While you can apply the same general theme when it comes to decorating the different areas in your home, you can't use the same lighting scheme. Different rooms have different functions, and as such need to be illuminated differently in order to fulfil them best. The following tips on choosing light fixtures can help you make sure you're home is both functional and attractive.
Living Room
The living room is the most frequently used area in any home as it can play so many different roles. Whether it's welcoming guests, watching a movie, reading a book or simply relaxing, a combination of different light fixtures can make the living room fit for every occasion. For instance, you can use strip lights around the moulding in the walls to impress your guests. Or if you're not into drama, you can achieve an intriguing effect with wall sconces, lamps and lanterns. For general ambient lighting, a chandelier works great, but if you want a more modern look, you can use pendant lights or several recessed lights. For task lighting, desk lamps are the best choice. Because all these occasions are mostly connected to leisure time, it's good to avoid very bright blue-emitting bulbs that prompt higher serotonin development which gives us energy. Appropriate living room light brightness should range between 1500 and 3000 lumens.
Kitchen
The kitchen is essentially where many of us start their mornings. If it's windowless, then the lighting will have the sole responsibility of waking us up and keeping us alert while preparing breakfast. And blue-light emitting bulbs over the counters can have just what it takes to succeed in that. And over the table, a dimmable overhead pendant light or chandelier with bulbs warmer colour can help create a nice ambience to soothe the brighter lights over the counters. The appropriate brightness of the kitchen lights should be 4000 – 8000 Lumens.
Bathroom
First thing in the morning, before going out to work, to school or simply out and about, you will need need to perform our grooming ritual in front of the bathroom mirror. To get the right idea of how we look, the light shouldn't come directly from the ceiling, but actually from around the mirror. A bright wall mounted fixture on both sides of the mirror will make sure we don't do a terrible job with our make up or cut ourselves shaving. You can also use strip lighting around your mirror to create a similar effect with a more dramatic touch. Downlights on the ceiling can be used as general lighting in this area.
Bedroom
In any bedroom lighting plan, you must not skip the closet lighting and bedside reading lamp. For the closet use a ceiling-mounted fixture with a brightness of 400 Lumens. The reading lamp should have a minimum of 500 Lumens and an adjustable arm so that you can direct the light on your book. Because the bedroom is a place where a relaxing atmosphere is a must, avoid creating ambient lighting with ceiling-mounted chandeliers and instead try a pair of sconces or some floor lamps.
