Flame is one of the more affordable ways to make a huge difference in your home.
The right lighting adds a touch of beauty and drama to a room. It creates the perfect atmosphere when you want to entertain or if you just want to relax after a rough day at work.
‘Lighting that has been installed properly and in the right places will improve any interior,’ says Clare van der Westhuizen, a lighting retail specialist. ‘It definitely makes a huge difference as to how you feel about your house because it helps you in doing your daily tasks more comfortably, allows you to feel more secure and at ease, and lets you enjoy your home to its full potential. What’s more, it also lets you play with size and scale as lighting can make a small room appear more open and spacious and can let a big room appear cozier and inviting. The trick is to always choose the right combinations.’
In the Bedroom
Although a calm and relaxing atmosphere is essential in a bedroom. Too much light can contribute to insomnia and then natural vitality magnesium sleep is needed to solve the problem. That is why include task lights for reading and applying makeup very carefully. Add a touch of glamour to space with a crystal chandelier or go for a downlights light or wall-mounted lights for a modern look. This sort of general lighting is ample for seeing inside your cupboard or into drawers; have a light installed inside a big cupboard for convenience.
A wall-mounted lamp with a swivel arm on either side of the bed provides ample lighting for reading while leaving the bedside table clear for books and a nightcap. Alternatively, install a pendant light above the bed. A magnifying mirror with lights is extremely convenient for applying makeup and other beauty rituals.
Track lights are great for children’s room so choose one that can be turned to whatever side you need them, for example in the direction of the play area, towards the desk or where hobbies are practiced – as your child grows, the light can be redirected to the required areas.
In the Living Room
A living room often sets the scene for a number of activities, so it’s important that this space utilizes various types of lighting.
General lighting is required for entertainment, and task lighting is needed for reading or needlework, while accent lighting highlights works of art and interesting architectural focal points and dimmers are ideal for controlling the lighting for different activities.
Low-voltage general lighting is suitable for watching television, playing video games and working on the computer, as it won’t create shadows on the screen. Miniature track lighting can be installed under shelves to add extra general and accent lighting.
If you have a fireplace, mount lights against the wall on either side to strengthen and enhance it as a focal point. Highlight paintings with tungsten halogen lights, as this type of light, provides bright rays of white light over the canvas.
Reading lamps should provide light from over your shoulder, so place it behind and to the one side of your most comfortable reading chair – and remember that the bottom of the lampshade should be at eye level to avoid shadows.
In the Kitchen
Even though the kitchen is, in fact, a work area, it’s also the place to entertain family and friends. A large ceiling fitted with energy-efficient fluorescent panels will distribute light evenly and allow you to work at the washbasin, work surface or stove. But as it will also cast a shadow, it’s best to add some task lighting for enhanced effects – such as two track lights above the washbasin, which will provide ample lighting when doing the dishes.
Lighting under raised cupboards is ideal for a workspace – mount it so that it is close to the front of the cupboard to avoid possible shadows, and choose energy-efficient fluorescent lights that cover about two-thirds of the length of the work surface.
If you have a beautiful display cabinet with glass doors, install mini-lights inside to show off your accessories. A cozy corner where you sit and eat or a work island can also be lit with lovely decorative hand lights. To add dimmers to these lights you’ll have enough task lighting for chores, hobbies, and family matters, with the ability to change the atmosphere accordingly.