Tips for Choosing Lighting Fixtures

The right type and amount of lighting in each part of your custom home can make a big difference in the way it looks. Having a well-lit home also provides additional safety. When you’re working on your custom home design, plan to go through lighting fixture options. While there are plenty to choose from, it’s important to understand how to choose the best ones. Consider the following tips to help you select the right lighting fixtures for your new home.

Decide on the Type

Lighting fixtures are available in a few different types. The type that works best in your home will depend on what you’re using it for and where you’re putting it. Ambient lighting fixtures provide the most light in rooms. These can be overhead lights, track lights, wall-mounted lights and recessed lighting. Accent lighting draws the eye toward specific objects or focal points in a room. These can be wall-mounted lights, track lights, dimmers and picture lights. Task lighting provides extra lighting in places where you need to perform tasks. These can be under-cabinet lights, pendant lights over islands in your kitchen, lights over sinks or other fixtures that light up a certain area.

Select Lights Based on the Room

The lighting fixtures you choose depend on the room they’ll be going in. You might choose a chandelier for a foyer or entryway, recessed lights for your kitchen or living room and a pendant light and wall sconces for your dining room. Task lights and recessed lights work well in most bathrooms, while bedrooms often have an overhead light with additional lighting coming from table lamps. Keep in mind that you can layer lighting in any room by using different types. This helps ensure plenty of illumination in all areas of your home.

Choose the Right Size

The size of your lighting fixtures depends on the size of the room they’re going in and other factors, such as the type of fixture. It’s important to find out which size would work best for each room, so that you don’t end up with an overly large fixture hanging over your dining room table or one that’s too small in your entryway. Add the length and width of the room or furniture item to find the right fixture diameter. For example, you can add room dimensions if you’re choosing an overhead fixture to brighten up the entire room. If you’re choosing a fixture to go over a table or other furniture piece, add the length and width of that piece.

Consider Style

You don’t have to go with plain lighting fixtures in functional areas, such as your bathroom or kitchen. Consider choosing fixtures that add style to different parts of your home. For example, you can choose wall sconces in a decorative style for your bedroom, dining room or bathroom to create an elegant look. For your foyer or entryway, consider choosing an elaborately designed chandelier for a visually striking entrance. You can even find task lights, such as under-cabinet lighting, in decorative styles to add flair to your home.