Lighting is a core part of making a space look good. Not only does it directly impact the general tone of a room, but it can also be used to adjust things like room color or the way that light bounces between walls.
However, this also makes it quite hard to pick out the perfect lighting options for any given room, especially if you’re not an expert at interior design or decorating. How can you choose the right lighting for each space?
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Brightness
A brighter light isn’t always necessarily better. Some rooms are better off darker, and there can be times when you want both a lighter and darker light available depending on the time of day. For example, you don’t want to rely purely on an ultra-bright light in your bedroom, since it can make it hard to get comfortable.
On the other hand, a light that’s too dim can really hurt your eyes, potentially causing headaches or vision issues. It’s also just generally less healthy and tidy-looking for you, so existing in dim light all day can be a serious concern for many people.
Direction
The direction of your lighting can make a massive difference. Not only do lights highlight the areas immediately around them, but they cast shadows in areas that are blocked by other pieces of furniture, which can work against you when trying to create an open-feeling space.
A boxed-in light is going to make a room darker, whereas one in a more open and visible space will make it a lot brighter. Floor lamps can suffer from this quite badly, since many people put them in corners or near shelves that block them from lighting the entire room.
Color
The color of the lighting you use can be a major part of how your space looks. Not only does it make an area warmer or cooler, but it can actively change the way that other colored decorations come out – a red tint will make everything look redder, including the walls, for example.
While many people prefer simple, color-free light bulbs, that actually isn’t really an option. Bulbs are always colored, to the point that most dimmer bulbs go for a more orange or brown tint compared to the more blue-toned ‘bright bulbs.
Reliability
Your lights are only as good as their light bulbs. A good bulb, like the BA15D, is more likely to last longer than something cheaper and less effective overall. When choosing your lighting options, you need to consider the long-term benefits, as well as the total lifespan of the lights you end up picking.
The longer a bulb lasts and the more consistent light it can give off, the less you’ll have to replace it. This not only reduces the costs of re-buying more, but it ensures that you’re always getting the same results time and time again.
Lighting can be a very delicate thing, and even a small difference in lighting for a space like a home office can disrupt your workflow. Consistency is key, and reliable bulbs are the best choice.
