If you have a room in your house that feels dark, drab, and uninviting, the good news is that there’s something you can do about it. Instead of leaving guests in the dark, so to speak, you can strategically use interior lighting to illuminate any living space.
This is where to start…
Decide on the type of lighting
No, not all lighting is the same. In any room in a house, it is best to mix two different light sources at various levels to create a subtle ambience, avoiding direct, harsh light. For example, in a home office, a ceiling light may be needed to bring plenty of light into a room, while a desk light or reading lamp can be used on a day-to-day basis to provide light while studying. or work on a computer. .
A bustling room like a kitchen will need even more overhead lighting, preferably with a dimmer to dim the lights during dinner. A kitchen can also benefit from under cabinet lights to provide adequate light for counter tops for better visibility when preparing food and cooking on a stove.
Start by identifying two necessary light sources per room; you can then select the specific type of lighting you need when shopping online or at a local hardware store.
Don’t forget the natural light
Yes, a well-lit room can come from natural light sources as a great way to cool down a space and save money on electricity. If a room has several large windows, be sure to strategically place furniture so the room is best lit throughout the day, even as the sun begins to set.
Of course, any room will require a lot of light in the evening hours; Make sure a room with large windows has adequate coverage with heavy curtains that can be drawn at night to prevent glare or reflection when turning on interior lights.
Additionally, a room with large windows and bright natural light can benefit from multiple lamps or a gel fuel fireplace, even during the day. If it’s cloudy outside, the lamps will help provide subtle interior light without overpowering the room.
Use mirrors strategically
In a room that has small windows with little natural light, you can use mirrors to reflect light sources and make the room appear even lighter and brighter. Even better, a dark, cramped room will benefit from light, refreshing paint colors like green, white, and yellow, as they will reflect light and help open up a space.
For best results, mount a mirror in a dark room strategically on the wall opposite a window. A mirror should be about the same size as a window to double the amount of natural light in a room during the day.
During the evening hours, a dark room can benefit from the addition of additional 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 light intensity as needed.
By using light sources on purpose, you can make the most of any interior space to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere!
