Have you ever noticed how your mood can change when you walk into a well-lit room? Possibly not, but that’s the power of lighting at work. It does more than just illuminate – it can transform any space from stark to cosy or dull to vibrant.
Changing up the ambience of your home and increasing its functionality doesn’t require overhauling your entire lighting system. A few simple tricks can dramatically enhance the atmosphere in every room without straining your budget. Here’s how you can use lighting to create the perfect home environment.
With these simple lighting tricks, you can enhance the functionality of your space and create a beautiful atmosphere in your home. And when it comes to making these changes economically, Go Switch can make sure your stylishly lit home is also energy-efficient, by comparing energy provider rates & finding you a great deal.
Optimise ambient lighting
Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, is the foundation of any good lighting plan. It fills the majority of a room with a uniform level of light.
For a perfect ambient setting, you can use overhead lights like pendants or chandeliers or wall-mounted fixtures, then add floor lamps to soften shadows and bring warmth to corners that overhead lights can’t reach. The goal is to mimic natural light, which creates a gentle backdrop for all the other lighting tricks you will apply.
Use task lighting for functionality
While ambient lighting sets the overall mood, task lighting focuses on specific areas to enhance functionality. This type of lighting is especially important in work areas like the kitchen, home office, bathroom or any space where you might need concentrated light to prevent eye strain.
Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, pendant lights over kitchen islands or dining tables and desk lamps in the study area are perfect examples of task lighting. They serve a practical purpose and enhance the overall aesthetics of the space.
Create drama with accent lighting
This is where you can really start to play with the atmosphere. Accent lighting is perfect for drawing attention to architectural details or showcasing art.
Use track lighting, spotlights or wall-mounted fixtures to spotlight paintings, sculptures or bookcases. It adds depth and dimension to a room, transforming flat walls into a dynamic part of your home’s decor.
Adjust the mood with light temperature
The colour temperature of your bulbs will alter the feel of your room. Opt for warmer tones to create a cosy ambience perfect for living areas and bedrooms, or choose cooler lights to energise spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.
Play with light placement
The position of your lights can be just as important as the type of lighting itself. Strategic light placement creates a sense of depth, highlights specific features and avoids harsh shadows or overly bright areas.
Instead of depending solely on one central overhead light, try spreading various light sources around the room at different heights. Incorporating table lamps, floor lamps and even uplighting can introduce a rich, layered feel to your decor.
Additionally, consider installing dimmers to adjust the light intensity according to the time of day. Using dimmers to lower the lights in the evening can create a soft, relaxed environment that’s ideal for unwinding after a busy day.