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Does Your Rental Have Bad Lighting? – 5 Top Lighting Complaints (and Solutions) for Renters

Does Your Rental Have Bad Lighting? – 5 Top Lighting Complaints (and Solutions) for Renters

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Renting an apartment or house is a great way to maintain flexibility and save up for future investments. But making the space your own can be challenging– especially if it’s a long-term rental. Many renters don’t feel that changing up their rental lighting is an option for them – but taking control of your lighting (in a renter-friendly way) is actually one of the best ways to make your rental feel like home.

The basic lighting in rentals isn’t always ideal, and bad lighting can really make your home feel… off. So we’ve come up with five of the top complaints from renters that we hear all the time – and we’ll follow them all up with renter-friendly solutions to make your space a cozy, personalized home for as long as you live there.

 

“My rental feels cold and sterile.”

Lighting has a massive impact on the way our room feels, and on how we feel when we’re in it. Aside from throwing out a rug and hanging some art, tweaking the lighting can also make a room feel more warm and less sterile.

What to try:

  • Use textured lamp shades to create depth, color, and coziness.
  • Swap out mismatched and too-bright bulbs for warmer colored bulbs. 
  • Add battery powered string or LED accent lights to light dark corners and to create a softer lighting environment for the evening wind down.

 

Not sure where to start? Check out your local lighting showroom for expert advice and a wide variety of light fixtures!

 

“There isn’t enough light in my apartment.”

A lack of adequate lighting can make any space feel tired and dull, and it’s hard to get anything done in the dark. Adding more light sources is a great way to improve the homey feel – plus, it’s really easy!

What to try:

  • Aim for 5-7 light sources per room, including existing lights and windows. Lamps are a renter’s best friend! 
  • Make the most of natural lighting by using sheer privacy curtains, light paint colors, and mirrors.
  • Use the best light bulbs for your needs. LED bulbs can give off a lot more light than traditional bulbs, so they’re a great option for a quick light boost.

 

Simply having enough light is one of the easiest and most powerful tools to make your space feel like your home.

 

“My light fixtures are outdated/don’t match my aesthetic.”

It’s pretty common for rentals to have either original (outdated) or builder-grade (basic) light fixtures. Installing new custom lighting isn’t often an option, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! Some landlords will be fine with updating their lighting, especially if you remind them that it will increase their property value.

What to try:

  • Always consult your lease and your landlord before making permanent changes to your rental.
  • Before you start, make sure that your new fixture will work with the existing wiring and switches.
  • Switching a light fixture is a pretty simple DIY in most cases! Check out this Youtube tutorial for a typical DIY ceiling fan replacement.

 

Investing in a new fixture as a renter is a smart move if you plan to stay long-term. Great lighting completely changes the feel of a room – consider it an investment on your comfort! (Every lease is different – you may even find that you’re fine to replace the light so long as you switch it back upon moving out, so you can take it with your to your next place!)

 

“I can’t install new wired lighting, so I’m stuck with what came with the rental.”

Many renters feel creatively limited with their lighting options. If your rental had cruddy lighting and you’re not allowed to touch it –  it may feel like you’re stuck. But the good news is – there are a LOT of lighting options available now that don’t require hardwiring anything, and many can be installed without drilling any holes!

What to try:

  • Battery-powered sconces and LED strips add a lot of personality. They often need to be screwed to the wall.
  • Hate changing batteries? These also come in corded varieties, so you can plug-in sconces, lamps, and LED strips anywhere you need.

 

These options can help you elevate your apartment without creating permanent changes – and you’ll get to sell them or take them with you when you go.

 

“I don’t know what to look for when shopping for a light fixture.”

Light fixtures significantly impact your home, but they’re not something you shop for very often. While an endless number of online options can seem like a good thing, it can often lead to uncertainty. 

How do I know what style to shop for? What does the fixture look like in person? Is it well-made, or will it fall apart in 3 months? Are there hidden costs not shown in the listed price? Can I install it?

What to try:

  • Check out Pinterest, interior design social media accounts, and design magazines to get an idea of what your space needs. Create a mood board from these ideas to narrow down your style!
  • Visit your local lighting showroom with pictures of your space and your inspirational photos to get customized help.

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If you’re not sure what you want or where to start, it’s easy to get lost in a search filters nightmare. Find inspiration, then skip the hours of hunting and go to a showroom. 

Lighting showrooms specialize in making your home feel its best with great lighting. You’ll get better advice and find what you need faster. Plus, showrooms vet their products – so you won’t end up with a dud that breaks 3 days after the return window. 

It can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, renter restrictions, and a budget! If the lighting in your rental just isn’t cutting it, skip the headache and stop by our showroom. We’ll help you turn up the lights!

5 Easy Steps to Create a Modern Minimalist Interior

5 Easy Steps to Create a Modern Minimalist Interior

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With an intentional lack of furniture and decorations, minimalist design can sometimes come off as cold and uncomfortable. Over the past few years, as we’ve spent more time in our homes than ever before, the need for comfort in a home design has been made crystal clear.

