There’s more to installing lighting than choosing a pretty fixture. From the position of the lighting to how it’s turned on, there are many elements that you need to consider in order to brighten your home effectively and efficiently. Below are 10 things to consider when installing new light in your home.
What is the lighting’s purpose?
Lighting can have several different purposes. Determining the purpose is key to choosing the right type of lighting. There are three main purposes to lighting:
- Ambience: Ambient lighting provides general illumination to a room and is key to setting the atmosphere of the room. Such lighting is typically installed on the ceiling.
- Task: Task lighting provides focused lighting to help with a specific task. It could include lights under kitchen cabinets to help illuminate countertops when preparing food, or lights above a bed to allow reading in bed.
- Accent: Accent lights typically light up a certain area in order to draw attention to it. You might find such lighting around a painting on a wall.
Where exactly should you position it?
The exact position of lighting can be important for making sure that it provides the right level of illumination. For example, the height at which you hang a pendant light above a dining table is key to the atmosphere – a low hanging light could create a more intimate feeling, but you don’t want it too low, otherwise the rest of the room will be cast in shadows. Placement of lights in a bathroom could meanwhile affect how your reflection looks in a mirror. There are guides online that can offer advice as to exactly where to position lights for the best effect.
What style of lighting should you choose?
Lighting comes in many different styles. It’s important to find a style of lighting that you love – but that also suits your home and is practical for the space. For example, a low-hanging bronze antique chandelier could be ideal for a high-ceilinged dining room in a modern home. However, in a low-ceiling modern dining room, it could look utterly ridiculous and will likely get in the way – several recessed downlights across the ceiling may be better suited.
LEDs or incandescent bulbs?
It’s important to consider the type of bulb that is best suited for your lighting. Incandescent bulbs are popular because they cost less upfront. However, LEDs are often a better investment – they use up less energy and last longer. Those trying to create a greener home should probably consider LEDs.
How bright should you go?
The lumen rating of lighting can affect how bright it shines. It’s important that you choose lighting that’s not too bright or too dull. To choose the right lumen rating, consider the lighting’s purpose:
- 200 – 400 lumens: Best suited for accent lighting such as lighting around a pond or around a painting.
- 400 – 500 lumens: Best suited for general ambient lighting such as the overhead lighting in a bedroom or living room.
- 500 – 800 lumens: Best suited to task lighting such as reading lighting. Ambient lighting in a dining room may also benefit from this lumen rating.
- 800 – 1500 lumens: When it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, much brighter lighting may be recommended to illuminate the whole space. More focused task lighting may also require more lumens.
- 1500+ lumens: Need to light up a large driveway or garden? Lighting with over 1500 lumens may be required.
Cool or warm lighting?
The colour temperature of lighting is also important to consider. This is measured in Kelvins and greatly affects the mood of a room.
- Warm lighting (1000 to 3500K): Warm lighting has more yellow in it and can imitate evening lighting. It can create a relaxing atmosphere – making is favoured in bedrooms and living rooms.
- Neutral lighting (3500 to 5300K): Neutral lighting is perfectly balanced between warm and cool lighting. It’s a good option for general lighting in a dining room or bathroom.
- Cool lighting (5300K +): Cool lighter can feel harsher like the midday sun. It has more blue in it. This lighting promotes alertness and is better suited to practical areas such as a kitchen or home office.
What will the energy source be?
Most lighting runs off the mains. However, you can buy lighting that is powered via other sources. For example, battery powered lighting is sometimes popular outdoors in areas where you don’t want to trail wiring. Lower powered lights may meanwhile be possible to power using solar panels – a free source of power!
How will it be turned on and off?
Lighting can be turned on and off through a variety of different switch mechanisms. The style of switch and the placement is also important to consider when installing a light. A few different styles of switch include:
- Rocker switches: These are the most common type of light switch and are typically attached to walls near doors.
- Dimmer switches: Also installed on walls, dimmer switches provide the ability to control the brightness.
- Pull cord switches: These are often viewed as a safer option in bathrooms and consist of a string cord attached to the ceiling that you pull to turn on and off.
- Motion activated switches: These are a great form of security lighting for use around the exterior of a home – they only turn on when motion is detected.
- Smart switches: These can be controlled using an app on your phone.
- Clapper switches: These are triggered by the noise of someone clapping. They’re a fun novelty option that has become less popular in recent years.
Where will you buy the lighting?
An electrician may be able to supply electrical parts. However, you could save money by buying your own lighting and switches. There are sites that sell lighting fixtures and switches in a variety of styles. When it comes to ornate fixtures like chandeliers, check out specialist lighting shops. There are even custom home lighting manufacturers that you can look into online.
Who will install it?
It’s generally best to leave lighting installation to a licensed electrician. This can ensure that your lighting is installed safely. Of course, this may not be necessary with all types of lighting such as battery-powered lights or lights that can be plugged into sockets. However, if you’re wiring in new lights, it’s best to call an expert.
