Whether you're designing a new dream home or sprucing up your current one, choosing the right lighting is essential to creating the perfect ambience.
That said, interior lighting is often one of the most overlooked aspects of home design. When a room looks dim and drab, there's very little furniture placement that can be done to salvage it. However, with warm and properly-placed lighting, you can make any space feel luxurious, inviting, and comfortable.
If you're not sure where to start, we have a few recommendations. These nine aesthetic lighting options will help you create the perfect environment in any room of your home.
Know Your Lights
When designing a room, many people wrongly assume that there's only one type of lighting that can be used. However, this assumption couldn't be further from the truth!
In reality, there are three main types of lighting, each of which serves a different purpose. These lighting fixtures are general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting.
Let's look at each of them in more detail.
General Lighting Options
When you think of a light that brightens the entire room, you're thinking of general lighting. This type of light, also known as ambient light, is necessary for every room, as it provides the overall illumination that allows you to see and move around safely.
1) Chandeliers
Chandeliers are perfect overhead fixtures to brighten up large spaces. Not only is it a great way to add some extra light to a room, but it adds a sophisticated and luxurious touch to the room where it hangs. It also comes with a variety of ornate designs that can complement virtually any room type, from living rooms to bedrooms.
That said, one great place to put a chandelier is on top of the dinner table, as it will provide ample lighting for all your guests who will be seated around it. Chandeliers should ideally hang 30 to 36 inches above the surface of the table.
2) Ceiling-Mounted Lights
Also known as surface mounts, ceiling mounts are another great option for general lighting, as they provide a wide and even distribution of light. These lights are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and any other room where you need bright, even light.
There are a few different types of ceiling-mounted lights, such as flush mounts, semi-flush mounts, and pendant lights.
Flush-mounted lights are the most common type of ceiling light, as they are designed to sit close to the ceiling. These lights are ideal for rooms with low ceilings, as they don't take up a lot of space and won't make the room feel closed in.
3) Track Lighting
If you have a larger room with high ceilings, track lighting is a great option to consider. This type of lighting fixture consists of a series of lights that are mounted on a track, which can be positioned to point in any direction. This makes track lighting very versatile, as you can use it to highlight different areas of a room.
Track lighting is often used in kitchens, as it can be used to highlight the countertops or the kitchen island.
4) Recessed Light
Some designs call for a subtle display of lighting. In these cases, recessed lights are the perfect option. These lights are installed directly into the ceiling and can light up the room without being too showy.
Accent Lighting Options
Is there a specific section in the room that you want to draw attention to? If so, then accent lighting is what you need. This type of lighting is used to highlight architectural features, artwork, and other elements that you want to show off.
5) Torchiere Lamp
Torchiere lamps are a type of floor lamp that emits light upward, which makes them perfect for illuminating dark corners and adding a touch of ambient light to the room. These lamps are often used in living rooms and bedrooms, as they provide a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Torchiere lamps are highly versatile and come in a wide range of designs. From ornate to contemporary, these lamps can easily fit into any room type.
6) Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are lights installed directly onto the wall. Upward-facing lights like this are the epitome of old-fashioned, as they were used to hold candles and torches centuries ago.
Nowadays, with ArchiPro lighting and other lighting brands, wall lights can emit lasting brightness to illuminate hallways and stairwells.
Task Lighting Options
Task lighting is designed to provide the light necessary for specific tasks, such as cooking, reading, or working. These lights are usually brighter than ambient or accent lighting, and they're often placed in areas where they won't cause glare.
7) Under-Cabinet Lights
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, don’t skimp out on under-cabinet lights. Installed directly underneath kitchen cabinets, these lights provide extra light for tasks like cooking or food preparation. They also make it easier to find things in the cabinets, as they cast a wide and even light.
8) Desk Lamps
Desk lamps are designed to provide bright, focused light for tasks like reading, writing, or working on the computer. These lamps can emit a wide range of light, from a bright white light to a warm, yellowish light, making them a highly versatile option.
9) Pendant Lights
If the general light is a tad too dim for your needs, but not enough to warrant an entire room makeover, pendant lights are a great option. These are standalone lights that can be hung from the ceiling, casting a yellow, warm light that's perfect for working.
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