But lighting should be brought back into focus, as it can drastically change how a room looks, feels, and operates.
Think Past Function
As technology and availability improve, you now have more lighting options than ever. You can even control your lights right from your phone or computer if you opt for smart lighting. The first step in upgrading your lighting is to think past necessity and function. Yes, the ultimate goal for lights is to make space visible. But there is so much more to be done than can give your house the feeling of home.
Pick a room and take a look around at different times of the day. Is that lamp really necessary? Is fluorescent too harsh? Sit with the lights and see how it makes you feel. While you may just notice it when you step back, it contributes to your overall feeling at home even when you don’t think about it.
No, a small lamp or lighting fixture will not light a large space, but it may give the room a different look, which is also essential.
While ceiling lights and overhang lamps may light the whole room at once, they sometimes don’t give a lot of character. Think of how changing things up may look. You may be able to work with track lighting, LEDs, different colors, natural light, etc. A lot of this depends on your home’s layout, so consult with a lighting professional to get expert advice.
Use the Right Light for the Space
If you look at your home right now, the bedroom lighting is probably different from in the kitchen. That’s because you need light for different things in these rooms. In the bedroom, you either don’t need light at all because you’re going to sleep or just need it to get dressed or read. When you’re chopping onions in the kitchen, you’ll want plenty of light to make sure you don’t hurt yourself.
In the kitchen, overhead lights on countertops are necessary, probably with a cooler tone to clarify whatever you are doing. In the bedroom, you want something softer and warmer to meet your needs.
Keep this in mind if you decide to move lights around. Just because something makes sense in one room doesn’t mean it will work in another.
Non-Lighting Improvements to Brighten a Room
Sometimes, lighting improvements can be made without touching a bulb. Window quality and placement are some of the best ways to incorporate new light into a room. Installing new spots for windows in an already-built home may be complicated and not cost-effective for you, but updating current windows can make a big difference.
Especially if you already get decent sunlight, look at how changing your windows may enhance that natural light. Window projects are more expensive than changing lights around, but it may be worth it if it gives your home a much-needed upgrade.
You can also consider changing the features of a room. Are items blocking light, especially natural light? Plan a way to reconfigure your furniture, so windows are unobstructed, and you get all of that free sunlight.
Wallpaper, tiles, flooring, and paint can all impact how light comes across in a room. Darker elements will absorb light, while more moderate elements will reflect it. Changing up a room’s paint can take the pressure off your lights by giving them an extra boost.
Expert Lighting Installation in Bloomfield
Hadden Home Services is the premier lighting service provider in north-central Connecticut. Call us today at (806)529-1881 for fast and reliable service.