Lighting 101

Whether you have just remodeled your house into the dream home you've always wanted or you're just moving into a new space, your home or apartment isn't complete without the right lighting. There are several important aspects to consider when choosing the proper lighting for your home.

1. Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the central light in a room that bathes the entire room in light. In addition the the conventional ceiling fixutre, recessed lighting or tall floor lamps are great for ambient lighting. Make sure you're not left in the dark by choosing enough fixtures to light up the whole room.

2. Task Lighting
Ambient lighting may light up most of the room, but you'll need extra lighting for desks, over stoves, and near couches and beds. The best task lights include small floor lamps with an adjustable neck or short table lamps.

3. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is one of the trickiest parts of home lighting.  Utilizing gallery, spot & track lighting to illuminate portions of a room, or works of art can be an artform in itself.  To draw attention to important artwork, photographs and other items, place gallery lights carefully above or below the item you wish to light, taking caution not to place the light too close to the work so as not to spoil the medium. Spotlights work perfectly above mantels and artwork, as they brings out the color and texture in wood grains and oil paintings. Common track lighting includes halogen bulbs which give off a bright white color, while incandescent bulbs have a warm yellow color. Use fluorescent lamps to enhance the look of large artwork and sculptures.

4. Brighten Your Room
Brighten large rooms by using fluorescent lights and wall sconces. Ceiling lights are great for making small spaces look larger.  Choose from flushmount or semi-flush, depending on your room size and ceiling height.

5. Dimmers
Purchasing dimmers for your lights is a great investment. You'll instantly have control over the atmosphere of the room.

6. Your Style
Each person has their own unique style. Choosing the right lighting for the style of your room can make a world of difference. Common room themes include:

• Contemporary - Contemporary lighting includes sleek accent lighting and slim floor lamps. Try modern chandeliers that exude understated class. Contemporary styles include shiny metals and frosted white glass. Wall sconces with brightly colored glass add a new twist to a favorite lighting style.
• Rustic - If you love the tranquil atmosphere of country loving, rustic lighting is for you. Lights featuring wood finishes transform your room into a rural serenity. Ivory shades add a touch of elegance to your rural room.
  
• Retro - Retrofit shades add a touch of elegance to a retro lighting style. Think boxy chandeliers and uniquely designed lights that look more like sculptures than actual lights! If you're going for a 1960s look, white and red are great colors, while a 1970s style utilizes natural looking hues.
  
• Lavish - If you love to be posh, then a lavish, elegant look is perfect for you. Go for 3 Tier Chandeliers, but remember not to overdo your lighting. If you have a large chandelier, be sure to keep the rest of the lighting in the room minimal and coordinating with the chandelier.
• Vacation Homes - Keep the decor simple in a vacation home. Think 1 Tier Chandeliers, wall sconces over each bed, and recessed lighting. Simple floor lamps placed near chairs and couches are perfect! If you're near the beach or feeling the heat in your vacation home, fill your home with stylish ceiling fans to keep you cool and save you energy.

You're no longer left in the dark on the basics of home lighting. Find the lights perfect for your style and home decor!

For lighting solutions for every style, check out the selection of brand-name lighting at below-retail prices at TheLightShop.com.

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