Lighting for Your Home

New lighting solutions can transform your home’s interiors. Yet superior lighting is often an afterthought in new home construction and remodeling … after the drywall is installed, after the electrician has left the site, after furniture is arranged, after you’ve lived in your home for years.

Working with a certified lighting consultant to develop a plan that combines accent, ambient, task and decorative lighting can be transformative. That’s because good lighting can affect your mood, help you relax and make you more productive.

If a full-on lighting overhaul isn’t in the budget right now, consider these four easy updates. Take note: To find the best assortment of products, visit a local lighting showroom; find one using HomeYet.com’s dealer locator.

Bedside Lighting
If the master bedroom is your sanctuary, then cast this space in a better light. Just as decorative pillows dress up the bed, so, too, can a bedside table lamp spruce up your sleep space.

Add a burst of color with a ceramic base table lamp, introduce texture with a lamp base adorned with woven grass or reclaimed materials, or add glamour with a contemporary crystal design. Purchase a lamp with a two-way switch, and you’ll have both a reading light and a mood light.

Dining Room Fixtures
A dining room overhaul isn’t complete without a new lighting fixture. Positioned above the table and occasionally accented by wall scones (mounted to the wall) and/or recessed lights (installed in the ceiling), a ceiling fixture adds drama, completes a room’s decor and welcomes guests.

Quick tips: A lighting fixture’s overall diameter should not exceed half the width of your dining table. The recommended hanging height of the fixture should be approximate 30 inches from table’s top. Lastly, be sure to consult an electrician before attempting to install a new fixture yourself, as you will need to turn off the current and possibly install a ceiling outlet box.

Study Room
Homework is bad enough without causing eyestrain. Upgrade junior’s study area by giving him a better performing desk lamp. Opt for an adjustable solution that will illuminate the keyboard and writing and reading area, without creating a glare on the computer screen.

Quick tip: Never place a computer in front of a window, as a bright light source behind the monitor can cause eye fatigue. Instead, position the monitor at a right angle to the window or main light source.

Great Outdoors
A propertywide exterior lighting overhaul can add curb appeal, make a home look larger than it is, and accentuate unique architectural or landscaping features. But even small-scale solutions can upgrade your property: a simple uplight beneath a tree, statue or fountain creates drama; path lighting along a walkway or driveway improves home safety; and garden or poolside accents enhance outdoor entertaining.

Try LED outdoor lighting for your next project. These bulbs consume less energy, last longer and are more durable than standard incandescent bulbs, plus they remain cool to the touch. Solar lights are another option, though many professionals believe these eco-friendly lights have limited applications. Some solar lights’ collectors don’t store enough energy to illuminate for long periods of time.