Well-lit homes are not only pleasing to the eye, but they also foster productivity and promote emotional and mental well-being. However, making your home brighter goes far beyond just adding a few extra bulbs here and there. If you really want to incorporate lighting solutions into your house’s décor, then it must be done tastefully because you definitely do not want to end up with garish-looking rooms.
Don’t worry, though; you will not need to enlist the help of a professional to achieve this. By implementing the following suggestions, you can say goodbye to dreary-looking rooms and transform your house into an airy, bright sanctuary. So, just keep on reading to learn more.
Add a Variety of Light Sources
A big mistake most homeowners make is using only one type of lighting solution. This, of course, will only make your house look lifeless and boring. On the other hand, incorporating more than one source of light in a room can elevate its overall feel and make it a lot brighter. Experts usually recommend adding several layers of light for optimal results. This entails relying on natural light in conjunction with other options like pendants, reading lamps, and overhead fixtures. You may also want to add some under-cabinet and under-counter fixtures in your kitchen. Not only will this make your kitchen cozier, but it will also help avoid unnecessary accidents by allowing you to see what you are doing when using sharp tools. In any case, since you will be spreading out lighting solutions across the room in question, you should go for low wattage bulbs to avoid making it overly bright or too eye-straining.
Change Your Bulbs
If you have noticed that your house looks a little bit dim, then the bulbs you are using might be the culprit. This is especially the case if you are using fluorescent bulbs since they tend to make colors and other décor elements look washed out and dull. Instead, you can invest either in compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. Both are great options, but LED bulbs have an extra edge over other types of lighting options. Not only are they brighter, but they are also more energy-efficient, saving you up to 75% more compared to other variants. They also come in a range of bright colors, so you can mix and match according to the décor of the room in question. As for the cost, they are pretty cheap nowadays, averaging at $5 in most stores.
Purchase a Chandelier
Some lighting solutions can be decorative pieces in themselves. To add a little more pizazz to your living room, you might want to purchase a chandelier. However, chandeliers come in all shapes and sizes, so the catalog at lighting-style.co.uk might be a good place to start your search. As a general rule of thumb, you need to measure the dimensions of your room (i.e., its length and width). Then, add these two numbers to calculate the diameter of the chandelier you should get. This way, you can ensure that it will be the focal point of the room. If you want to transform your bathroom into a luxurious spa, we recommend adding a chandelier there as well!
Install Dimmers
Indubitably, dimmers can add a touch of drama to any room, not to mention that they are great for those late-night reading sessions when bright light may be too eye-straining. They are also an amazing investment if you are looking for ways to save some money on your monthly utility bill. That said, installing dimmers all over your house can be a bit cumbersome in case you are not exactly a fixer-upper kind of person. This is why most people hire professional technicians to get the job done. However, if you are willing to put in some elbow grease, following a beginner’s guide can be helpful. Just make sure that you have all the tools you need at hand before you start (e.g., a screwdriver, electric tapes, wire nuts, etc.).
Get Some Extra Mirrors
Because they are great at reflecting light, mirrors can complement your lighting fixtures, adding to their effect. Moreover, they can make small rooms appear bigger, so if you live in an apartment, a couple of decorative mirrors can be a worthwhile investment. This does not mean that you can just add a mirror and a few lights and call it a day. For example, your bathroom mirrors should have sconces on either side, but make sure to place them as close as you can get them to eye-level to help you see better in the morning when you are putting on makeup or shaving. When it comes to including mirrors in other rooms, it is preferable to add a dangling light fixture in front of them to accentuate their effect and give the impression of more depth.
Don’t Discount the Power of Natural Light
With all the above tips, it might be tempting to discount the effect of natural light, but what most of us forget is that we need it to thrive! If you want an uncomplicated method to make your house brighter, you cannot go wrong with adding a few more windows. You should also get rid of heavy curtains, if you have any, and go for lightweight materials.; cotton is often the best option in this scenario. Make sure to have a window in each room if possible. You may also turn one of your unused rooms into a sunroom and add some potted plants around the space. This will give you an excuse to get some much-needed vitamin D, not to mention that you will have a new cozy room to work, read, or entertain guests in.
Adding extra lights to your house can considerably change its ambiance. But, as we’ve mentioned before, it should be done tastefully. When in doubt, we recommend sticking to one style to avoid making your living space an eyesore. So, focus on one vibe like mid-century, for example, for the best results. You should also keep the new changes to a minimum until you are sure that your home needs more fixtures.
