The 3 Best Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Lighting
Good lighting can make your home look better, feel more welcoming, and even save you money, so upgrading the lighting in your home is a smart move. Better lighting can make your home more modern. It can also make it easier to do things like read or cook. Plus, with energy-saving options, you can cut down on your electricity bills.
Rooms that are too dark can seem unwelcoming or even gloomy. While upgrading your home’s lighting might seem straightforward, it can be quite challenging if you aren’t sure what to do. You need to think about where lights are placed, how bright they are, and what kind of mood they create in each room. In this article, we will go over the best ways you can upgrade your home’s lighting.
1 – Assess your current lighting situation
Before you make any changes, take some time to see what your lighting situation currently is. Look around your home and notice the lighting in each room. Ask yourself if the light is enough for what you do in those spaces. For example, is your kitchen bright enough for cooking? Is your living room cozy enough for relaxing? Sometimes, you might find a room is too dark or the light too harsh.
One common issue is relying too much on one light source without adding other types of lighting. Although a large size chandelier is a great option for a space, it might not provide enough light for the whole room. Or, it might create shadows in areas that need more light. This is especially true in large rooms or spaces with high ceilings so think about multiple sources of light.
Also, take mental note of where shadows fall. Are there parts of your home that always seem dim, no matter how bright the lights are? These shadowy spots can make your home feel less welcoming. They can also make it hard to do tasks that need good light, like reading or cooking.
2 – Choose the right fixtures
Choosing the right fixtures and bulbs is key to upgrading your home’s lighting. There are many types to consider. Ceiling fixtures are common and can light up a whole room. Recessed lights are tucked away and give a clean look. They’re great for rooms with low ceilings. Pendant lights hang down and add style. They work well over dining tables or kitchen islands.
When it comes to bulbs, the three main types are LED, incandescent, and CFLs. LED bulbs are very energy-efficient and last a long time. They cost more upfront but save money in the long run. Incandescent bulbs are less expensive but use more energy and don’t last as long. CFLs are a middle ground. They’re more efficient than incandescent bulbs and cheaper than LEDs, but some people don’t like the light they give off.
The color temperature of a bulb can change the mood of a room. Bulbs with a warm, yellow light make a space feel cozy. Bulbs with a cool, blue light are good for focus and tasks. The color temperature you choose should match what you do in each room.
Smart lighting is another option. Smart bulbs and systems let you control your lights with a phone or voice commands. You can adjust brightness, color, and even set schedules. With these bulbs you’ll make your home more comfortable and save energy. Smart lighting might cost more at first, but many people find the convenience and features worth it especially if they already have other smart home features.
3 – Consider the installation
When you decide on the right lights you can choose the DIY route for installation or have a professional take care of it.
DIY installation can be a good choice for simple projects, like replacing bulbs or adding plug-in lamps. But for more complex tasks, like installing new fixtures or working with wiring, it’s often safer to hire a professional. This is especially true if you need to add new wiring or switches. Professionals know how to do the job safely and meet all the local building codes.
If you do decide to take the DIY route, always turn off the power at the circuit breaker before starting any work. Use a voltage tester to make sure the wires are not live. Never work on electrical systems in wet areas or if you’re standing on a wet floor. If you’re not sure about something, it’s better to call a professional than risk an accident.
