When choosing new lighting for your home it can be difficult to know where to start. With so many options available, it’s important to consider a few key factors before making your final decision. A well-designed lighting plan can enhance the look and feel of your home, while also serving practical needs such as task lighting and ambient lighting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best lighting for your home.
1. Bulb Warmth And Colour
The warmth and colour of the bulbs you choose can affect the mood of the rooms in your home. There are three main levels to choose from, measured in Kelvins (K):
- Warm white bulbs (2700K-3000K) are perfect for creating a warm and cosy atmosphere in areas such as living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. These bulbs emit a yellow-toned light that feels inviting and relaxing.
- Cool white bulbs are great for areas where you need a brighter and more energetic ambience. These bulbs emit a white light that feels clean and modern. Consider using cool white bulbs in kitchens, bathrooms and work areas where you need a brighter light to complete tasks.
- Daylight bulbs (5000K-6500K) are ideal for areas where you need a bright and natural light. These bulbs emit a white light like daylight and are great for reading and working. Consider using daylight bulbs in study areas and workspaces.
2. Your Home Design And Style
The design and style of your home should also be taken into consideration when choosing new lighting. The lighting should complement the overall aesthetic of your home and enhance the design elements you want to showcase. Consider the colour palette, furniture and architectural elements of your home to help guide your lighting selection. You may also want to consider the overall style of your home, such as contemporary, traditional or rustic, to ensure that your lighting choice fits in with the design scheme.
3. Consider How You Use The Space
Think about how you use each room in your home and what type of lighting will best serve your needs. For example, in a kitchen, task lighting may be important for food preparation, while in a living room, ambient lighting may be more suitable for relaxing and entertaining. Consider what activities take place in each room and choose lighting fixtures that will meet those needs.
4. Ceiling Height
The ceiling height of your home should also be taken into consideration when choosing new lighting. For high ceilings, it’s best to use lights that will provide ample illumination and add visual interest to the space, such as:
- Pendant lights
- Chandeliers
- Track lighting
- Recessed lighting
- Floor lamps
When choosing lighting for high ceilings, it’s important to consider the size of the room, the intended use, and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. It may also be helpful to consult with an experienced electrician or professional lighting designer for the best results.
If your ceilings are low, you may want to choose fixtures that are close to the ceiling to make the room feel more spacious. Some great lighting options for low ceilings include:
- Flush mount lights
- Wall sconces
- Recessed lighting
- Table lamps
- Track lighting
5. Consider Ceiling Fans
If you’re looking to both light and cool your space, a ceiling fan with a light fixture might be the solution. Combination lighting and ceiling fans not only provide much-needed air circulation but also add an extra lighting source to the room. Choose one that matches your design style and provides enough lighting to meet your needs.
6. Professional Advice And Installation
Professional advice and installation for your new lighting will help you get the job done right the first time, without needing to make costly changes. A licensed electrician can help you choose the best fixtures for your home and ensure they are installed safely and correctly. Installing new lighting can involve complex electrical work, so it’s always best to leave it to the professionals to ensure the safety and longevity of your lighting system.
Your Local Electrician
If you’re installing new lighting, contact us at O'Brien Electrical Castle Hill today for reliable and professional electrical services. Our team of knowledgeable electricians are ready to assist you 24/7. Whether you need electrical maintenance, installation or repairs, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call on (02) 9894 4843 or reach out to us online now to schedule your appointment.
