5 Tips for Choosing Lighting

When visiting clients’ homes for consultations, I have noticed that lighting often needs attention due to insufficient or harsh light, inconsistent color, or unsuitable fixtures. Use this article as a guide to help you with choosing lights.

5 Tips for Choosing Lighting:

1. Lighting Types – Generally, a room with three light sources offers a balanced look. The categories break down into ambient (general lighting), task (light required to read, work on projects, cook), and accent lighting (highlight an area or an object in a room.)
2. Lamp Shades – Choose the same color for all lampshades. I like all-white shades. If it works for the base, my favorite shape is the drum shape, as it maximizes light and color. Pay attention to how the shade connects to the lamp (via a harp, a clip, or a universal fitter) and decide if that fits the lamp you want to purchase. Also, consider the lampshade material and inner lining color as they affect what color you will see when filtered through the shade. Note:  When updating a lamp with a new shade, always be sure the bulb and harp are not visible.
3. Light Bulbs – Choose the same color light bulb for all light sources. When choosing LED lightbulbs, I prefer a warm light over a cold one. To better understand the effect of light bulb color on a room, click here.
4. Choosing a Lamp Size – When choosing a lamp, consider the size of the furniture around it and the height of the lamp. Remember, the bottom of the lampshade needs to be at the eye level of a person sitting on a chair or couch. The same rule applies to bedroom lamps when sitting in bed. As sofas and chairs are of varying heights, have a seat and get an idea of where the bottom of the shade will hit; you don’t want to be staring at the light.
5. Style – All of the lamps in a room do not have to match. If you have several lamps that you love but need a fresh look, purchase new lampshades that are all similar in shape and color. If you want a floor lamp, choose a color that complements or matches the room’s existing lamps. For example, if you have a specific metal featured in a room, gold or silver, you can unify the lamps with the floor lamp by choosing the same metal.

Have fun choosing or updating the lighting in your home; it is one of the easiest ways to give a room a fresh look! If you need help pulling a room together, call me at 610-955-8202 or email me.

By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Houzz. Feature image licensed from Danielcc | Shutterstock.