subject: Strategic Lighting Design Can Brighten Up Any Room [print this page] If you have a room in your home that feels dark, drab, and uninviting, the good news is that there is something you can do about it. Instead of leaving guests in the dark, so to speak, you can use interior lighting strategically to brighten up any living space.
Here's where to begin
Decide on the Type of Lighting
No, not all lighting is created equal. In any room in a house, it's best to mix two different light sources at various levels to create a subtle ambience, avoiding harsh, direct light. For example, in a home office, an overhead light may be necessary to provide ample light to a room, while a desk light or reading lamp can be used on a day-to-day basis to offer light while studying or working on a computer.
A bustling room like a kitchen will need even more overhead light, preferably with a dimmer to turn the lights down low during dinner. A kitchen may also benefit from under-cabinet lights to provide suitable light for countertops for better visibility when preparing food and cooking on a stovetop.
Start by identifying two necessary light sources per room; you can then select the specific type of lighting that you need when shopping online or at a local hardware store.
Don't Forget Natural Light
Yes, a brightly lit room can come from natural light sources as a great way to refresh a space and save money on electricity. If a room has a number of large windows, make sure to position furniture strategically so that the room is better lit throughout the day, even as the sun starts to go down.
Of course, any room will require ample light in the nighttime hours; make sure that a room with large windows has proper coverage with heavy curtains that can be drawn in the evening to prevent a glare or reflection when turning on interior lights.
Additionally, a room with large windows and bright natural light can benefit from several lamps or a gel fuel fireplace, even in the daytime hours. If it happens to be overcast outside, lamps will help to provide subtle indoor light without overpowering a room.
Use Mirrors Strategically
In a room that has small windows with little natural light, you can use mirrors to reflect light sources to make a room appear even lighter and brighter. Even better, a dark, cramped room will benefit from light, refreshing paint colors like green, white, and yellow since they will reflect light and help to open up a space.
For the best results, mount a mirror in a dark room strategically on the wall opposite a window. A mirror should be roughly the same size as a window to double the amount of natural light in a room in the daytime.
During nighttime hours, a dark room can benefit from the addition of extra lighting fixtures. Most interior design experts recommend track lighting or recessed lighting installed around the perimeter of a room with a dimmer switch to customize the light intensity as needed.
By using light sources purposefully, you can make the most of any interior space to create a bright, welcoming environment!
