This week we’ll tell you how to focus on your lighting as it can make a drastic change and gives your home a completely new feel. Before you begin, it’s best to remember that unlike other décor elements which you can fix yourself, the installation of lighting fixtures is best left to an electrician.[break]
The first step towards ensuring that your space is properly lighted is to understand your spaces as different spaces having different lighting requirements.
Outdoor space is often neglected but wall scones placed on either side of the front door are a rage these days. Not only do they illuminate your entrance, they also add a fancy element to your setting. You can decorate your outdoor space with fairy lights, wall mounted candle stands or even a water filled bowl with small floating tea lights.
Photos: Keshab Thoker
Hallways are another neglected areas which end up being either poorly lit or too bright. But with the right fixtures and interesting accessories you can transform a dull hallway into a highlight in your home. For instance, a small chandelier at the entrance will light up the area and add charm to the space. If you want a dramatic effect, you can use track lights along the floor. This works well in long narrow hallways.
Living rooms are arguably the most used space as they usually double as multifunctional spaces where you entertain and relax. The main source of light should be a centrally located light fixture that ensures the entire room is lit up. A single wall hanging or even a cluster of bulbs from a floor lamp will create the ideal ambient lighting.
In the bedroom, however, lights should ideally give out a soft glow rather than a harsh spill. A dimmer switch that helps you adjust the intensity of the light is a must. Also, it’s best to incorporate a light switch close to the bed to avoid bumping into things when you wake up during the night.
Photos: Keshab Thoker
In the bathroom, safety should be your main priority while installing light fixtures while in the kitchen it is imperative that the light illuminates a particular space that you use for specific tasks like cooking, cutting etc.
When you know which room requires which sort of lighting the next step is to look for ideal fixtures.
Pendant lights are highly decorative and can be placed in a corner or hungat the center of the ceiling. Pendant lights work best right above the dining table and it can act as an accent pieces.
Floor lamps are perfect for a dull corner as they do the trick in creating a great atmosphere for spaces that don’t have ample natural light flow. Tall or short, stout or slim, the design options are endless.
Wall mounted lights give you the option of choosing fixtures that can throw light up or down while table lamps are used predominantly as task lighting to illuminate a desired area like the study table or counter top.
You can select from these varieties easily available in the market and light up your rooms accordingly. You can also opt to use a combination of these fixtures in a room and create the perfect setting.
Regardless of whether the Himalayan Glaciers are melting or not, now is the time to be as eco friendly as possible. You can start doing your bit by choosing eco friendly lighting options. One best option would be to use LED bulbs. They are décor friendly in the sense that they don’t produce too excessive heat neither do they use as much electricity as other bulbs. So replace those CFLs with LEDs.
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