Nothing lights up a space better than a beautiful chandelier, a classic pendant, or a stunning lamp. But there is a formula to effectively lighting a home. It’s all about having the right light for the right mood or task. So here are my 4 best tips for shining bright (or not) in your home!

1. Consider the Task

Each room has a purpose and a way that you and your family will live in it. You might have a game room for board games, a special place in your living where you’ll read at night, or a homework station for your teen. Each of those tasks needs specific lighting. That’s why designers like me are always asking so many questions about how you live in your home. We have to know where you’ll need light. So the first thing you may notice about that photo above is the stunning chandelier. But the workhorse in the room will be the lovely lamps just behind the chairs. They’ll provide the perfect light for reading at night!

2. Consider the Mood

In a kitchen, you definitely want a lot of great light when you cook. The canned lights and the task lighting definitely help brighten the room. But then when you sit down with friends and family, you might want a quieter mood. I like to bring in pendants and chandeliers over a dining room table so my clients can tone down the brightness to a level they like. So that includes putting those lights on dimmer switches. They help you create a personalized lighting mood for each room.

3. Flattery Is Key

Have you ever looked at yourself in a bathroom mirror and thought, “Is THAT me??” The problem was probably overhead lighting. In a bathroom, you do want good bright lighting, especially for shaving or putting on makeup. But the best light for those tasks is not overhead light, That would be side lights like the sconces above. They give you plenty of brightness, but they won’t cast ugly shadows over your pretty face!

4. Bedside Manner

I would argue that your bedside is one of the most important lighting areas in your home. Many people read in bed, or watch TV, so they need a bit of light that isn’t too harsh. But in the mornings you may want brighter overhead lighting so you can find your shoes! Consider layering in a lot of options, and think about triple switches and dimmers in this room, too. That will help you find your perfect light setting, morning to night!

What do you think about these lighting ideas? Let me know in the comments section below!

Warmly,

Beth