Today’s modern minimalism prioritizes simplicity with a decluttered and uncomplicated aesthetic, while also emphasizing the need for comfort in a space. You’ll see more color and accessories than the minimalist interiors of the past had, but they’ll be thoughtfully chosen extras that provide warmth and life to the space without going overboard. 

Whether you’re interested in adopting a minimalist lifestyle or just love the simple yet dramatic design aesthetic, modern minimalism is an achievable aesthetic for just about anyone! 

To help you get started, we broke down the basics of modern minimalist interior design into a handful of easy steps you can use to confidently focus on the right essentials. 

1. Create an Open Floor Plan

Focus on creating as much connected open space as possible. Obviously, taking out walls is the easiest way to create an open floor plan. But if you’re not in a place where you can tear down walls, there are some simple and subtle tricks you can use to make adjoining spaces feel more connected. 

One way to connect spaces in your home is to use the same flooring and wall paint colors for the entire space. This will make rooms look like they belong together, even through a doorway. 

A unique accent, like this minimalist pendant light, grabs your attention through the doorway from across the way, which helps your brain perceive the two spaces as one.

Finally, play around with your furniture placement to maximize your space. In smaller spaces, this often means keeping large furniture close to the walls to keep open pathways throughout but don’t underestimate the power of a simple, low-profile, floating sofa used to define a space.

2. Choose a Small Color Palette

A classic hallmark of minimalist design is a neutral monochromatic color palette, typically in warm grey, white, or beige tones. Contrast is important – add dimension and balance with a mix of darker and lighter shades within your color palette.

If an all-neutral color palette just isn’t your thing, you can still get a modern minimalist look with color – you just need to stick to a small palette. Keep most of the colors you use very light, to increase the feeling of airiness and reflect light best. 

3. Functional Design is Key

It doesn’t matter how pretty a room is, if it’s inconvenient or difficult to use you’re not going to be happy with it. When you’re trying to adopt modern minimalism, understanding how to pare down to only the essentials can be hard. When you’re going through your room, ask yourself:

 “Does this serve a purpose?”   “Do I already have something that serves this purpose?”   “Is there a multipurpose option that will serve this purpose and others?” 

Just remember, there’s no hard and fast rule for what it means to be “functional” – and you don’t need to justify every item you love to keep it in your home. A funky decorative pillow that makes you smile when you see it is serving a purpose (and it’s making your couch more comfortable – so it’s multifunctional!) 

A huge part of functional design is organization. Decluttering for a modern minimalist space involves reducing “visual clutter” too! Things not actively being used should have a home where they can be tucked away until they’re needed. 

Opt for storage options that have doors that will hide the things you’re not using.  When styling open shelving, choose items that match your color palette, leave plenty of open space, and use boxes or baskets to organize and hide loose items.

Don’t be surprised if you get down to the basics and you aren’t in love with what you have left. You’ll likely need to start making smart trades here and there to end up with a set of basics that you love.

4. Add Light – Lots of It

Like most modern design aesthetics, modern minimalism focuses on filling the space with light. Where possible, introduce as much natural light as you can. The light colors on your walls and floors will reflect it – making your room feel open and airy. 

In addition to natural light, a modern minimalist space needs a well-thought-out interior lightscape. Make sure your general ambient light is bright without being harsh, and add extra lighting in dark corners and over workspaces. Hidden lights, like LED strips under a cabinet, are an inexpensive DIY trick with a big payoff! 

Because minimalism is all about doing less with more, it’s okay to be choosy about how you add light to your space – you don’t want to clutter up your home with a floor lamp in every dark spot! When you’re shopping for fixtures, stick to simple shapes that can double as design elements.

5. Finish it Off with Thoughtful Accents

Little pops of color and texture are what take a modern minimalist space from blah to wow. You can do this in a number of ways, but remember to keep it simple. Start with just one color or texture and see how it feels before committing to more. 

When possible, look for ways to upgrade your existing decor rather than adding extra items. Look for functional pieces that you need in your space, but feel a little lackluster, and find a more interesting alternative. Replace an old, overstuffed sofa with a simpler version in a deep color (as long as it’s in your color palette!) or give an old end table new life with a coat of paint.

Pro Tip: If you have a hard time committing to color, consider using houseplants! They introduce a vibrant green color and soft, organic textures, which can balance out a minimalist design quite nicely.

By far, one of the most effective ways to accent a modern minimalist design is with an interesting light fixture. Your room will always need light, so it might as well be an integrated part of the design! 

A stunning ceiling light with a simple shape will stand out as a piece of art against a minimalist backdrop and elevate the entire design of the space. 

Pendant lamps are popular in modern minimalist design because they come in simple shapes with lots of finish options, so it’s easy to find something that will match your aesthetic. 

