Feeling restless, unproductive, or unhappy at home? Here’s an idea that can help combat at-home angst without requiring a significant shift in lifestyle: upgrade your home lighting! While this may not be the end-all answer, studies have shown that home lighting creates atmosphere, affects functionality, impacts mood, and much more. For example, the difference between eating dinner under fluorescent overhead lighting and eating by candlelight is substantial— and lighting is the only difference!
Ask yourself these three valuable questions when considering your lighting:
- What is the room’s function?
- How much light does the room need?
- How do I want the room to feel?
You know the answers to these questions better than anyone, so we won’t try to answer them for you. What we can do, however, is give you some life-changing, expert tips as you brainstorm about your unique lighting needs. You’ll be surprised what the right lighting can do in your home!
1. Consider lighting in layers
The three types of lighting layers are general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Any and all rooms in a home can have these three layers in them, and the good news is that you don’t need to start over to add extra layers of light!
General lighting is the primary light source, and upgrading central bulbs requires little effort but offers high yield. Accent lights are more decorative, and can be added easily to any room. Directional lamps can serve as effective task lighting, and wall dimmers are another great way to add varied quantity and quality of light.
Understanding this simple concept will help you create an optimal mix of lighting in each room. Start with General, supplement with Task, and mix in accent to build Unique solution and ambiance. Now, where to start?
2. Focus on the kitchen, gathering room, and bathroom
The kitchen is top-priority for good lighting, since it’s a high traffic room where people spend significant time. One general lighting fixture isn’t enough— kitchens need multiple lights. To help you best achieve the tasks of cooking, serving, and clean up, you’ll need area-specific lights like over-the-sink lights, over-the-stove lights, and many people love adding under the counter lights to help with both food prep and accent lighting when they are winding down.
Great rooms and family rooms also need plenty of light. They provide a gathering place for family, friends, and visitors, and the tasks performed there vary. Have plenty of light available here for group games, projects, or late-night talks, along with softer layers for relaxing evenings and movie nights.
And let’s not forget the bathroom! High quantity of light here will make it easier to get ready for the day, not to mention bright task lighting to aid in makeup application and shaving. You may also consider a softer layered light to make middle of the night trips to the bathroom more comfortable.
3. Look for dark spots
Simply throwing a few extra light fixtures into a room may not have a maximal impact unless you consider placement and your current lighting needs. Remember—atmosphere is more important than the actual number of fixtures. To maximize atmosphere, examine the room at different times of the day and look for ‘dark spots’ on the floor. Ideal lighting eliminates dark spots.
To achieve this, can lights are typically placed 4 feet from each wall and 6 to 8 feet apart from each other, in a grid-like pattern. Additionally, having a light fixture in the center of the room is a great way to fill in gaps and eliminate dark spots. And most of all, never underestimate the power of a well-placed table lamp or accent light, since these help with awkward areas in any room and can easily alter a room’s atmosphere.
4. Create a list of your most common activities and light for those
Consider the tasks you frequently do in each room, and what type of lighting would best help you accomplish it. Bright lights over the sink make dish-washing much more efficient, as would a spotlight over a work bench. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box a little, since lighting also includes things like ceiling fans. Especially in bedrooms, fans can increase air movement and boost comfort when sleeping.
Don’t stress if a room has many uses. Your current lighting may not be perfect, but a few small upgrades will make a world of difference in your room’s atmosphere and efficiency. In addition, dimmer switches are a home-owners best friend, since they work with most types of fixtures and make your lighting easily adjustable.
5. Use light color to your advantage
Every light bulb differs in brightness and in color. While brightness is measured in lumens, light color is measured in Kelvin. Warm Kelvin ratings (around 2700K) on your light bulbs will “warm” up your room and create a cozy atmosphere. Cool Kelvin ratings (around 4000K) create an efficient, contemporary feel better suited for productive spaces.
You know better than anyone what your home needs. But now you’re armed with knowledge to make game changing lighting decisions in each and every room. As you consider the tasks that you commonly do in each room and the atmosphere you want to create there, try browsing our online catalog for ideas. At Main Street Lighting we’re committed to your daily lighting experiences, and we’re happy to help in any way.