Oliwia Whyte 
Lighting can set the mood and highlight various features in your home. It can also help with safety and visibility, especially in dark areas.
A thoughtful mix of different light fixtures can transform any space and create a welcoming environment for guests. Here are some of our favorite home lighting ideas to inspire you to start planning your next design project.
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights are a key part of your home lighting plan, providing ambient light while also creating a focal point in the room. From chandeliers to track lights, there are several types of ceiling lighting available in different styles and designs.
The first thing to consider when choosing a ceiling light is the type of room you need to light. You want to make sure you choose a fixture that is both stylish and practical. For example, if you’re looking for a chandelier that will add a glamorous touch to your living room design, there are plenty of options on the market, including vintage and minimalist models.
You should also choose a light fixture that will work with the rest of your design. For example, if you’re working with a contemporary style, you may prefer a pendant lamp to illuminate a tabletop or bar.
Another option is a flush or semi-flush ceiling light, which can be mounted close to the ceiling but still provides an overall glow. These fixtures are great for rooms with low ceilings and are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
For added drama, you can choose a pendant light with crystals or other decorative elements. You can even use these lights in your bedroom or a living room, since they are a popular choice for adding a touch of sparkle to a space.
Glass is another common material used in ceiling lighting, especially if you’re working with a minimalist or modern style. Some styles are completely clear while others utilize tinted or frosted glass to reduce glare and create a more relaxing mood.
Some fixtures are UL-listed, which means they’ve been tested by Underwriters Laboratories to ensure safety. This is important, as a faulty or damaged fixture can cause an accident and pose a danger to the homeowner.
When buying a light fixture, you should also check its location rating. This will help you determine whether it’s safe for certain areas of your home, like a bathroom or patio.
For example, if you live in an apartment with a sloped ceiling, you’ll want to avoid some types of flushmount lighting. This is because they might not be able to get the light down below the ceiling line properly. Recessed lights and pendant lights, on the other hand, are easier to install and can be adjusted to fit sloped ceilings.
Wall Lights
Wall lights are an effective home lighting option that can be used to highlight specific features, such as artwork or architectural details. They can also add a cozy reading nook or create a dramatic effect in a bedroom.
These fixtures are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes, and they can easily be paired with other decorative elements to enhance the overall look of a room. They can also be controlled via dimmer switches, which make it easy to adjust the level of illumination in a room to create the desired mood.
Choosing the right wall light for your home is an important part of the design process, as it will play a crucial role in defining the style of your space. There are many different options, and it is important to understand your specific needs before you make a final decision on which fixture is best for you.
A great place to start is with a cardboard template, which you can use to determine the perfect placement for your wall lights. You should position them around 150cm (60″) from the floor, which is the ideal height to provide sufficient illumination for most people in your space.
You should also consider the size of your wall lights and how far apart they should be, based on your needs. This will depend on the size of your hallway or living room, but generally you should aim for 180cm (6 feet) between each light.
Another important consideration is the wattage of the bulbs. Too much wattage can make your light glare or discolour, and it is recommended to stick to the recommended wattage.
It is also a good idea to get your wall lights professionally installed. This will not only save you time and hassle, but it will ensure that your wall lights are safely installed by an expert. Moreover, you will avoid any potential problems down the road, such as your light fixture becoming faulty or failing to work properly.
Sconces
Sconces are a great way to light a home and add a stylish design element at the same time. These fixtures can be used in a number of different settings and are available in all shapes, sizes, and finishes.
Wall sconces are typically mounted on walls and take up minimal floor space. This makes them ideal for use in smaller spaces where you want to keep your floors free of extra wires and lamp stands.
While they’re often associated with entryways and mudrooms, sconces are also a great option for hallways and nooks in the home. They can be installed in pairs to add balance and depth, or in multiples to frame a passageway.
Sconces can be hard-wired or plug-in, so it’s important to decide which type works best for your lighting needs before making a purchase. Hard-wired sconces connect to your home’s electrical wiring, while plug-in sconces are cordless and operate with a switch that you turn on or off with a simple twist.
The material that a sconce is made of will also impact its look, so it’s important to choose one that fits with your aesthetic. Stainless steel, brass, and nickel are all popular choices for home sconces.
Many styles feature a small shade or glass hurricane to diffuse the light and create a soft, inviting glow. Candle sconces are another popular choice, as they remind people of the traditional candles that were commonly used in homes prior to gas and electric power.
In addition to sconces that are designed specifically for the home, there are also decorative sconces that can be used outdoors. They come in a variety of shapes, including square, oval, and rectangular, and can be found in both contemporary and rustic designs.
There are also sconces that incorporate additional technologies, such as motion sensors and solar panels. This can make them much more convenient for everyday use, and may help save you money on energy costs in the long run.
If you’re looking for a more unique wall sconce for your home, try shopping for an industrial design. There are a number of different models to choose from, and some even feature adjustable shades or other design features that can add an artistic touch.
Accent Lights
Accent lights are a great way to highlight specific areas in your home. They come in a wide range of styles and can add drama to any space.
They can also act as mood lighting to alter the overall mood of a room, adding a dramatic flair without being overpowering. They can be used in bathrooms or living rooms and are also ideal for accenting a piece of artwork or other decor items in your home.
The main purpose of accent lighting is to highlight something, such as a painting, sculpture or even the architectural features in your home. This can be done in many ways, from a wall sconce or table lamp to a hidden fixture.
Some accent lights can also be used outside of the home, such as in outdoor walkways and stairways. Some are damp and wet-rated, which means they can be submerged in ponds or used to illuminate water features.
A few common types of accent lights include sconces, floodlights, recessed lights and torchiere lamps. These lights are generally placed close to the object they need to light and shine a brighter light on it.
Other types of accent lights are directional, such as track lighting or spotlights. This type of lighting gives you instant direction, allowing you to easily highlight a specific area in your home.
You can also choose to use dimmer switches, which allow you to adjust the brightness of your accent lights. This can help you save energy by adjusting the light intensity as needed.
Another great feature of accent lights is that they are often affordable and easy to install. Some can be fitted under kitchen cabinets or hung above a custom book shelf to showcase framed family photos, for example.
Alternatively, you can place LED lights in your flower vases or pool to create stunning underwater accents for parties and dinners with a difference. These lights are waterproof and available in a variety of colors, so you can get the perfect glow for any occasion.
In addition to showcasing your artwork, you can also use accent lights to add visual interest to a pathway or to draw attention to an outside feature like a tree. This can be accomplished by putting up strip lights, which are meant to illuminate a larger surface area than sconces and picture lights do.
