Tired of having the same dull or florescent lighting in your home? Updating your home’s lighting can not only make it more enjoyable to live in but also boosts your home’s resale value. More importantly, updating your home lighting can significantly change the aesthetics of your home, helping you to re-frame certain areas; change the mood from room to room; or improve your productivity in the office, kitchen, or garage. Here are some bright ideas to improve the lighting in your home.
Dimmer Switches
Install dimmer switches on as many lamps and light fixtures as you can. In the bathroom, a dimmed light can create a soothing mood after a long day at the office. A bedroom becomes more romantic, while kid’s bedrooms can light up with glow-in-the-dark stars. By using dimmers, you control the intensity of light around your home and save energy at the same time.
Light Strips
Install under-cabinet light strips in the kitchen, desk area, or workroom. By directing light right onto your work area, you will make your tasks easier and more focused.
Back Lighting
Use back-lighting to give your television even more intensity. You can find affordable back-lights at places like Ikea. Some enterprising hackers have even adapted these lights so they change color depending on what’s on your television screen, mimicking the effects of a Phillips “Ambilight” television.
Lamps
Add a decorative lamp to your bookshelves. It not only helps break up the density of the books but it also makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Reading Lights
If your reading space is limited, install a reading light on the wall near the bed or lounging area to make reading a real pleasure.
Strings of Lights
Remove boring ceiling fixtures and install strings of lights in selected areas. You can connect the lights to artwork, reading nooks, dining rooms, or work spaces.
Small Light Fixtures for Artwork
Light your artwork with small light fixtures attached at the top.
Motion Sensors
Install motion sensors to save on energy costs. You’ll never have to remember to turn off a light when you leave a room again.
Modern Light Switches
Install modern light switches that provide a pinpoint of blue light that will guide you to the switch in the dark. No more fumbling around looking for the light switch.
LED Lights
Use LED lights that run cool and save you money. The average life span of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, is 30 times greater than that of a halogen bulb. They also use 80% less energy and produce a virtually imperceptible level of heat.