If replacing a ceiling fixture isn’t an option, you can get a similar impact with a carefully chosen floor lamp! Lamps are the MVP of accent lighting for a reason – they’re easy to move, replace, and rearrange, and come in a HUGE variety of styles. You can go for something small that blends in, but we also love the way a large, yet simple, lamp like this one makes a statement without taking over. 

That’s all there is to it! Just to recap, here are the 5 easy steps to create a modern minimalist interior: 

  1. Create an open floor plan – Tie separate spaces together with color and materials and rearrange furniture to maximize your space.
  2. Choose a small color palette – Neutrals are your friend, but it’s okay to add in a little bit of color to make your space feel like you.
  3. Remember functionality – Use multipurpose furniture, and organize, organize, organize. Store things that aren’t being used so that they’re not cluttering up your space.
  4. Add light – Having lots of natural and indoor lighting is what makes your space feel open and airy. Light up dark corners and workspaces.
  5. Finish it off with thoughtful accents – Don’t over-accessorize. Pops of color and texture give life to a space, but try to incorporate these add-ons with the functional elements of your space – like a colored sofa or an upgraded light fixture.

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Modern minimalist design can be a difficult concept to balance, but it’s very forgiving and so beautiful when done correctly. If you need help finding the right lighting for your modern minimalist home, our experts at Lit Living can help!

3 Top Mistakes in Outdoor Lighting and How to Avoid Them

3 Top Mistakes in Outdoor Lighting and How to Avoid Them

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Your home’s outdoor lighting makes your home safe, creates mood lighting, displays your personality, and more! And while there are many excellent ways to light your home’s exterior, there are so many ways to make mistakes. 

Poor outdoor lighting might just make your home boring after sundown. But in other cases, improper outdoor lighting can create real hazards for your home!

We’re here to give you some advice from lighting experts. We’ll walk you through three of the most common outdoor lighting mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Then you’ll be able to safely enjoy your home at any time, in any season!

No More “Starry Night”

Have you ever looked outside in the countryside and noticed how many stars there are? Especially compared to when you’re strolling at night in the city? But, of course, it’s not because there are more stars in the countryside– it’s because all the city lights create significant light pollution. 

Light pollution refers to the interference of electric light with natural light, like stars and the moon. If you use too much outdoor lighting, you may unintentionally worsen your view of the night sky. 

Here are a few top ways to avoid putting out too much light and keep your nights starry:

  • Use motion sensors or automated timers. One way to reduce light pollution is to only have the lights on when you need them. By using motion sensors or timers, you can keep your electric light to a minimum without sacrificing safety or functionality.
  • Keep your lights relatively warm and dim. Bright lights emit a higher frequency of light, which leads to greater light pollution. Think of cities and how all those signs and street lights cause a haze. So, warmer, dimmer lights, like solar path lights and fairy strings, will help clear the air. 
  • Use downlighting. Downlighting is an excellent lighting technique that focuses light beams toward the ground. Try using lampshade sconces or other fixtures that concentrate light in a single direction. This strategy will allow you to light your yard while keeping the starry sky bright.

Can’t Take the Heat… Or Rain

Outdoor light fixtures and wiring must withstand water, ice, snow, wind, and animals. But not all fixtures are up to the task! Some homeowners simply pick a fixture or bulb they like without checking for outdoor grading. Using indoor grade lighting may get damaged by rain and snow or be vulnerable to animal teeth. 

Carefully shop for fixtures and bulbs so you can balance your aesthetic with durable, quality equipment. When in doubt, try running over to your local light showroom for expert advice on a safe and beautiful home exterior.

Keep your outdoor lighting safe from the elements and pests:

  • Use only outdoor grade fixtures, bulbs, and wiring. Read all instructions carefully to ensure that you’re keeping yourself (and your outdoor lighting) covered!
  • Location, location, location. Pick strategic places for your lighting to reduce exposure and risk. For example, you can tuck them under eaves, keep them away from drainage routes, and leave lots of space between lights and trees.
  • Inspect lighting regularly and after significant weather. Check on your outdoor lighting at least once a year to see if you can find damage or wire exposure. It’s also a great idea to do a quick check if you have a severe storm!

Leaving Things “Plain Jane”

While the house in this picture seems beautiful, we’re not really sure because all of its features are hidden in the dark. But your home shouldn’t become “Plain Jane” just because the sun went down! That means you’ll need to add more lighting than what you’re getting with the house from the builder. 

Let your home’s personality shine around the clock by:

  • Using enough light sources. Interior design recommends using 5-7 light sources per room. You can use the same principle for your home’s exterior! Your standard porch and garage sconces will only cover half your lighting needs. Don’t want to install fixtures on your home? Try using ground light sources like LED pucks or ground lamps! 
  • Create a story. Lighting lets you say more about your style– are you classic, magical, or dramatic? What about luxurious, mysterious, or modern? The outdoor lighting you use will help you create a unique view of your home, even in cookie-cutter developments. 
  • Incorporate safety. Start with walkway lamps, lighting stairs, or highlighting danger zones like pools or ponds if you’re having trouble knowing where to begin your outdoor lighting upgrade. Then you’ll cover the essentials and add some personality too!

