Why Lighting Matters #1

There are so many things to be said about lighting in a home and I will talk about all of it, but in this post I’m only going to be discussing the design components of lighting, what it adds to your space and why it’s the cherry on top.

Lighting is a functional accessory for your home. It is essential when it’s dark, but it is so much more than that. Start thinking about your light fixtures and lamps as the jewelry of your room and you will instantly elevate your interior style.

Lights are really not a difficult and expensive investment. You also do not necessarily need an electrician if all you’re doing is switching things out on a wall or overhead. My husband does this for me, but a good you tube video will walk you through it. Be safe. Make sure you turn off electrical before doing anything and you will be good.

Overhead lighting.

Bye bye boob light!

First of all, if you have the dreaded boob light, get rid of it immediately. You would be better off with a hanging bare light bulb than those ugly things. These are the lights that most builders put in bedrooms. There is nothing that screams “builder grade” than one of these light fixtures.

How to choose an overhead light.

1. Determine what type of light you need.

   Chandelier - Largest overhead light. Typically placed in a large living room, bedroom, vaulted entry or dining room.

   Pendant - Small chandelier. Best above kitchen island, smaller entrywall, hallway, bedroom, bathroom.

   Flush mount - Smaller light flush with ceiling. Not usually suitable for a large space. Best for bedroom, bathroom, hallway, closet, laundry.

   Semi flush - Same style as flush, except a short rod bring the fixture down slightly from ceiling. Most suitable in same areas as flush mount.

   Is it for above a kitchen table? You need a chandelier.

   Is it above an island? Depending on the size, you probably need 2 or 3 pendants.

   Is it in a bedroom? You will want a chandelier, flush mount or semi flush mount.

   Is it for an entryway? Again depending on the size of the space and the height of your ceilings, you might need a chandelier, a pendant or a semi flush mount.

2. Determine what color/finish you want. Do you like brushed nickel, black iron or traditional brass? I do not believe that all finishes in your space need to match. If you have black hardware and you love a brass chandelier. Get it. Do what you love.

3. Figure out what size you need. You do not want something too small or it will look funny, like you couldn’t afford the right size so you settled for smaller. Do not do this. If you’ve found the light of your dreams, but it’s too expensive either wait for a sale or find something similar more cost friendly. Do not get smaller because it’s less expensive. I think this is a bigger problem than a light that is too large. From a design standpoint, the bigger the better especially if it’s a really great statement lighting. The only real problem with too large is that if our furniture is small, your scale will be off and if it hangs too low it could be dangerous.

There are some great guides to help when choosing lighting. Here’s a helpful guide from Wayfair.

Don’t be afraid to go bold with your lighting.

Let’s say you like neutral decor and your style is transitional. Put something on your ceiling like the above chandelier and it becomes the centerpiece for your room. All visitors will immediately be drawn to it just like a statement piece of jewelry.

Rainbow? Why not?

Beach house? Yes, please.

There is so much more to discuss about lighting. Next up…wall lights and lamps.