Indoor Lighting Fixtures to Brighten Up Your Home

When you think of indoor lighting, most people think only of fluorescent tubes or low-voltage lighting systems. The problem with low voltage lighting systems is that their light output isn't very high (around 1000 lumens/ watt). Therefore, significantly increased illumination very much requires an increase in wattage, which is easily obtained. Wattage refers to the amount of light a light bulb will produce.

With the addition of new technology and modern design, it has become relatively easy to incorporate your indoor lighting style into your home. One great way to amp up your lighting is with the use of modern accent fixtures. These are very common now and can be easily found at most big-box retailers. Accent fixtures come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties and are becoming used more to provide light for the daytime and provide accent and decoration for the evening.

Try Indoor Lighting

Indoor lighting provides a soft glow that enhances a room's functionality while not creating a harsh glare from glazed or reflective surfaces. More commonly known as ambient or general lighting, it is made up of all the different types of light in an indoor environment can provide.

Ambient light from windows and skylights, diffuse and task lighting, decorative lighting, and recessed lighting are a few types of general indoor lighting available.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting, also known as task lighting, helps illuminate an area such as a desk or bookcase to add interest or clarity to a specific location. For example, it can highlight particular features in a piece of art or illuminate a dark corner.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting, similar to a chandelier, consists of multiple sockets or fittings under a ceiling or floor and is usually recessed into the wall. Task lighting comes in many different styles, including LED lamps and many compact fluorescent bulbs. It is perfect for computer desks, printers, or fax machines where you want a small amount of light to perform specific tasks.

Spotlights

One of the easiest and most effective ways to highlight a room is by using focused spotlights. A spotlight, or concentrated spotlight, directs a beam of light diagonally around the focal point so that every corner and angle in the room are highlighted. You can use them both as a task and accent lighting or highlight a specific decorative element in the room. A well-placed spotlight, as with any other fixture, can create a fantastic effect.

Task Lighting

One type of indoor lighting you can use to illuminate a room is task lighting. Task lighting is lighting designed to light specific room areas such as the table, the desk, or the lamp that you have on the nightstand. They do not have to be large like wall sconces because they can even fit on your desk.

If you use task lighting correctly, it can make the space much more functional and appealing because it can create a warm atmosphere, and it can help you focus on the task at hand rather than wasting energy searching for the light switch.

Flood Lights

Many people install floodlights because they want to highlight something with their outdoor décor or keep their garden illuminated. These lights are great for highlighting things such as walkways or large trees, but if you do not place them where you need them, they will not provide the proper amount of light and may even be an eyesore because they are so harsh.

How To Use Indoor Lights Properly

There are many types of indoor lights that you can use to illuminate your room, but before choosing one for your home, you should be clear about your lumens lighting needs and the type of look you are trying to achieve. For example, if you are decorating with a specific theme, you may want to go with lights that complement that particular theme.

If you are going for a more minimalist look, you will not be satisfied with just any light and would probably be interested in using natural light sources instead. Either way, it is essential to have good lighting and learn how to use it properly. Otherwise, you will not only waste energy, and your home will not be aesthetically pleasing but also ineffective when it comes to lighting.