Special note: Dressing up your home with light often creates light pollution. So keep your balancing act in mind if you’re a regular star gazer, and ensure that you can easily control when your decorative lights are on. Your local lighting showroom is a great resource for tricks to balance opposing needs!

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at Lit Living for advice on your project!

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Home Lighting Renovation

Step-by-Step Guide to Home Lighting Renovation

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How to Plan, Prioritize, Budget, and Make it Happen

Updating the lighting in your home is one of the quickest ways to give your house a facelift. It’s easy to accidentally overspend on your house’s lighting if you don’t have the right information, but not to worry! With a few pro tips and some help from Lit Living, your home will feel brighter and look better – without breaking the bank.

1. Make a Plan

Before you start tearing lights out, pull up a chair and make a solid plan. When you’re on a budget, prioritizing which spaces need the most love is key. Look in each room and make sure all your spaces have multiple lighting sources to eliminate shadows and illuminate workspaces. 

Once you’ve done that, think about lighting focal points. Where do you want your lights to make the biggest impact? A few places to consider starting are: above the dining room table, in the living room, and in the bedrooms.

Pro tip: Make a list of all the fixtures you want in order of importance–it will come in handy later!

2. Evaluate Your Budget

Do your research and be realistic about your needs and wants. Knowing how much you can spend and being an informed buyer will help you make the most of your money and avoid overspending. 

Take a look at your budget and decide on two numbers – the amount you’d like to spend, and the highest amount you’re willing to spend. Then, put together some ballpark estimates for the fixtures you want. 

When you walk into the showroom prepared, you can put your money where it matters most!  It’ll also help us to know what price range you’re looking at to match you with the perfect fixture!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to include the costs of professional installation and light bulbs in your estimate! 

3. Prioritize Your Needs

If you’re renovating on a budget, ask yourself: Which light fixtures will make the biggest difference in my house? Remember that list of fixtures you made earlier? Pull it out and prepare to rearrange it. 

Prioritize fixtures that give off ambient, or full-room, light. Once you have those at the top of the list, move on to task lighting. Any workspaces will need additional lighting above them (kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, desks, etc.).

If you still have room in your budget, consider adding accent lighting to features in your home you want to highlight. Moving from general to specific will help you narrow your focus to what really matters, and light your house without running low on change.

4. Pick Your Fixtures

It’s easy to get sticker shock when you start looking at light fixtures. When you’re choosing lights for your renovation, you have two options: you can get a cheap fixture that will work for now, or you can get a quality fixture that will work for years. 

While there is a time and a place for inexpensive fixtures, just remember that buying lights that will stand the test of time will actually save you money in the long run. 

You also need to keep in mind how often you want to redecorate. Trendy fixtures will look outdated much faster than classic styles. If you don’t want to be repeating this process again in 5 years, get a classic, quality fixture that won’t need to be replaced when the fads change.

Pro Tip: Selling your old fixtures online can give you a little extra to put towards your next lighting purchase.

5. Remember the Bulbs

While LED lights cost a little more up front, they use at least 75% less energy, and they last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. To be sure you’ll see savings on your electrical bill, look for bulbs with the Energy Star rating logo on the packaging. 

Don’t make the mistake of buying bulbs that you’ll just have to replace in a few months! Be sure to work LED bulbs into your budget–we promise it’ll pay off!

6. Do It Yourself

One major cost of updating lighting is installation. In many cases, a handy homeowner with the help of a few Youtube tutorials can save money by doing it themselves. You may also consider installing some lights yourself and having others professionally installed–dropping a heavy chandelier would put a dent in your budget (and your floor)!

However, if you’re going to go this route, researching and implementing all the safety precautions is non-negotiable. Being well-educated can save you from causing a fire, burns, or other safety hazards.

If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, no worries. Just make sure to factor the professional help you need into your overall budget!

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Updating and replacing lighting on a budget can feel like a daunting task, but with these tips and our expertise, you can’t go wrong! The step-by-step guide we made will help you have amazing lighting without feeling financially strapped.

If you get stuck on any of these steps, give us a call and we’d love to chat about solutions.

9 Ways to Upgrade Your Home with LEDs

9 Ways to Upgrade Your Home with LEDs

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With their excellent energy efficiency, affordable price tags, and numerous customized options, LED light bulbs are quickly becoming the top choice for home lighting. Available in small bulbs and flexible strips, these microchip-powered wonders fill almost every need in your home– including some you didn’t even know you had!

So get ready to upgrade your home’s functionality and style! Here are nine ways using LED bulbs in your home can improve your home’s design, costs, comfort, and safety.  

1. Energy Efficient

LEDs are highly energy-efficient light sources because they create light with a microchip. With no gas or burning filament, they waste far less energy in heat production (not to mention much better customization in color, brightness, and temperature. But we’ll get to that later!) 

