Lighting is a significant factor that determines the character and utility of an area and its energy consumption. With the right light fixtures, a room can be made to look better and more beautiful while at the same time offering the right kind of light that is needed in the space. But, selecting the right lighting system is not a piece of cake. Many homeowners and designers are now able to choose from a vast array of designs, types, and characteristics.
In this complete guide, we'll look at the things you should and should not do when choosing light fixtures. This way, we will explain some mistakes that should be avoided and reveal the key recommendations to follow. Whether you are remodeling your home, planning a new construction, or just want to change the lighting in your space, this article will be your guide.
As we explore the finer points of light fixture selection, we will also discuss the benefits of today's LED fixtures. These creative lighting options are a perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality and are rapidly gaining popularity for use in modern homes. When you complete this guide, you will be fully prepared to select lighting that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also positively impacts the environment and the overall comfort of your home.
Example of using recessed LED lighting in the living room
Dos of Choosing Light Fixtures
Choosing the appropriate light fittings for your home or office can be a powerful decision that can alter a space's practical and visual aspects. Whether you are lighting up a kitchen, living room, or a home office, you need the right light to make the space functional and create the right mood. Here are some tips that may help you make the right decision when choosing lighting and ensuring that the lighting in your home will be functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Do Consider the Function of the Space
When choosing the light fixtures, one must consider the purpose of the room. Not all areas need the same kind of lighting, and the type of lighting you select should match the purpose of the room. For instance, task lighting is ideal in kitchens or home offices where people need enough light to prepare food or work. LED track lights and pendant fixtures give off specific light that is useful for tasks and also gives the space a contemporary look.
However, ambient lighting is most appropriate for spaces such as the living room or the bedroom, where the emphasis is on comfort. In these spaces, one can use softer lights like wall sconces or floor lamps to give the room a comfortable feeling. Thus, if you choose the proper lighting for each room, depending on the purpose of the room, you will be able to make each space look good and functional.
Don't Overlook Fixture Height and Placement
Explains our expert Sergio Andriichenko, LED Lighting Specialist at LED Lights Direct.
Sergio Andriichenko
An expert in the design of new lighting concepts, explained how dimmable lighting is changing the approach to lighting.
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As an LED lighting expert at LED Lights Direct, I explain the importance of fixture placement. The height you install your lights is often the difference between a great-looking and a good-looking room. This is not just about the looks; it is about how best to design something that will look good and work well.
When it comes to pendant lights in kitchens, we at LED Lights Direct suggest placing them 30 to 36 inches from the countertop. This height allows for adequate task lighting without getting in the way of what you are trying to see. For dining areas, chandeliers should be installed at a height of 30 to 34 inches from the table. This gives the space a cozy dining experience while at the same time having an open concept.
Please bear in mind that these are merely guidelines and not set-in-stone rules. The main idea is to try and see which method is the most effective for your area. At LED Lights Direct, we usually suggest our clients use adjustable fixtures that enable easy changes in height. When you consider all these factors, not only will you be creating good lighting in your space, but you will also be enhancing the look of your space.
You can contact us at LED Lights Direct if you need more information about LED lighting solutions. We are here to help you make your home as bright as possible in the easiest and most aesthetically pleasing way.
Do Think About Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of the light fixtures is important, and LED lighting is quite popular these days for good reasons. LED fixtures are very efficient in energy consumption as they offer equal or even better illumination than conventional bulbs. This will save energy bills and ensure that the lighting effects you choose are eco-friendly.
Also, LED lights are longer lasting than other bulbs, so you won't have to buy new ones as often. With LED fixtures, you get a sustainable and efficient solution for your lighting needs, and you also get to make spaces look great.
However, there is one more thing that should be avoided – the right color temperature.
The color temperature of your lighting can really set the mood of a room. There are two types of lighting, warm and cool, and each one changes the perception of the space. This category of warm tones is commonly in the range of 2700K to 3000K and is suitable for areas that require
Higher temperatures are generally cooler in appearance, greater than 4000K, and are ideal for working environments such as the kitchen, bathroom, or office. These lights are brighter and more focused than the ambient ones and valuable in areas requiring a clear vision. Therefore, choosing the correct color temperature for each room will not only make the space more efficient but also more comfortable.
Do Plan for Layered Lighting
Layered lighting is a concept that involves the use of three forms of lighting in one space: ambient, task, and accent lighting. It is not simply to have just one ceiling light; it is about using different types of lights in order to create a comfortable and adjustable space.
