Choosing the right lighting plan
Whether you are building a home or remodeling choosing the right lighting plan for your home is crucial. Having the right lighting in your home makes the difference between light and bright spaces you love to be in or dark and cramped spaces you do anything to avoid. Choosing the right lighting plan can be overwhelming a visit to your local home improvement store will literally give you hundreds of options to choose from. You may be left wondering if you will ever be able to choose any lights at all much less the right ones! Yet by following a few simple guidelines and considering the lighting needs of any specific space in your home you will be able to choose the right lighting plan.
Here are some tips and guidelines to follow in choosing the right lighting plan:
- Kitchen-Planning the right lighting in your kitchen is essential since that room needs to be practical, sociable and comfortable. The kitchen probably more than any other room can use a variety of lighting options. Consider the following options based on the design and size of your kitchen. Spotlights can be recessed into the ceiling or on a track, these are great for ambient and task lighting. Don't just simply fit them in a grid be sure to plan their layouts so they illuminate certain areas such as hubs or islands. Another great options for kitchens is cupboard lighting. These are glass-fronted cupboards lit within by LEDs or a fluorescent tube create an atmospheric look, while cupboards with solid doors benefit from sensor-activated lights that come on when you open them. Plinth lights are concealed lighting along the bottom panel of cupboards that will flood the floor with light, making the room seem larger. Over-counter lights are considered task lighting and should illuminate what you're doing, but worktops can fall into shadow when you stand between them and the ceiling light. A way to avoid this is to go for lights built into units or buy strip lighting and position where needed.
- Bathroom-The bathrooms of today have come a long way from the "plain Jane" bathrooms of yesteryear. Today's bathroom's can often rival the most expensive spas. So keeping that in mind is important when choosing a lighting plan. It often works best to divide the bathroom into zones. Many people like lots of natural light over their shower and bath but want the option for lower more relaxing light for a long soak or steam. Sinks need to be lit from up above for help to illuminate washing, tooth brushing and the application of makeup. Lighting in your bathroom can be all hooked to electronic dimmers that can not only reduce brightness but change color as well.
- Living/Great room-For the large living spaces in your home you will want to consider what you are using them for most of the time. General lights are not the best for this area unless you are cleaning. Recessed lighting, spot lighting, lamps, nightlights can create any mood you want in this room. Be sure before installing lights that you think about how the room will be used. Ask yourself-Where will the television, computer or other work stations be? Be sure that you check for distracting glare and shadows. Lamps also work well in this room since they can be focused for specific tasks.
- Bedroom-Lighting may determine how much time you spend in your bedroom. Keep in mind that you want something nice and inviting but you don't want to much light in a room that you sleep in. Most designers recommend soft, ambient lighting for the bedroom in order to make sleep conducive. If you like to watch television or read in bed than investing in small lamps that can be easily turned off (even by remote) can make those tasks easier.
- The Great Outdoors-When making your overall lighting plan be sure that you do not forget the outdoors of your home. The options here are just as numerous as the inside of your home but are lots of fun to consider. Everything from solar spotlights to large tiki lights is available to light the outside of your home. A quick (usually no-cost) consultation with a landscape designer can set you on the right path to determine the right lighting plan for both security and beauty on the outside of your home.
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