Unlike older bulbs, LED bulb packaging uses lumens instead of watts to tell you how bright they are. Watts measured the electricity needed for incandescent bulbs to glow, but lumens directly measure the amount of light a bulb gives off. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb.

But it’s not just the packaging that’s changed– your utility bill will decrease when you replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs. They use far less energy than incandescent bulbs to give off the same level of light, savings you’ll actually be able to see. 

2. Work with Most Light Fixtures

No matter your light fixture, there’s likely an LED bulb that’s a perfect match. LEDs come in a wide variety of standard-sized bulb sizes and shapes– so you can even use them in your candelabra chandelier! 

The only thing to watch out for is ventilation. LEDs are cool bulbs compared to incandescent and other traditional options, but they’re not entirely immune to overheating. So if you’re ever in doubt, give a local lighting expert a call and they’ll help you find the correct bulb.

3. Safer than Other Bulbs

LED bulbs are one of the safest ways to light your home– they produce minimal heat and use very little energy. They’re even safer than fluorescent bulbs, a top competitor for energy-saving lighting. Compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs, glow by passing an electrical current through mercury gas. So CFLs are a little risky in “accident-prone homes,” like homes with pets or small children.

On the other hand, LEDs glow using a microchip. In fact, LEDs don’t even need to use the glass bulb case– they’d be just as safe and contained without it! So if you want to increase your home safety while still being energy efficient, swap out your CFLs for LEDs.

4. Best Color Rendering Index (CRI)

Did you know that the way you see color depends heavily on the type of light shining on it? Stores and online product photos use great lighting to show their products at their best potential. But if you bring those products home in poor lighting, you may be surprised to find that it doesn’t look as great as they did before. It’s not always buyer’s remorse, though– sometimes it’s just bad lighting!

LEDs are one of the best on the color rendering index (CRI), meaning they show colors more accurately. Their light will be very close to the lighting in-store or in the product images, so it’s much more likely to look the same in your home as it did in the cart.

As a bonus, high CRI lighting is a huge help in places like your bathroom or closet. Accurate lighting can help you pick the right clothes and do your best makeup. No more surprises when you see yourself in the office mirror!

5. Dimmable

Dimmable bulbs are perfect for rooms with multiple functions. Take your living room, for example– during the day, you’ll want bright light as you move about your daily activities and tasks. But in the evening, you want your living room to be a soft, cozy space where you can relax and unwind. 

LEDs can come with dimmable capabilities, making them perfect solutions for bathrooms and bedrooms. They will also work with your existing dimmer switches and remotes. So simply swap out your old bulb, and you’re ready for a day-to-night lighting experience!

6. Vary in Temperature

A bulb’s light temperature refers to whether the light falls into cool (blue) or warm (red) light. Cool, blue light is in the same range as direct sunlight– it wakes you up and gets you focused. Warm light is similar to fire and candlelight and helps you to relax. Traditional bulbs were all warm light, but modern LEDs come in a wide variety of light temperatures.

How will knowing this improve your home, you ask? Our bodies work with a circadian rhythm– the natural cues to wake up with the sunrise and relax at sunset. But our modern life surrounds us with blue light well after sunset, eliminating the natural transition to red light before sleep. Choosing the right LED bulbs makes it easy to reintroduce the red light phase to your circadian rhythm. 

Opt for warm light bulbs in places where you relax at the end of the day (dining room, living room, bedroom, etc.), and it’ll help signal to your brain that it’s time to go to bed– making it easier to fall asleep at bedtime. Just don’t undo your brain’s relaxation by staring at your phone screen in bed afterward!

7. Smart Integrations

What’s a smart home without smart lighting? LED bulbs are a top smart home choice because they offer a wide range of stress-free customization.

This flexibility makes them a great choice to use on their own, but they’re also great options to use with your smart home setup. Set routines for lights to turn on and off and control settings from your phone on the go!

You can even create a habit with your smart home assistant to ”warm up” the temperature of your LEDs a few hours before bed. It’s a simple change that could significantly help your family rest better– and avoid the increased risk of depression, anxiety, and weight gain connected to regular poor sleep.

Remember, not every LED bulb is “smart,” so make sure you read the packaging to get the perfect addition to your smart setup!

8. Customize Color

LED stands for “light emitting diode”– big words to describe a glow from passing electricity through a microchip. Because of the way they work, many LED bulbs can change color, temperature, and brightness with the press of a button.

Color customization may seem like a party trick with little functional use. And while they are a great novelty at parties, color-changing lights can also help you wind down at night and reduce eye strain when watching TV or sitting in front of a computer monitor.

LEDs are excellent for creating bias lighting for your TV or computer. Bias lighting casts light on the wall surrounding your screen to help decrease the intensity of the image, making it easier on your eyes. It also increases the contrast of your screen, so you’ll get a better view without upgrading your tech!

9. Strip Lighting

A lesser-known use for LED lights in the home is strip lights. If you’re looking to make your home look and feel like a bespoke model home, these are the way to go. The best part– they’re inexpensive and simple to install. 

