Tips for Lighting Living Spaces

Posted in Home Interior Design Tips

When designing the interior of your home there are many considerations to make. From the furniture to the color of wall paint, you will have some important decisions to make to ensure you achieve the look and mood you want. Another crucial part of home interior design is lighting. Whether it is how much natural sunlight you allow to enter a living room or the right illumination fixtures for a bedroom or bathroom, it is very important to get the lighting right to create the right environment.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the right lighting to get the feeling just right.

modern living room Lighting the Living Room

Arguably one of the most used rooms in the home by family and guests, it is important that you have proper illumination, but avoid glaring overhead lighting that can kill the ambiance. It is a good idea to use a combination of floor lamps, wall sconces and table lamps that will prevent harsh lighting, yet still give you enough light. If you are installing ceiling lights or track lighting, give serious thought to dimmers. Automation allows you to control how bright the lighting is, so you can create the right mood for every occasion.

Lighting the Bedroom

When it comes to bedrooms, you’ll likely want to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, remember that you are often lighting for two times of the day: early morning and early evening. When it is time to wake up, nothing works better than natural sunlight to awaken the mind and body. Consider the right shades, blinds or drapes that are used in windows facing in the direction of the sunrise to take advantage of natural light. When evening comes, look for lamps and recessed lighting that point toward the dressing area and master bathroom, rather than on the bed. For the bed, simply place a small table lamp on a nightstand that will offer plenty of light for reading before bedtime.

Lighting the Dining Room

When you are lighting a dining room, remember what the most important part of the room is: the dining table. Above the table is where you may want to have a direct overhead light or chandelier that highlights the main course on the dining the table. While other rooms have a need for dim lighting, the dining room needs sufficient lighting so people don’t feel like they are eating and conversing in the dark. If you are choosing to decorate your dining room with a nice glass china cabinet, consider subtle back-lighting that will offer a tasteful touch when showing off your collected dishware and wine glasses.

If you are ever stuck for ideas, consult with an experienced home decorator who can help you find the right floor lamps, recessed lighting and wall sconces to create the perfect mood in every room of your home.