Lighting is crucial in any interior design effort. In addition to obviously being functional, it is also what creates the ambience and the atmosphere of your home. Your home is really one of the only places that you can fully make your own and decorate in a way that expresses your personality. The lighting is often one of the final touches that you will add when it comes to decorating, and finding unique pieces is a great way to revamp a space. Let’s take a look.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are often seen as more of an acquired taste. This is because they are often viewed as old-fashioned, and they tend to be seen in the likes of stately homes, which makes a lot of people think that they do not belong in ‘normal’ homes. However, this is simply not true. You do obviously need to think about the size of the room versus the size of the chandelier because installing bigger, bulkier ones in smaller rooms will likely look a little odd. But, if you find the right style and size, they can really help to elevate your home décor by adding a timeless elegance. You can also peruse the trends for the year to see where your tastes come in.
Hanging Lamps
Hanging lamps or pendant lights have become increasingly popular in the last few years, as an alternative to the main light fixtures that most houses have. They are incredibly versatile both in their use and their look. They can replace the main light fixtures or be used in addition to them to create additional light sources in a room. There is a pretty big range of them, so you should be able to find a style that is in keeping with your decorative tastes. They look great in most rooms, but they do tend to work well in the kitchen over the counters and in the bedroom over your bedside tables.
Colourful Lights
For the most part, lights tend to be either white or yellow in colour, and obviously, these lights do indeed have their place. However, in the interest of looking for more unique lighting ideas, it is worth considering branching out. Galaxy designs really had their heyday in the late 2010s, being splashed across merchandise and being used to decorate homes. However, they have recently emerged as decorative lights. You can find lights that project a galaxy onto the walls and ceiling. Depending on the brand, you might also be able to change the settings and adjust the lights. A lot of people do think these are juvenile and opt to place them in their children’s rooms. However, they are also great for adults because the different tones can help the brain relax and destress.
If you want to avoid busying your space with too many tones and colours of lights, then you can keep things simple and opt for one or two. Modern design does not always mean neutral colour schemes. Coloured lights can be a great way to elevate a room by adding a splash of colour. There is also evidence that different coloured lights can have an effect on your mood. Blue is a calming colour, while reds and pinks encourage the production of melatonin, which is meant to make you feel sleepy. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, then having those in the bedroom is ideal.
As mentioned above, white and yellow light is the most common, and if you would like to embrace tradition, then choosing softer yellow lights is a great way to make your home feel cosier. It is warmer, and it also can mimic sunlight which helps to support your body’s circadian rhythm. You can incorporate more yellow light simply by swapping out the light bulbs in your existing light fixtures or buying new lamps, or even installing sconces.
LED Strip Lights & Fairy Lights
Both fairy lights and LED strip lights are great examples of accent lighting. They too can be used in a variety of different ways. LED strip lights are functional, easy to use and still incredibly effective. They tend to be either battery-powered or mains powered, depending on which form you buy. To install them, you simply peel off the back, and the adhesive can then be used to stick them to pretty much any surface. Most people usually use them in the bedroom, living room or kitchen. This is because they are especially effective when used on the back of a television or furniture like a headboard or sofa or under the kitchen cabinets. Speaking of under-the-cabinet lighting, Simple Lighting has a number of great options that you should explore. However, they are obviously also ideal in places that simply need more light, like a pantry, cupboards or other nooks and crannies.
Fairy lights can be used both internally and externally to create your desired atmosphere and effect. They go really well in the garden. However, you do need to ensure that you have bought some that are compatible with being placed outside because they are obviously going to be exposed to the elements. They emit a soft glow which means that they always end up looking cute, and they often are used to create a more romantic or ethereal atmosphere. They, like LED strips, can be either battery-powered or mains powered. Battery-powered fairy lights do provide you with more decorative opportunities because they can be placed wherever since you do not need to rely on having a socket nearby. Many people like to repurpose jars and bottles to place the fairy lights inside, and in doing so, they often have a magical element that can make them ideal for child-friendly spaces like their bedrooms or playrooms.
The Bottom Line
Everyone wants their home to be unique. However, it also needs to feel like you. There is no point decorating your home if it is not to your tastes. This is why you really need to think more deeply about your home design aesthetic and what option listed above will fit in the best. Remember that as long as you like it, that’s all that matters because you are the one that has to live with it. Looking online for examples and inspiration can also help you to come up with ideas. You should also keep in mind your budget and your level of DIY skill too, messing around with electrics when you don’t have the know-how can be dangerous.
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