House lighting is an important element when it comes to interior design and décor. Home owners are also becoming increasingly particular, about having perfect lighting in every corner of their abode. There are many options available in the market, vis-à-vis mood lighting, accent lighting, wall lighting and night lights.
Why is lighting for home important?
When furnishing your home, it’s crucial to consider the various types of lighting you want and where you plan to install it. Lighting is often an underestimated aspect of interior design, yet it has the power to completely transform a room. With a simple adjustment in the quantity and source of light, a space can take on an entirely different ambiance. There are diverse types of lighting that can be incorporated into your home interiors. Even if you have exquisite furniture and beautiful colours, insufficient or inadequate lighting can diminish the overall appeal. This is where the importance of illumination, or light intensity, comes into play. Increasing the number of fixtures can enhance illumination, as it’s the human eye that perceives brightness (luminance) rather than just the quantity of light.
Top types of decorative lights for home
Here are some of the popular types of decorative lighting solutions you can add to your home decor.
Wall lights
Wall lights are available for different rooms. While downward lights can be used for property illumination, upward lights can be used as night lights and accent lighting. These wall lights can be placed anywhere, depending upon the décor of your house. You can install it in the living room above the seating area, or above your bed’s head-rest for night lighting.
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String lights
String lights, also known as fairy lights, are in vogue. Available in different colours and shapes, string lights can be used for accent lighting or even night lighting, provided it is not too bright. These are also one of the most budget-friendly lighting options for students and young couples, who do not intend to spend much.
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Ceiling lights
Ceiling lights are important, as it makes the space look elegant and adds spaciousness to the room. With new products, adding or replacing ceilings light fixtures, is no longer difficult or expensive. Also, the cost of installation has come down, making it more preferable for budget buyers.
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Lamps
These evergreen lighting fixtures can be used anywhere and in any room. Whether it is for the side table or dining table in a house, the study or coffee table, lamps of different sizes and shades are now available in the market. Lamps are also a preferred décor item, when it comes to one’s living room or study room. Trendy options are also available for children’s rooms.
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Chandeliers
A chandelier, especially a crystal chandelier, can accentuate a beautifully decorated home. From sober, minimalistic ones to classic, elaborate and elegantly designed chandeliers, there is an enormous range of options available in the market, for home owners to experiment with this decorative room lighting.
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Pendant lights
Pendant lights are a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and style to any home. These suspended lights come in various designs, shapes and materials, allowing you to find the perfect match for your interior decor. Whether you prefer sleek and modern or vintage and rustic, pendant lights can create a focal point in any room while providing functional and atmospheric lighting. Install them above dining tables, kitchen islands, or as statement pieces in living rooms for a trendy and sophisticated look.
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Track lights
Track lights have become a trendy and versatile lighting option for modern homes. These fixtures consist of a track-mounted system with adjustable light heads that can be positioned along the track to illuminate specific areas or objects. Track lights offer flexibility in directing light where it’s needed, making them ideal for highlighting artwork, accentuating architectural features, or creating ambient lighting in larger spaces. With various styles and finishes available, track lights can complement any interior design and provide a contemporary and sophisticated lighting solution for your home.
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Cove lights
Cove lights are a popular choice for creating an ambient and visually appealing lighting effect in residential spaces. These lights are installed in recessed ledges or niches along the ceiling or walls, hidden from direct view. Cove lights emit a soft, indirect glow that adds depth and warmth to a room. They can be used to highlight architectural features, create a relaxing atmosphere, or provide gentle illumination in areas where direct lighting may be too harsh. Cove lights come in various colors and can be dimmable, allowing you to customize the lighting mood and create a stunning visual impact in your home.
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Wall sconces
Wall sconces are a versatile and stylish lighting option that can enhance the ambiance and functionality of any space. These fixtures are mounted on walls and provide both functional and decorative lighting. Wall sconces come in a wide range of designs, from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional, allowing you to find the perfect match for your interior style. They can be used to illuminate hallways, accentuate artwork, or create a warm and inviting atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. With their adjustable light direction and various bulb options, wall sconces offer flexibility in creating the desired lighting effect while adding a touch of elegance to your home.
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How to choose the best lighting solution for your space?
Selecting the right lighting for your home is essential to create the desired ambiance and functionality in each room. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best lighting solution for your space:
- Purpose and Function: Determine the primary purpose of each room. For example, the lighting needs in a living room will differ from those in a kitchen or bedroom. Consider the activities that take place in each space and choose lighting that complements the function.
- Brightness and Intensity: Decide on the level of brightness you require. For task-oriented areas like study or kitchen countertops, opt for brighter lights, while softer, dimmable lights are ideal for relaxation areas like bedrooms and living rooms.
- Lighting Types: Explore various lighting options, such as ambient, task and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on specific tasks or activities, and accent lighting highlights architectural features or decor.
- Lighting Fixtures: Choose fixtures that match your interior style. Pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces and floor lamps come in various designs to complement different decor themes.
- Lighting Placement: Plan the placement of lights strategically. Ensure even distribution of light throughout the room and eliminate shadows in crucial areas.
- Energy Efficiency: Consider energy-efficient lighting options like LED bulbs. They not only save on electricity bills but also have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Colour Temperature: Pay attention to the colour temperature of the light. Warmer tones (2700K to 3000K) create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, while cooler tones (3500K to 5000K) are suitable for task-oriented areas.
- Smart Lighting: Explore smart lighting solutions that allow you to control brightness, colour and even schedule lighting through mobile apps or voice commands.
- Natural Light: Maximise natural light during the day by using light curtains or blinds. This not only saves energy but also improves the overall aesthetic of your space.
- Consider Dimmers: Installing dimmer switches gives you the flexibility to adjust the light intensity according to the time of day or activity.
FAQs
Which types of lights are best for home?
Chandeliers, wall sconces and pendant lights falling under ambient lighting, create a warm and inviting atmosphere in homes. Focus lights can be used to provide accent lighting in specific areas.
Which light is better warm or cool?
Warm white light, with a colour temperature between 3000° and 3500° Kelvin, is commonly used for interior lighting in homes and offices. Cool white light is preferred for illuminating large open spaces.
Is cool light good for living room?
Cool lighting is ideal for tasks and simulating natural daylight, making it suitable for areas like kitchens, craft rooms, home offices and makeup areas. Warm white light, on the other hand, creates a cosy atmosphere, making it great for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and dens.
Are LED lights cool or warm?
LED bulbs offer a range of colour temperatures, allowing you to choose between warm and cool light options based on your preferences and needs.
Which light is more efficient?
LED lights are the most energy-efficient lighting option available in the market today.
What are the types of chandeliers available in the market?
Chandeliers are available in a variety of designs, from sober, minimalistic ones to elaborate and elegant crystal chandeliers, as well as classic designs?