LED strip lights can be wired to a switch, but homeowners often opt for battery-powered or plug-in options for noninvasive installation. They typically come with either a remote or smart home integration capabilities. They’re also tiny, and since many come in a user-friendly peel-and-stick variety, they’ll fit just about anywhere! 

We recommend trying out LED strip lights in places like:

  • Kitchen Cabinets: Stash these inconspicuously under cabinets to make dinner prep easier and safer, or add them inside glass-fronted cabinets to turn your dishes into art! You can also place them under the toe-kick to light those late-night snack runs.
  • Stairways: Make your evening bathroom trip safer by lining your stairs with light. Don’t want to see them? Try tucking them underneath the handrail!
  • Closets and Shelves: Want to turn your dark closet into an elegant dressing room? LED strip lighting will elevate your closet without any structural changes. Add them to the top of shelves, above your shoes, or around the top edges of your walls – they’ll go anywhere you need more light.
  • Bedroom Mood Lighting: String a few LEDs around your walls and change the color  or brightness of your entire room without lifting a paintbrush– a very popular DIY for teenagers and social media creators
  • Bathroom GlowUp: Stash a few LEDs under bathroom cabinets for a toe-kick touch of luxury and soft lighting. Or use around your mirrors for true lighting during your daily skincare routine!

The Possibilities are Endless

LED bulbs and strips are small, easy to install, and can fit just about anywhere. Whether you’re swapping out all of your home’s bulbs or just adding custom lighting to your favorite spaces, LEDs can give you that luxury feel without breaking the bank. And when you factor in their energy efficiency, customization applications, health benefits, and smart home applications, it’s easy to see why LED bulbs are the swiss army knife for home lighting needs.

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail the balance between light levels, fixture designs, and a budget! For your next project, contact the experts at Lit Living.

Home Lighting and Interior Design 101: Top Interior Design Tips From The Lighting Experts

Home Lighting and Interior Design 101: Top Interior Design Tips From The Lighting Experts

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Have you ever walked through your home and wondered, “why did my stuff look cuter online/in-store?” If you have, there’s a decent chance the problem is your home lighting. Product images and store displays always have excellent lighting, showing you the best possible version of their decor, paint samples, art, and furniture. 

But if you buy that gorgeous piece or perfect paint color and put it under poor lighting, you’re bound to feel like you got duped.

Luckily, the rules to great lighting aren’t very complicated! You can start updating your home lighting for relatively low cost, low skill, and low tools. 

Consider this post a free course on home lighting essentials, including practical interior design tips from lighting experts. Answer quiz questions along the way to see if you’ve got it, then apply what you learn to make your interior design shine!

The Basics

Let’s start with a few basic terms and ideas– including five layers of great lighting and why the bulbs you use significantly impact how your home reads.

Layers of Light

You can break up your home lighting into five different categories. Once you understand how the categories work, you can mix and match them to fit your needs. Here are the five layers you should consider in each of your rooms:

  1. General/Ambient: the primary light source for the entire room.
  2. Task:  more focused light over a workspace, like a kitchen island or desk.
  3. Accent: think mood lighting; creates an atmosphere rather than light up the whole room.
  4. Decorative: it’s more about what the fixture adds to the overall design than the light it gives.
  5. Natural: working with windows (and firelight) to maximize color and space.

We’ll break down tips for working with each of these layers later on. For now, keep in mind that a well-lit room typically has five to seven light sources spread across these categories.

Question 1: Which type of lighting is most responsible for setting the mood in your space?

Warmth of Bulbs

There is so much information available on bulb temperature. The truth is you can get started with just a few pieces of information. First, bulb temperature refers to the color and brightness of the light. So let’s break it down.

Cool light will wake you up, help you focus, and is best for showing the true colors of paint, makeup, and clothing. These are the bulbs in the bottom row of the image above. Cool bulbs are great for offices, kitchens, and vanities.

Warm light has the opposite effect– it relaxes and casts a yellow or orange glow on your walls and furniture. Warm light is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.

Both ends of the spectrum are important for different areas. And sometimes you might need to combine them in the same room so you can control the activity you’re doing. 

Now, let’s get into some specifics about how to work with each of our five light categories.

Question 2: Which light temperature is best for relaxing, cool or warm?

General or Ambient Light

As stated earlier, general or ambient lighting is your primary source of light for your space. It’s often centered in the ceiling so it can cast a bright, even light across the room. Your light fixture will greatly impact how the light casts. For example, flush mount domes offer little resistance to light, while metal shades will concentrate light downwards.

Since general lighting gives the most light, it will set the tone for your space. Here are a few top tips for nailing the general lighting in your home:

  • Use cool ambient lighting for kitchens, offices, and bathrooms.
  • Use warm light for living rooms, dining, and bedrooms. 
  • Swap out your builder-grade flush mount for an immediate (not to mention cheap and easy) upgrade. 

