and types of lights, it is crucial to always have your budget in mind when buying so you keep wishes and possibilities in check. Now go on! Light the corners, layer lights, and most of all, have fun with it.
