HOW TO CHOOSE LIGHT FIXTURES FOR YOUR SPACE
Xtra Mile Design Team | May 5, 2023
We love helping clients show their personality when it comes to their home remodel. Whether you’re in the kitchen, bathroom, basement, living room, or outside, you want to make sure your lighting is on point while matching your style!
We know how hard it can be to decide on each detail of your design, so we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a few tips from our designers to ensure you pick the right lighting for your next renovation.
Functionality
If you’ve ever redone a space in your home, you know how important the little details are. You want to make sure the light fixtures aren’t overlooked as they can make or break the space.
At the design agreement stage, we will help you get an idea of your style. Whether it’s modern farmhouse, mid-century modern, or minimalist, we’ll help pick out the right fixtures for you. We want to make sure the light fixtures are not only beautiful, but functional. There are so many options on the market, so we hope these tips will help narrow it down.
It’s important to tailor the type of lighting for each room. For example, a bright overhead light may be appropriate for a kitchen or bathroom, while a more subdued light may be better suited for a bedroom or living room.
RECESsed LIGHTING
You want to consider the purpose of the room and how much light is needed for different activities. For example, a living room may require both ambient lighting for general illumination and task lighting for reading or watching TV. In our living room remodels, we tend to choose recessed lighting because it gives the space a sleek look, however they can be used in any room of the house. They are functional, versatile, and out-of-sight.
If any part of your house feels dim or dark, consider adding in some recessed lighting. Basements, bathrooms, showers, bedrooms, and closets are great areas to incorporate them.
Recessed lighting is also a space-saving option because it does not take up any floor or wall space. Remember hitting your head on the old dining room chandelier? So do we. This is part of why we believe recessed lighting is a great option for those who want a clean, sleek look that opens a room up in a simple, yet elevated way. This makes it ideal for rooms with low ceilings, limited space, or just a place you want to eat in peace.
We also recommend the use of newer LED bulbs as this is a great way to save energy while doubling down for dimmable functionality. Who doesn’t love a cozy movie night with just the right amount of light? If your creative side craves mood and ambiance, recessed lighting is what you’re looking for.
Determine your Style
The style of your light fixtures should be consistent with the overall design of the space. Consider the architecture, color scheme, and materials used in the room when selecting light fixtures. As there are a plethora of options for light fixtures, we are sure we can find one that matches who you are. When narrowing down your selections, keep in mind the vibe and décor of the room. You want to select fixtures that complement the existing layout and enhance the overall ambiance of the room.
One great resource we use is Build.com. They have a wide range of lighting selections that are divided into different specific categories. This makes the task of narrowing down the perfect fixture a bit easier, and a ton more fun!
Pendant Lighting
Don't be afraid to mix and match! Mixing and matching different types of light fixtures can create an unmatched and custom aesthetic in any room. This is a great way to unleash your own style, creating an environment of your choice. Pendant lighting adds some flavor to the kitchen! As the kitchen island often is the center point or hub of the kitchen, we recommend using a pendant light that both makes a statement about your kitchen, and provides the desired lighting, whatever task is at hand.
Size and Scale
Think about the placement of the light fixtures in the room. For example, sconces can enhance a bedroom by creating a cozy vibe and adding a personal touch. They can also be used to highlight art pieces, photos, and wallpaper.
The size of the room will also determine the type and size of the light fixtures needed. For larger rooms, you may need multiple light fixtures to ensure adequate lighting.
Another thing to factor in is the ceiling height in your space. The ceiling height will also impact your choice of light fixtures. Rooms with high ceilings may require longer pendant lights or chandeliers, while rooms with lower ceilings may need flush mount or semi-flush mount fixtures.
Finally, make sure to choose light fixtures that are the right size and scale for the room. A large fixture in a small room can be overwhelming, while a small fixture in a large room may not provide enough light.
We spend a lot of time in our home, so we want to make sure the lighting is not only adequate, but also reflects our style. We hope these tips gave you a little bit of direction on your next remodeling adventure!
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