subject: What Are The Top Indoor Lighting Options? [print this page] It can be difficult to decide which lighting option will work best in your home. In the past, there weren't many options to choose from but in recent years that has changed. Finding the best option amongst the offerings can be quite a challenge. Do you want track or bulb lighting? Have you considered using halogens or would you prefer fluorescent bulbs? Researching will help you find which option is the best for your home. Here are some things to help you in your research.
Is there an area that would benefit from special lighting? Are special switches needed, or do the lights need to be lower? Do you need special types of light or maybe dimmers? Homes with certain types of light can benefit those with disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some people also need to make accommodations for others with special needs. Lower light switches or even a remote would be helpful for someone who uses a wheelchair. Will those that visit your home benefit from these things? Your lights need to meet any special requirements you may have.
Researching the types of available bulbs will be important as well. Incandescent bulbs are the majority of bulbs used as well as the more energy efficient bulbs that have come on the market lately. There are, of course, other types of light available. Fluorescent bulbs are still an option as are halogen lights. Halogen bulbs can cost you more to replace, however they usually last longer than incandescent bulbs. Halogen bulbs have also been found to radiate less heat, which will be nice in the summer months. Of course, if you like the idea of heating up a room as well as lighting it, you can use incandescent bulbs to do that as well.
When you are figuring out your indoor lighting options, don't forget about the rest of your home's decorating scheme. The fact is that there are so many lighting choices out there that you'll have an easier time choosing your lights if you stick to your decorating scheme than if you don't. A house that creates tiny pockets of mood (reading corners, office corners, etc) won't be well served with lots of diffuse lights. It is better to use small lamps in these areas to help focus your and other people's attentions. Even your kitchen lights can be chosen based on your home's decorating scheme. Use track lights for your kitchen if the rest of your home has been decorated in soft tones (fluorescent bulbs won't match as well).
Your options are endless, once you decide to change your indoor lighting. Try thinking outside of the box and beyond the typical overhead light and couch side reading lamps. Of course you want your lighting to be function able, but remember to make it beautiful as well. Choosing lighting should be fun and your personality should shine through those choices. Remember to do your research and in no time you can light your home, creatively and affordably.