Question 3: Where should you position your general light source?

Task Lighting

Task lighting concentrates light (and your focus) on important tasks, like homework, dicing up vegetables, and filling out expense reports. They are also more obvious choices in your design since they often hang down or sit close to the action. 

Top tips:

  • Hanging pendants often look best in odd numbers, so stick to one, three, or five pendants where possible.
  • Strip lights or spotlights tap into task lighting fixtures to highlight art or displays to create design focus. 
  • Don’t forget LED strips as a versatile option! Place them around mirrors and under cabinets for steady, bright light.

Question 4: How do you know what areas need task lighting?

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting covers mood lighting and rounds out the lightscape. From reading lamps to LED strips behind TVs, they land closer to decorative lighting than really focusing on function. 

But don’t underestimate what they deliver! Accent lighting easily becomes general lighting during movies, date nights, and intimate gatherings with friends and family. 

Top tips:

  • Warm light is usually best for accent lighting. Scatter a few accent light sources around gathering places to have enough light to fill the room without the general light source.
  • Sconces are a great way to switch up typical lamps. And some come with plug-in cords– no hard wiring needed!
  • Color-changing bulbs and LEDs are a great option for accent lights. Then they are versatile for task lighting or mood lighting as the situation requires!

Question 5: True or false? If I want to add accent lights to my home, I have to hire an electrician.

Decorative Lighting

The final category is sometimes lumped in with accent lighting since they both have more to do with aesthetics than functionality. But we pulled this out to give special attention. 

Decorative lighting is about adding a super cool fixture, with the provided light taking a backseat. For example, using a chandelier for general lighting offers general light for the room, but its top priority is providing a visual “wow.”

  • Try mixing up the expected, like using pendants or sconces where you’d normally use a lamp. 
  • Get creative and turn a statue or other thrift finds into a one-of-a-kind light source.
  • Work with a local light showroom for designer-level pieces for a fraction of the price– plus top tips on installation and more!

Question 6: What is the purpose of decorative lighting?

Natural Light

Natural light is the final component of your lightscape. While manipulating natural light isn’t as easy as shopping for a great light fixture, it’s still critical to the overall feel of your home. 

For example, when shopping for paint, check the swatches day and night to see if there’s a dramatic change in appearance. This will also inform your decision on what kind of bulbs you use. And if your room’s color changes a lot from day to night, you can use cooler “daylight bulbs” to keep your color from changing as much. 

Top tips:

  • To get an airy feeling, use light curtains and hang them as close to the ceiling as you can, regardless of where your window stops. 
  • Which way do your windows face? You’ll get very different glows north versus south, as north-facing windows tend to get cooler light, with south-facing windows giving warmer light. Work with the natural light temperature when picking paint colors and decor!
  • Remember, dark colors absorb light, and lighter colors reflect it. So if you want a dark, moody space, dark paint will help to suck in extra light while still getting to keep the windows open. 

Question 7: True or false? Paint colors always look the same, no matter the time or the way windows face.

Summary

With a basic understanding of these simple lighting and interior design principles, you’re ready to convert your home from predictable and dull to vibrant and glowing! Remember:

  • You need all five layers of light to pull off a great room design.
    • General: main light source.
    • Task: focused light on important activities.
    • Accent: set the mood.
    • Decorative: dress it up, make it unexpected.
    • Natural: work the windows.
  • Bulb temperature affects concentration and color interpretation. 
    • Cool light for true colors and enhanced focus. 
    • Warm light for cozy relaxation and a golden touch to color. 
  • Updating your lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. Work with local professionals to get a leg up with great selections, expert advice, and affordable prices.

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at Lit Living for advice on your project!

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Quiz Answers:

Question 1: Which type of lighting is most responsible for setting the mood in your space?

General (ambient) lighting is a room’s main light source, so it’s the primary contributor to the mood.

Question 2: Which light temperature is best for relaxing, cool or warm?

Warm light naturally relaxes your brain and helps you to fall asleep. Cool light wakes up your brain for detailed work.

Question 3: Where should you position your general light source?

General lighting should come from as high and centered as possible for even light distribution.

Question 4: How do you know what areas need task lighting?

If you have an area where you perform detailed work, you should check to see if you need task lighting! Ambient lighting can provide enough light, but focused work often requires focused lighting.

Question 5: True or false? If I want to add accent lights to my home, I have to hire an electrician. 

False! There are many options for battery-operated and plug-in accent lighting.

Question 6: What is the purpose of decorative lighting?

Decorative lighting works with your decor as art, giving a unique lift to your design. It’s one more detail that helps you show off your style!

Question 7: True or false? Changing your lighting will change your paint colors.

True! All colors change with the quality of the light shining on them. Window position, time of day, and bulb temperature will all change how your paint reads.

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Vanity Lighting

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Vanity Lighting

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When done right, your bathroom lighting should be able to take you from a bright morning routine to an evening spa break to a midnight trip to the restroom without feeling too over or underpowered in any scenario.

