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Why Lighting your Space is Important

And How to use accent lighting the correct way


Lighting plays an essential role in our daily lives. It allows us to see and navigate our world, enhances the mood of a space, and highlights the features we want to showcase. Whether you’re designing a new space or looking to revamp an existing one, lighting is a crucial element that can make a significant difference. In this post, we'll explore why lighting is important and provide tips on how to add accent lighting to a space.




Hudson Valley Lighting



Why Lighting is Important:

  1. Visibility: Proper lighting allows us to see and navigate our surroundings. It is crucial for safety and comfort, particularly in areas such as staircases, hallways, and outdoor spaces.

  2. Mood: Lighting sets the mood of a space, affecting our emotions and behaviors. Bright, white light creates a lively and energetic atmosphere, while warm, dim light creates a cozy and relaxing ambiance.

  3. Highlighting Features: Lighting can accentuate the features of a space that you want to highlight, such as artwork, architectural elements, or furniture pieces.

  4. Energy Efficiency: Efficient lighting can save energy and money on electricity bills. Switching to LED bulbs, using motion sensors, and timers can reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Pro tip! We love to purchase smart plugs for lamps so they automatically turn on at sunset. Studies show that the lower your lighting in the evening hours, the better your sleep will be! Plus, it just feels cozy to have lamps as your only light source at night!


How to Add Accent Lighting:


Now that we understand why lighting is essential, let's dive into how to add accent lighting to a space:

  • Highlight: The first step is to identify the features you want to highlight, such as artwork, architectural elements, or furniture pieces. Once you have selected what you want to showcase, you can choose the appropriate light fixture to go with it.


  • Choose the Right Fixture: There are so many different types of accent fixtures to choose from, such as wall sconces, pendant lights, table lamps and floor lamps. Consider the size of the space, the type of feature you want to highlight, and the style of the room when selecting the right fixture.

#Bentwoodhouse showing off the perfect use of task lighting

  • Layer the Lighting: Layering lighting involves using different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, to create a well-lit space. Accent lighting should complement the ambient and task lighting, adding visual interest and depth to the space.

#GableRidgeHome (coming soon)

  • Position the Fixtures Correctly: Position accent lighting to highlight the features you want to showcase. For example, if you want to highlight a piece of artwork, position the light fixture like a sconce, above or below it to create a dramatic effect. Or on the left and right side like what we have done in our #highbenchhouse (More photos coming soon) pictured below.


  • Use Dimmer Switches: A dimmer switch can be your best friend when you are trying to create a certain vibe in a room. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the intensity of the light, creating a customized ambiance.




 

In Conclusion

Lighting is an essential element that can make a significant difference in the mood and functionality of a space. By adding accent lighting, you can highlight things like artwork or a unique architectural element. By layering your light with sconce, lamps and recessed fixtures you create a unique ambiance that reflects your style and personality. Remember to measure any light fixtures before purchasing especially hardwired fixtures. We hope these tips help you can transform any space into a well-lit and aesthetically appealing space.



If you would like professional design help making your house feel more like a home be sure to contact us here!


-The GHC Team




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