7 Ways To Pick The Right Lighting For Your Home

There's no better way to improve your personal sanctuary than by illuminating it with the right light fixtures.

The appropriate lighting can turn an otherwise drab and dreary space into a place that invigorates your energy and elevates your mood. Some lighting technology also provides customizable lighting options, allowing you to influence the room's ambiance in a way that suits your personal preferences.

But with a swath of different lighting options on the market, it can be tough to pick the best one from the bunch. To that we say, don't worry! We're here to help.

Here are seven ways to pick the right lighting for various areas around your home.

The Foyer

Your goal should be to wow your guests from the second they walk through your door. An imposing entryway is a perfect opportunity to signal to your visitors that they're in for a treat.

Make a statement by suspending a large, dramatic chandelier or pendant light. Consider the entryway's height when selecting a fixture—you'll want something that hangs at least seven feet off the ground, but no more than nine feet.

The location of the light source is equally crucial here. You wouldn't want it to be so close to the door that it's in the way, but you also don't want it so far away that it feels disconnected from the room’s decor. Hang it in the center of your foyer for the best effect.

The Dining Room

The dining room's lighting isn't too intricate either—a single, focused light source that shines on the dinner table should do the trick. But since this is the room where grand feasts and family dinners will host, you'd want to ensure that the light source is attractive and functional.

A great option for the dining room is an ornate chandelier that hangs 30 to 34 inches above the table. This will provide ample light without being too overwhelming or obtrusive. But if you have a low ceiling, opt for a semi-flush mount fixture instead.

The Living Room

This is probably the most important room in your home, as it's where you'll spend most of your time relaxing and entertaining guests. The lighting should be comfortable and inviting, but also bright enough to support reading or other activities.

For the living room, we recommend a mix of different light sources, including recessed lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps. High-quality lighting from ArchiPro and hardware stores will offer the most flexibility in terms of controlling the room's illumination.

Planning to host a movie night but don't want the light to be too distracting? Then simply dim the recessed lights and turn on a couple of floor lamps. On the other hand, if you're looking to create a relaxing ambiance, then use all three light sources at lower intensities.

In addition, don't skimp on natural lights either! Make sure that the window dressings are not too heavy so that they can let in as much sunlight as possible.

The Bedroom

Your bedroom is your personal retreat, so you'll want the lighting to be both calming and muted. And since this is a place where you'll be spending a lot of time getting ready, the lighting should also be bright enough to support activities like applying makeup or picking out clothes.

Layer different light sources to create a relaxing atmosphere. For example, you can have recessed lights on the ceiling, a table lamp on the nightstand, and soft string lights around the headboard. You can also add a dimmer switch to your overhead light so that you can adjust the intensity of the light depending on what you need.

The Kitchen

Adequate lighting is a must in the kitchen, as this is where you'll be doing a lot of prep work like washing dishes and cooking meals. Distribute different light sources near active areas to ensure that every inch of the kitchen is well-lit. Under-cabinet lights are a great option for providing task lighting, while pendant lights can be used to illuminate the kitchen island.

In addition, make sure that there's plenty of natural light coming in as well. If possible, set up the kitchen so that there's a window above the sink. This way, you can enjoy the natural light while you're clearing out leftovers or prepping food.

The Bathroom

Bathrooms are fairly simple when it comes to lighting—all you really need is a single light source at the center of the room. But if you want to add a bit of luxury to your bathroom, then we recommend installing sconces on either side of the mirror. This will provide even lighting for activities like applying makeup or shaving.

In addition, make sure that the light source is bright enough to support tasks that require a lot of precision. If you have a vanity mirror with a light bulb around it, then that should do the trick. But if you don't have one, then we recommend using a LED light strip instead.

The Garage

Garages are often dark and dingy, so using a combination of fluorescent lights and LED lights to illuminate the space can be a great way to make it feel more open and airy.

If you live in a place that frequently goes below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celcius), switch to lone LED bulbs instead. This bluish light source is more durable against cold weather and will last much longer.