For instance, in a living room, ambient light from a ceiling light is combined with task light from a floor lamp positioned beside a reading area and accent light from wall lamps to illuminate paintings. LED pendants, track lights, and under-cabinet lighting can be combined to make the kitchen practical and aesthetically pleasing. By planning for layered lighting, you can design for flexibility and create beautiful environments that will serve all your purposes.
To sum up, selecting proper light fixtures is not only about their practical use but also their look. If you understand the purpose of each space, the position of the fixtures, energy consumption, color temperature, and the concept of layered lighting, you can make choices.
Don'ts of Choosing Light Fixtures
Choosing the right light fixtures can greatly value your space, while a wrong decision can be a letdown. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when choosing light fixtures for your home, workspace, or TS warehouse:
Example of using recessed LED lighting in a studio apartment
Don't Forget to Consider the Room's Design Style
Another major mistake that people make when selecting light fixtures is to forget about the room design style. A contemporary, smooth chandelier could be incongruous in a country-style kitchen, while a complex, crystal one would not fit into a high-tech living room. Also, it is crucial to think about how your light fixtures will go with the rest of your house's furniture, walls, and structure.
When buying the fixtures, try to make sure that they match the style of your room. If you are in a typical environment, then opt for furniture with timeless designs and finishes. For today's interior design, it is better to use fixtures that have a minimalist design and are innovative. Just a reminder, your light fixtures should complement your decor and not compete with it.
Don't Overlook Fixture Height and Placement
“In my position at LED Lights Direct as the LED lighting expert, I noticed that incorrect fixture height and placement can be a significant problem in any room. Many people believe that the positioning of fixtures is based solely on the aesthetic of the space when, in fact, it is a key component in designing a well-lit, comfortable environment.
For example, if you have pendants or chandeliers that are hung too low, they will interfere with people's view and make the dining experience unpleasant. On the other hand, if the fixtures are hung too high, they are not likely to provide enough light and may also look less attractive. For most dining rooms, we suggest installing chandeliers 30-36 inches from the tabletop when the ceiling height is 8 feet and adjusting 3 inches for each foot of ceiling height above 8 feet.
The pendant lights over the islands should be placed 30-36 inches from the countertop for the kitchen. In living rooms or bedrooms with light ceiling fans, it is recommended that there should be at least seven feet of space between the floor and the fan blades.
At LED Lights Direct, we encourage using adjustable fixtures or those that can be hung in various ways to make changes at a later time easier.” - told Sergio Andriichenko, LED Lighting Specialist at LED Lights Direct.
Don't Ignore the Lighting Needs of Different Zones
One of the most significant errors is sticking to one type of lighting throughout the house. Lighting is not uniform and depends on the space or even the zone within a space that is being used. For instance, the amount of lighting that is appropriate for a home office is not the same as that for a bedroom or a living room.
To avoid this, one should ensure they have created zones in their spaces and select the right fixtures for each zone. For specific tasks like cooking or reading, use task lighting on the kitchen counter or desk, general lighting for the entire room, and accent lighting for artwork or other structures. This approach helps ensure that every part of your home you intend to use is well-illuminated. But should light fixtures match? It is crucial to understand that while the unified approach will make the space look harmonious, the use of related styles can enhance the space's complexity.
Don't Rely on a Single Light Source
Using a single overhead light in the entire room is one of the biggest mistakes that can lead to boring and uninteresting rooms. This approach can lead to the creation of bold and unattractive shadows that do not enhance the beauty of the room.
However, it is better to use a more complex approach to lighting. Use various types of lights like pendant lights, floor, table, and accent lights to make the space look more comfortable. This strategy not only enhances the utility of the space but also enhances the perception of the space and makes your room look richer.
Don't Forget About Dimming Controls
Failing to recognize the need for dimming controls is a loss for creating a mood and a loss for energy savings. Dimmer switches allow you to control the lighting level to match the activity or time of day in a certain room.
Also, dimmable LED fixtures will greatly improve your lighting experience. They provide the ability to set the mood and help conserve energy by allowing you to use only the amount of light required. When choosing the light, it is recommended to choose the dimmable ones, and for the best control and efficiency, it is recommended to install smart lighting systems.
If you want to avoid these common mistakes, then you are on the right path to designing a well-lit, comfortable, and stylish room that will fulfill all your lighting requirements.