Trending Light Fixtures
- Carly Henkel
- Jan 12, 2022
- 3 min read
Happy New Year! I'm kicking off the new year with trending light fixtures for every person. Light fixtures can often be over looked but can bring the whole design together. Light fixtures are the jewelry of a home.
First decide the level of brightness you will need for each space and then the style/design.
Foyer-
Depending on the foyer there's a lot you can do in this space. Assess what kind of style and how casual or decorative you would like your entry. Here are some tips:
If you want a more casual look and ample lighting using flush or semi flush mount light fixtures are ideal. These can be very simple and camouflage into the ceiling to not be distracting.
If you want a foyer that is a little more dressed up the light fixture closest to the front door can be a more decorative flush, semi flush or if the space accommodates a chandelier. The other lights can be canned lights or simple flush mounts.
For a grand entry a chandelier would be fit or very decorative flush/semi flush mounts.
Here are a few examples & their links:
Mud Hall/Laundry-
Similar to the Foyer these spaces can be extremely flexible from casual to dressed up. I probably wouldn't suggest chandeliers in these spaces since you will be doing tasks here that will need good lighting.
Examples with links:
Study-
Before deciding on light fixtures here, know how you will be using this room.
Reading/Writing-Consider brighter over head light, lamps or sconces at a desk or reading nook
Computer work-Lighting that is not as harsh and wont strain your eyes
Crafts or other work- Determine how much light you will need
After deciding what tasks you will be doing and level of lighting/how you will layer lighting, decide on the style of fixtures.
Examples & Links:
Bedrooms-
Start with an overhead light. This can be a flush/semi flush mount, canned lights, chandelier or Fan/light.
If you know where your bed will be placed you can use table lamps or sconces for task lighting
If you have space for a reading nook or sitting area lamps and sconces can also be useful
Examples & Links:
Bathrooms-
Use canned lights in larger bathrooms or over showers/tubs or separate toilet areas.
Check with local codes, many times you cannot have chandeliers over tubs/showers. The light fixture must be rated for wet areas where there may be steam/water.
The bathroom is a great place to layer lighting
Vanities- the most common light fixture used here is wall lights that go above the mirrors. These are great, the only negative of these lights are the shadows it casts. For women, sconces on the side of mirrors may suit you better giving better lighting and less shadowing for applying makeup.
Examples & Links:
Dining-
Chandeliers- the most popular option. These can range from homey to very fancy
Pendants-using a few of these to hang over the dining table in a row can add great interest
Examples & Links:
Kitchen-
Layering is very important in this room
Canned lights-use these as the general lighting in front of cabinetry and above sinks/work areas
Under cabinet lighting- Low voltage under cabinet lighting or battery powered lights that can stick to bottom of cabinets help with illuminating task areas
Sconces-used decorative and mood lighting by sinks and stoves
Pendants- depending on the island size determine the size of pendants that would best fit. ex.) Small island-3 mini pendants, or 2 larger pendants. Large Island- 4 mini pendants, or 2-3 larger pendants.
Examples & Links:
Living Room-
Another great place to layer lighting!
Canned lights- add a dimmer to control the ambience
Fan/Light- If you have a fireplace a fan/light is a great idea to keep air flow but still have over head light.
Chandelier, Flush/Semi Flush Mount- More decorative or functional for an overhead light
Lamps/Floor Lamps- Great way to layer lighting.
Examples & Links:
I hope you find this helpful! There is a lot that goes into making a room beautiful and functional. For further assistance to bring your design to life hire an interior designer to help you with the process.
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