How To Choose the Right Lighting for Your Home

Lighting is not something we often think about when it comes to home design or a home renovation, but it is pretty important. It sets the tone for the room as well as energy consumption for the home. Believe it or not, choosing the right lighting for your home can be trickier than some people think.

Did you know that light fixtures are one of the key elements in any room design?

Lighting can set the mood of a room and change the look and feel dramatically, not only by the light it gives off but also by the size and style of the fittings.

To get the balance right, when choosing which lighting options to go with, think about the design, its purpose as well as its function.

First up, let’s look at the three types of lighting:

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting design is different throughout the house, but it is the most common form of lighting in the home. How will your bathroom lighting ideas differ from your bedroom lighting ideas? Ambient lighting creates the general impression a room makes when you walk in, so you may want softer lighting in your bedroom compared to your bathroom, while entrance halls may be more sculptural in their effect.

Utility/specified lighting

This form of lighting design is only for specific purposes. For example, desk or reading lamps, kitchen-sink lighting, bathroom specific lighting and any other form of light that has less use. Choosing the correct lighting for utilities needs to be carefully considered, as you could find yourself highlighting an unflattering area.

Accent lighting

This form of lighting is used to highlight textures and design features in your home, as well as your interior design, such as paintings and display pieces.

Although some types of light fixtures are more commonly associated with a particular layer of lighting, most fixtures are versatile enough to be used in a number of ways.

Have a look at the various light fixtures on the market.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers look beautiful and make a statement. They can make a space look elegant and timeless and come in many different styles. Usually, your eye will be drawn to the light fitting when a chandelier is hanging, so rooms such as entryways, kitchens or dining rooms are good choices.

Downlights

Downlights can create subtle mood lighting, especially when paired with other options, but they can also be over-powering when too many are used. Try combining downlights in living areas with floor and table lamps, or use them in a kitchen with pendant lights.

Pendants

Pendant lights are smaller than chandeliers but are also visually appealing and will draw your attention. They are particularly good for areas where direct lighting is required. You can choose to have one decorative pendant hanging alone, especially in smaller areas or over a dining table.

Lamps and floor lamps

Living areas and bedrooms are the most common rooms for using lamps. They change the ambience in a room instantly. Use floor lamps in your living area for your main ambient lighting, complemented by table lamps for filler light.

LED strip lights

Strip lights are incredibly versatile; they can be installed on the underside of cupboards and benches to create a touch of ambience and even along the tops of ceilings. They can also be used on desks, beds, pathways.
Decorative Bulbs

Decorative bulbs are the go-to choice if you are looking for something more than a simple globe. These bulbs mimic old fashioned filament lights and can even be purchase in LED! Use them in your lamps clear and pendant lights to bring a rustic feel to your home.

Ready for your lighting makeover?

We can help you to get the best out of your lighting upgrades and every other aspect of your home renovation project.

Find out more about home renovations.

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience, and during that time, we’ve renovated hundreds of homes; we pride ourselves on being a premium home renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.