Most builder-grade vanity lights just don’t cut it. They’re often too high, too bright or dim, and don’t really add much to the design of your bathroom. So if you’re ready to try something new, we’ve compiled a list of the most common vanity light fixtures to help you figure out precisely what you (and your bathroom routine) need to create the bathroom oasis you deserve. 

Here is a short list of light fixtures and bulbs to consider so that you’ll be prepared to balance the functionality and style according to your budget and available space.

Types of Vanity Light Fixtures

Your bathroom vanity includes the mirror, counter, sink, and surrounding lighting. Vanity lighting is often the only source of light in the bathroom – and it largely determines your experience there. So it’s important to get it right!

There are several types of vanity light fixtures, each with its own set of benefits. Which one you choose is up to you – but make sure you consider both style and function to make sure you’re happy with the result.

Vanity Light Bar 

Light bars are the most common fixture for bathroom vanities because they’re easy to install and give off a lot of light. Light bars consist of a long base (the bar) with light emanating from its entire length. They’re usually mounted just above the mirror from a single, central wiring box. 

Most people picture a base with multiple bulbs sticking out into the room, like you’d see in a “builder’s grade” new home or surrounding the mirror in a makeup artist’s studio. Other light bars consist of a single, long light source, such as a sleek LED bar or a fluorescent tube. 

The advantage to installing light bars is that they create even lighting with fewer shadows. (Anyone who’s ever done makeup or shaved using a bathroom mirror knows how important that is!)

Pro tip: The most crucial part of successfully using a light bar is getting the proper proportions. Ensure the bar is at least 75% the mirror’s width and never longer than the counter below. Keeping the bar at least 6-6.5 ft high will give even light without shining directly into your eyes. 

Mirror-framing Sconces 

Sconces are light fixtures that attach to the wall rather than the ceiling. They’re often found above the center of the mirror, although it’s worth considering placing your sconces on either side of the mirror– you’ll get the best light for your morning routine and playfully break from tradition! 

The number of bulbs and types of shades will impact your placement. Some shades only allow for downward light, so those work best up high. Glass shades are a little more forgiving – they’ll shine light on your face when installed above or to the side of the mirror. 

Not only are sconces an excellent fit for lighting your vanity, but they also make a statement. You’ll show that you put real thought into your bathroom design by using a non-traditional fixture.

Pro tip: We recommend mounting sconces with the center of the fixtures about 60″ high and about 28″ apart. Try installing one on either side of your mirror to get even, shadow-free light on your face as you’re getting ready.

Unexpected Pendants

If you’re looking for a way to make your bathroom look unique, try out pendant lighting. These fixtures hang directly from the ceiling, with the bottom of the shade right above eye level. Not only are pendants a bold statement, but they’re also a versatile option if you’re short on space.

In a bathroom, sconce and pendant placement guidelines are very similar. A single pendant directly over the mirror is an excellent option for small bathrooms. They also work well as a pair, framing the mirror on either side. 

Because pendants have an extra “wow” factor, they’re also sometimes used in larger groups to create a design element. For example, this designer hung multiple pendants along the mirror – and we think it turned out great!

Pro Tip: We recommend spacing your pendants about 30 inches apart to avoid harsh lighting. Also, keep in mind the pendant’s ability to shine directly onto the mirror– a thin or transparent shade will reflect a lot of light. It’s a good trick to make your space feel brighter but may cast unexpected shadows.

Modernize with LEDs

For a modern (and energy-efficient) touch, consider opting for LED lights. They last for years, cost little to run, and come in a wide variety of color options.  LED light bulbs can be installed in almost any fixture in place of a traditional bulb.

Some light fixtures come with LED lights already integrated, which means you’ll never have to change a bulb for the life of the fixture. While these mirrors come in a variety of styles, they’re most often found in sleek, modern bathrooms with a minimalist feel. 

LED strip lights may be an unexpected choice for the bathroom. They’re easy to install (some are even peel-and-stick!) and will make your bathroom feel high-end with just a little bit of creativity. As vanity lighting, try installing them behind a mirror to give a soft, luxurious glow. 

Pro tip: Because they are so small, LED strip lights can be tucked in unexpected places, like along the underside of a mirror to light the counter, or along the bottom of a floating vanity to light the space underneath. Adding light to dimly-lit edges and corners of your bathroom will make it feel bigger!

When to Hire a Pro

If you own a newer home and have tools handy, you can probably handle most light fixture upgrades yourself. But not all fixture update projects are created equal. For example, you may have an older home that requires electrical updates, don’t own tools, need new circuits for new fixture locations, or simply don’t feel comfortable with an electrical project. 

Electricians will ensure your new fixture is installed quickly and safely. Not sure how to hire a qualified electrician? No problem! Your local lighting showroom can often connect you to a great pick– and offer a wider selection of fixtures while you’re there!

Ready to update your bathroom vanity? The experts at All-Phasecan help you find the right fixture for your room, budget, and style. Contact us today!