HOW TO: Choose the Right Lighting for Your Space
HOW TO: Choose the Right Lighting for Your Space

Lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design. It can affect how you feel, how you work, and how you enjoy your space. But with so many options and factors to consider, how do you choose the best lighting for your space? Here are some tips to help you out.

KNOW THE BASICS OF LIGHTING

Before you start shopping for light fixtures, you need to understand some basic terms and concepts of lighting. Two things to consider when choosing a light bulb are watts and lumen. A light bulb’s wattage measures how much energy it uses. Lumens, on the other hand, measure a light bulb’s brightness — the higher the value, the more light it emits. You also need to know the color temperature of the light bulb, which is measured in kelvins (K). The lower the kelvin number, the warmer and more yellow the light; the higher the kelvin number, the cooler and more blue the light. The color temperature of the light can affect the mood and ambiance of your space, in fact, it can change the color of your light. For example, if you use a warmer bulb, it will change a stainless finish to a champaign finish.

MAP IT OUT

Layer in the light the best lighting designs start with task and accent lighting – and sometimes you end up not even needing that ceiling light at all! When it comes to designing your space, make a little map of light based on how you are planning to use the space. Add in task lighting first — a floor lamp where you know you’ll want to read, for instance. Then any accent lights — a plug in wall sconce to fill up an empty wall and add some varying height. Finally, add in the general fixture, like the chandelier above the table. Every room should aim to have 2-3 sources of light to achieve a nice balance and that gorgeous ambient lighting!

NARROW DOWN YOUR STYLE

There are a lot of amazing options out there, so this can get overwhelming. But if you start by narrowing down your overall aesthetic, it will help! Is your space California cool, mid-century modern, or farmhouse chic? After defining your room, start to search for fixtures that fit within that design style. Websites and magazines can help you find your style too!

GET TO KNOW YOUR BULBS

The last step is to choose the right bulbs for your fixtures. As mentioned earlier, you need to consider the wattage, lumens, and color temperature of the bulbs. You also need to consider the shape and size of the bulbs, as well as the base type. Some bulbs are more energy-efficient than others, such as LED or CFL bulbs; some bulbs are more suitable for certain fixtures than others, such as halogen or incandescent bulbs; and some bulbs are more compatible with dimmers than others.

Happy Decorating!

Dezego Designs

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