Lighting For Effective Home Decoration

Like it or not our homes require a constant cycle of proper maintenance and decoration. Just when we think we have finished everything we turn around to find another job staring us in the face. Our busy routines mean that some of the bigger, time consuming jobs can get ignored and sometimes they can be overlooked for many years. Aside from these big jobs there are small changes we can make in different areas of our home right from the front garden up to the loft. Moreover you don’t always need to to spend a lot of money when it comes to decoration, just needs small amount of creativity and good design ideas and you could instantly give your home a makeover one room at a time.

Continuing my new Home series, today I am thinking about lighting and how we can use it to maximise the potential of our homes. When re-decorating or sprucing up a room lighting is very important. Choosing different designs of lights fixtures alone could make a dramatic difference to the interior of your home.

Gone are the days of the humble light bulb and shade being the only option to light a room. From wall mounted holders to standalone fixtures, LED strips to halogen spotlights, today there are literally thousands of different lighting products available in different designs, shapes and patterns giving you the option to choose the best fit for the theme of your rooms. You can get some great ideas for home lighting across the web but for now, here my top tips for lighting different areas of your home.

Living Rooms

A living room is a mutli-tasking area. It is a welcoming, social area but also a relaxing, chilled out space. Either large or small, the lighting used in living rooms should be unique and attractive in terms of the design and patterns. One or two ceiling light fixtures at various angles give out a soft illumination to the entire room, perfect for when entertaining. The room also needs to be equipped with task lighting for different daily requirements. For a cosy, intimate evening in front of the TV a lamp will instantly soften the mood. If a stronger light is needed for reading, sewing or other hobbies an arched reading lamp over a chair or sofa will provide the stronger light source required.

Kitchens

Kitchens require bright lighting. When preparing and cooking food you want to see what you are doing. Numerous spotlights angled at worksurfaces and hobs are perfect for providing proper visibility allowing you to chop carrots, instead of your finger. Strip lighting underneath the cabinets further increases visibility but can also provide atmospheric lighting for when the chopping is over. LED options can make kitchens look futuristic whilst warm white bulbs can create a relaxed mood.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms tend to be overlooked when it come to lighting. Installing increased lighting around mirrors can help with grooming and make up application but never place lighting directly over a mirror as it will create shadowing. Instead place lighting either side of the mirror to illuminate your face. Baths can be extremely relaxing so think about mood lighting around alcoves or shelves to provide a soft glow. Remember fittings near water sources need the correct IP rating and it is always a good idea to consult a qualified electrician before installing bathroom lighting.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms on the other hand tend to need less lighting. Here is should be all about relaxation so soft up-lighters on dimmers would be perfect to help you wind down before bed. If you have a dressing table or mirrors in the bedroom think about installing additional lighting around these which can be operated independently of the main overhead lighting as and when required. A touch activated lamp next to the bed is perfect for providing brighter light for reading.