7 Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Space

Furniture and decor can complete any space. But to give it life, you need lighting that will complement any room. Here are 7 lighting ideas to try for your new home or office space.

Before that, here are the lighting types that interior designers use. Plus, we also list the importance of lighting in your newly designed space.

Types of Lighting

In interior design, there are four types of lighting. They are:

• Ambient – This refers to the general lighting of any space or room. Natural lighting is one form of ambient lighting.
• Accent – This lighting style only illuminates certain pieces of any room or space
• Task – This lighting type is to help any individual accomplish any task, such as reading or cooking
• Decorative – As the name suggests, decorative lighting is to provide an aesthetic value to the space

Importance of Lighting

• Sets the tone and mood of the room
• Creates a warm and inviting ambiance
• Adds color to the room
• Provides aesthetic value
• Highlights decor and other pieces

7 Lighting Ideas

1. Layer Your Lights

Layering your lights requires various lighting fixtures in one room or space. This allows you to try multiple lighting types in one area. For example, you can use natural light in the morning. Then as the sun sets, you can use a floor lamp to brighten the room or a wall sconce to highlight pieces or set the mood.

2. Choose the Right Bulbs and Shades

The right bulbs also contribute to the overall mood and ambiance. When you select the right bulbs, you control the lighting temperature. Warm lights are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Meanwhile, your bathroom can either have warm or cooler temperatures.

If you have an eclectic style, you can choose colorful light bulbs to provide color to your room. Or, it’s something that could reflect your personality.

3. Select a Focal Point

Decor and furniture are usually the focal points of any room. However, lighting fixtures can also act as the focus in any space. A chandelier is the best example of a focal point lighting fixture. Go for a modern chandelier style that can capture your guests’ eyes.

4. Adjust with Dimmers or Smart Lighting Apps

Dimmers are an excellent option for your home. It’s great, especially if you host lunches or dinners with guests. You can also have dimmers when watching a movie in the living room with the family.

Plus, thanks to the power of smartphones, you can switch lights on and off using your device. Some smart lighting apps have a dimmer option. Aside from that, you can change light colors and adjust the light temperature.

5. Switch Between Task and Ambient Lighting

This lighting idea works best for home office spaces. Many experts recommend natural lighting, especially when you’re at home. Not only is this energy-saving, but your body will thank you if you use natural lighting daily. However, the sun doesn’t always shine. That’s why task lighting is a great option before the sun sets. But if you’re still working at night, add ambient lighting to your workspace to make your room lit.

6. Mix and Match Various Fixtures

Most interior design styles dictate that you should stick to one color palette or texture. However, mixing and matching can make a space more vibrant or dynamic. It’s what gives your space more character. That said, lighting fixtures can also be mixed and matched in your space. For example, you can have a floor lamp, sconce, and pendant in your living room.

Another way to consider this is through height. For example, go with a high floor lamp in one area and a smaller one for your coffee table.

7. Use Lighting Fixtures to Decorate

Many lighting fixtures are decorative pieces. Make your space brighter and more colorful by using them as decor. Table lamps are the best decorative items to add to your bedroom, living room, or even office space. But if you’re not fond of those, you can decorate your space with floor lamps or sconces.

Where to Buy Lights

Do you want to try these lighting ideas for your space but don’t know where to buy the pieces? Here are the best places to buy your new lighting fixtures:

• Wayfair
• Urban Outfitters
• Ikea
• YLighting
• Lamps Plus
• Shades of Light
• West Elm

Final Thoughts

Lighting doesn’t only illuminate a space. It also serves an aesthetic purpose. The best thing about light fixtures is you can consider them as part of your furniture, and you can decorate your space with them. Additionally, with lighting, you can combine functionality and aesthetics to create a well-lit room to set the mood and create a cozy and comfortable ambiance.