How To Select the Right Lighting

From the kitchen to the bedroom, lighting plays a significant role in not just how a room looks but how it feels. Although the lighting style is important, there is more to the equation. Each room has its own needs, and it can be challenging to balance beauty and function.

When done right, lighting promotes productivity or feelings of comfort and relaxation. It can define a space and bring people together. Lighting also affects how we see color and perceive textures. On top of this, light fixtures can be the main style feature in a room. This home lighting guide will arm you with the information you need to begin your lighting design plan journey at a lighting store near you.

Picking Your Lighting Fixtures

When choosing lighting for your home, the first thing you think about is the style of the fixtures. While this is important, filling the space with the right brightness level is also critical.
Each type of light fixture plays a vital role in a room’s look and functionality. Here are some of the most common types of light fixtures, along with their applications:

• Hanging fixtures and ceiling lights: Chandeliers, pendants, and flush mounts provide ambient light and decorative style to any room.
• Wall sconces: Sconces are decorative and can be used for ambient or task lighting. Usually installed in pairs, they can be used in hallways, bedrooms, and dining rooms.
• Floor lamps: As the name states, these lamps rest on the floor. They are generally portable and can be used as task lighting in a living room or desk.
• Accent lamps: This portable lighting is used as task lighting in living rooms, on buffets, and as bedside lighting.

Choosing the Right Brightness & Tone

Making sure you have the right lighting in each room ensure you get the most out of every room in your home. These tips will help you choose the right brightness and tone for all the areas in a home.

• Living Room: This room needs task and ambient lighting. That means chandeliers or pendants overhead for a warm, ambient glow and table and floor lamps that direct bright lighting right where it is needed. Warmer color lighting temperatures will make the room feel cozier, and use a dimmer switch to control the brightness from overhead lighting. Ambient lighting between 1,500 and 3,000 lumens works well, and task lighting should be at least 400 lumens.
• Kitchen: Bright light in the kitchen is essential for food prep; anywhere between 4,000 to 8,000 lumens should work. In an open concept floorplan where the kitchen is often an entertainment and workspace, a dimmer will help set the appropriate brightness. LED under cabinet lights and pendants over the island can provide ambient and task lighting. Use a warm white light that looks good with any color palette.
• Dining Room: Warm light in the dining room creates an inviting space for dining and socializing. Keeping the lighting brighter lets family and guests – when entertaining – see what they’re eating. However, sometimes lower lighting is preferred. A dimmer switch allows you to create the perfect mood for your gatherings.
• Bedroom: Keep the lighting low and the color temperature warm to encourage rest and relaxation. Bedside lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces are great for reading. Task lighting should be at least 500 lumens each. Pendants, chandeliers, and flush mounts provide ambient lighting that should be between 2,000-4,000 lumens.
• Bathroom: The lighting in this room needs to be functional and bright. A wall light next to the mirror keeps shadows off your face. The mirror task light should be at least 1,700 lumens, and the ambient light should be between 4,000-8,000 lumens.
• Entryway, Hallways & Stairs. These in-between areas need ambient lighting of 1,200 and 4,000 lumens to keep them well-lighted and functional. In these darker, smaller areas where artwork is displayed, it will look stunningly illuminated with small picture lights.

Create Your Lighting Store Plan

The best place to find all the fixtures you need is at a lighting store in Paramus near you. They have a vast selection and industry-trained and certified consultants ready to help. You’ll find the latest designs and classics for every room and every design style.