Lighting is one of the most important elements that will make every home look, well, homey. Good lighting will allow you to perform your tasks in a much easier manner, making you feel comfortable and safe as your house is brought to its full potential.

However, each space will need different kinds of lighting. Indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures are chosen differently, based on the purpose that you wish them to accomplish. Similarly, each different room will look better with a specific kind of lighting. The same fixtures you use in the living room, for example, might not be so appropriate when it comes to the bedroom.

Not sure how to choose your indoor lighting or the one in your foyer? Here are a few tips for you.

Choosing the Indoor Lights and Fixtures

When you think about the lighting that you have to choose, you must also think about the home you have. When it comes to picking your indoor lighting, here are some tips that you might want to be aware of:

• Determine Your Lighting Goals

What mood do you want to set in the room? Do you want to go for ambient lighting – or do you want that space to be well-lit? For example, a study might work better with overall lighting, since it will keep the room nice and bright. The bedroom, on the other hand, might feel cosier with ambient (indirect) lighting. Before making any modifications, think about the mood that you want to set.

• Consider the Height of Your Ceiling

When you are choosing the light fixtures, make sure to also bear the height of the ceiling in mind. For instance, while some fixtures come with adjustable rods or cables, others don’t. You don’t want to get stuck with indoor lighting that hangs too low or too high, which is why you need to ensure the fixtures have the right extensions.

• Use Lighting as the First Impression

The first room the guests see should be the one to have the most exquisite lighting. For example, the hall of the living room should get a contemporary pendant or a traditional chandelier to create a warm atmosphere. To improve the room even more, you may want to go for adjustable lighting whose strength you can pick for yourself.

• Make Sure It Fits the Space

You might want to go for a big chandelier worthy of a palace – but if your house is the size of a traditional flat, it won’t look as good. Remember, you want the fixture to blend in with the décor – not throne over everything. Make sure that the size proportion is correct and that the lighting is attractive from every angle.

• Use Recessed Light

If you do not want to have big chandeliers taking over the entire space of your room, you might want to consider recessed lighting as well. These represent a good option because the light source is concealed and they give off that ambient vibe. You can go for wall sconces, close-to-ceiling fixtures, and interior lamps; all of them are perfect for setting a mood and giving off the light that you need.

Recessed indoor lighting should also be chosen if you have an accent that you want to bring to life. A piece of artwork, grazing, or a wall washing – its soft light will make the place glow.

• Use a Pendant or Chandelier

Recessed lighting is something that might look good in your home – but at the same time, when choosing interior lighting, you must make the right choice for general lighting. In this case, a pendant or a chandelier should do the trick. If you also want to give off the impression of a larger room, you might want to install some additional lights on the walls.

Lighting Up the Outdoor Area

Outdoor lighting is just as important as indoor lighting. In order to choose the best light fixtures, you must have several factors in mind:

• Choose the Style Correctly

Depending on the style of the area, you will have to choose a certain design for your outdoor fixtures. For example, is your space elegant and stately, or is it more contemporary and angular? A traditional or transitional lighting fixture will work better for a more rustic house, whereas contemporary spaces might work better with minimalist outdoor lighting. Bronze is also very popular, no matter if you are talking about traditional or modern homes.

• Lighting Rules

In some states of Canada, you might be required to go for energy-efficient lighting fixtures. In an attempt to reduce pollution, you might have to face legal restrictions over the lights that you can use. Keep these laws in mind before making the purchase.

• Required Amount of Light

How much light do you need for your house? If you already have enough light coming from the street, you might not need to focus so much on lighting fixtures. Multiple small outdoor lights placed at the front door and the garage might be better than going for a big, strong main light. You might want to go for outdoor lighting that uses textured glass instead of choosing the clear kind.

• The Durability of the Light

The northern part of the US and Canada may be prone to storms and heavy winters, which is why you must ensure the light is strong enough to withstand it. Make sure that it has the right rating (damp or wet) for the place that you are positioning it in. If you choose a hanging light for a covered area, then a damp rating might be enough. Otherwise, you should go for a wet rating.

Final Thoughts

Overall, you should consider the style of your house and your personal preferences before choosing your lighting. Light fixtures come in various shapes and designs – from simple items to more decorative pieces. You just have to ensure that it matches the area where you install it – and instead of taking over the whole space, it simply compliments it.