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EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR LIGHTING
Creating a Lighting Scheme
Once you have an understanding of what different types of lighting achieve in your home, you can assess your home’s needs and start to create a lighting scheme.
Room-by-Room Lighting Guide
Creating a successful lighting scheme is a big-picture task, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a closer look at each room in your house. In fact, you’ll need to assess each space individually in order to create a plan that flows beautifully and effortlessly, filling your home with light.
The fixtures should be proportionate to the space. A larger space with higher ceilings can support a more significant fixture. A smaller space may need something more understated that will complement but not overwhelm. Coldwell Banker
Living Room — Living rooms tend to vary widely in terms of size, location, and use, so assess your unique situation and plan from there. A smaller space may simply require a few strategically placed lamps, while a larger room may require a flush light fixture. (also, take note of the sliding barn door!)
- In warmer climates, consider a fan/light fixture combination to help maintain a more comfortable temperature and healthy airflow.
- Use task lighting to highlight spaces where you’re most likely to read or do any other activities that require a bit of extra light.
Kitchen — If you’re like most people, you think of your kitchen as the heart of your home—a multi-use space where you work and socialize. Because you and your family spend so much time in the kitchen, look for fixtures that are warm and inviting yet still hard-working. “You want something that is casual but elegant, and also something that is timeless and not too trendy,” Ameer says. “You will want it to be flexible and adaptable to a variety of furniture styles. Think transitional.”
Try these ideas for lighting up your kitchen:
If you have high ceilings, pendant lights can highlight a bar area or island.
- Use under-cabinet lighting to brighten up the kitchen in a subtle way without having to see light fixtures.
- For an eat-in kitchen, take into account the size and shape of your kitchen table before choosing a fixture. Ideally, you’ll want something in a similar style and appropriate size.
- Try adding several low-voltage halogen fixtures with a narrow flood beam distribution and focusing them on specific task areas.
Dining Room — This is one room where it’s always safe to make a statement. “Choose a fixture that gets noticed in an attractive way and creates interest in the space,” Ameer says. “The fixture should help create ambiance for the room, as this is a space that is used for entertaining and gatherings. Make sure it is transitional and coordinates well with your dining room furniture.”
- Chandeliers with lampshades, stately candelabras, and fixtures with strategically placed crystal or glass pendants can help to create a more dramatic look.
- Avoid fixtures that are overly bright or brassy.
- Consider your dining room ceiling height along with the size and shape of your table.
The proper height to hang a light depends on the height of the ceiling and your family. In general, it should be about 84” to 96” from the floor, but always make sure it clears the tallest person in the family by at least 12”.
Bathroom — As the place where most people get ready in the morning, your bathroom should be a top priority room for lighting design. An ill-placed fixture or bulb could be the difference between you starting your day with confidence or feeling self-conscious. Fixtures should be situated at a certain angle so as to shine a light on the face in the most natural way.
- Avoid using downlights over the vanity without adding lights on the side. Standing directly under a downlight creates exaggerated and unflattering shadows.
- Use multiple sources of light—warm light is more flattering, but cool light is better for close-up grooming tasks.
- Use lighting to highlight accessories in your bathroom.
- If your ceiling height allows, try adding a small chandelier over your master bathtub to bring a bit of elegance to your space.
Avoid Broadway lighting over bathroom mirrors—they’re best left on Broadway. Think of new ways to incorporate lighting into your bathroom with a variety of new styles in vanity wall mounted fixtures.
Bedrooms — Lighting can bring a lot of personality to a bedroom. The bedroom is a space in which lighting can add both fun and function. If you have bedside tables, consider adding oversized lamps to create a luxe feel or smaller table lamps to dressers or desks for a functional fix.
- Using multiple light sources adds warmth and dimension to the room, which can help a bedroom feel more relaxing.
- Consider the size of the bedrooms along with ceiling heights. For standard bedroom size ceilings (8-10 ft.), a smaller overhead light fixture should be appropriate. paired with lamps on a nightstand or two.
- For a larger bedroom like a master suite, try bringing in a smaller chandelier to add a touch of opulence.
- A ceiling fan with a light fixture can make sleeping more comfortable in warmer climates.
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