Your guide to the perfect interior lighting

 Determine what your lighting goals are.  

Direct or task lighting is focused in the space you are trying to work. Ambient or indirect lighting is used for ambiance and for overall lighting of a space. Once chosen you can begin to choose lighting options.  Each room in your home should have a mood you want to set, as well as a function you want your lighting to serve. Choose the right amount of light for your room by using the calculation in our other blog post.

Use multiple light sources for one space. 

This will help you to achieve a variety of functions and activities in one space and it will reduce shadows.  Have a mix of light sources at different levels (recessed, suspension lamps, wall scones,…) to create a flattering ambiance and add appropriate task lighting for whatever you do in that space. In the kitchen, under counter lights can provide great task lighting. While in a living room, opt for a floor lamp next to a couch or favorite reading chair

Choose your chandeliers wisely. 

Because of the central position in a space a chandelier determines largely the decorating value of it. Ask yourself if you want it to be an eye catcher or should it blend in?  In any way and whichever is your décor choice, measure out the space, and ceiling height before ordering to ensure enough head room will be available below the hanging chandelier.

Highlight the room's highlights.

Go for green and save! 

85% of the cost of lighting are energy costs so it pays off rather fast to switch to energy saving alternatives like LED. A little bit more expensive at the registry but far cheaper on your next energy bill. Don’t like the white color? Look on the packaging for the color temperature; 2700K is perfect for ambiance, 3000k for task lighting.