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Light affects our mood, it sets the pace for our daily activities, lifts
our spirits and gives us energy.
One of the most common design mistakes made is improper or inadequate lighting
Bring the light inside your home, just like any great artist you will create
an impression of how you feel and who you are, experiences that you have
had or seen. Carefully select your lighting choice's they hold a high priority
in decorating your home.
To create the ideal light for a room, analyze the room first to determine
the type of light that is needed, choosing the right Bulbs with the correct
wattage is important. Be sure to use the right watt bulb for the lighting
source. If lamps are designed to use three way bulbs, be sure to use them
and frosted bulbs can help eliminate glare.
Incandescent light: the artificial light most commonly used, yellow in color,
however the bulbs themselves can come in any color. Also consider adding
a dimmer switch, for adjusting the lights wattage. (A gloomy room can quickly
change your mood). Turn on the lights.
Halogen Light-White (blue) light that comes closer to a natural light;
this is perfect for showing off a prized piece of Art. Again the wattage
is important, Bright halogen light bulbs can reach temperatures up to 1,200.00
degree's. For safety be sure that if you use Halogen lights that no fabrics
such as curtains or any other materials come in contact as Halogen bulbs
become quite hot and have been known to be the culprit in home fires.
Fluorescent Light is the most economical and some believe that it helps
their plants grow, I don't know?
There are three basic lighting groups:
General lighting. Overall room illumination.
Task Lighting. Essential for working or reading.
Accent Lighting. This is as it says, accent lighting highlighting
your special touches. Properly lighting your accessories can improve the
overall feeling of a room.
Make a list to identify all the places where general, task, or accent lighting
are needed in your home then go one room at the time adjusting your lighting
design layout..
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Track Lighting. Track Lighting is in the general
lighting category. Clean looking, thin tracks are available in various lengths,
and come in a variety of colors. The halogen lights are energy efficient,
therefore are an excellent choice that will save you money.
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Recessed Lighting. Recessed Lighting is built
in lighting usually installed during construction of the home. Recessed
lighting creates the illusion of higher ceiling. It also works well with
all styles of furniture, and is an excellent light source.
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Cove lighting. Cove lighting can add drama
to a room, it will showcase on the architectural details around the periphery
of the area ceiling. Some homes have unique ceiling and joinery details
that deserve to be highlighted.
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Chandeliers. Chandeliers have and will always
be one of the top choices whether decorating a rustic cabin or a huge lodge.
They are available in a multitude of styles, from Antler chandeliers, Hammered
Brass, crystal, Twigs, vines and much more. However remember that most of
their light is only on the ceiling above them.
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Sconces. Sconces are used primarily for decorating
and not for a lighting source, however they will show off your walls. Sconces
like chandeliers come in dozens of styles. They are made of brass, crystal,
silver, stone, glass, metal, animal antlers and many other materials. Sconces
can add elegance or act as a compliment to smaller pictures on your wall.
Keep in mind that they may require special wiring. In days of long ago,
beeswax candles were used. Purchase from any house ware store bobeches to
put on top of the candleholders base to catch any dripping from the wax.
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Picture Lights. Picture lights are used primarily
to highlight paintings; sizes usually are nine to sixteen inches.
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Strip lights. Strip lights offer indirect
lighting to accent items, perhaps under the shelves in a book case of a
heirloom china cabinet.
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Wall-mounted swing-arm lamps. Wall mounted
swing arm lamps make a good choice where space is limited. They also come
in an assortment of finishes that can be coordinated with your décor.
They are often used in bedrooms, and living areas but also work wonderfully
in the bathroom, where you need to be able to adjust the amount of light
that will be needed.
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Standing lamps. Standing lamps can beam their
light up or down, up if you want to show off your ceilings, add a soft light
to a dim corner or add a shade to focus the lights down. Standing lamps
are usually not sufficient for general lighting. Standing lamps can be used
for reading as well as room lighting; many standing lamps height can be
adjusted to meet the lighting purpose.
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Table Lamps. Table lamps come in every possible
size and shape. They bring beauty and light and interest to what ever area
you place them. Lamps can be made from almost anything, baskets, bottles,
pottery vases, what ever.
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Lanterns. Lanterns come in many materials
and designs, hammered metals, iron, brass, cut glass, that can add a welcome
to your homes overall ambiance.
