{"id":16611,"date":"2024-10-08T11:56:25","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T10:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=16611"},"modified":"2024-10-08T11:56:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T10:56:26","slug":"lighting-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/best-buys\/lighting-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Home lighting: the ultimate guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for home lighting ideas? Never underestimate the power of a well-planned lighting scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only can it transform your home, both in the way it feels and how it functions, but it can also create interest and visual drama, with layers of light that allow you to see clearly and highlight stand-out features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to be illuminated about lighting up your home? Read on for expert advice and inspiration, whether you’re looking for mood lighting, task lighting or accent lighting to complete your space…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mood lighting ideas for the home <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether it’s a statement chandelier, a row or cluster of pendants or recessed lights, use ambient lighting to create a diffused, even level in a room. <\/p>

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Make sure that whatever you hang overhead is the right size for the space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too big and it can cast unwanted shadows and make your room feel cramped \u2013 too small and it can look lost and out of proportion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Pendant clusters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A row of pendant lights, or a cluster, hung over a dining table makes for an inviting place to eat, while allowing you to see what\u2019s on the table when needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think hard about where you hang them, though \u2013 too high and you risk not getting enough light, too low and you\u2019ll be knocking them every time you reach over the table.<\/p>

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\"Amini
Amini large matt black pendant lights with gold inner, \u00a396 each, Iconic Lights<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Use a dimmer switch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As beautiful as your chosen light fitting may be, it\u2019s hard to appreciate if the light itself is too harsh, which is where a dimmer comes in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This way you\u2019ll be able to set the brightness to exactly the right amount, whether it\u2019s low-lit mood lighting or at a more general level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dowsing & Reynolds, Buster + Punch and Screwfix all sell a range of aesthetically pleasing dimmer switches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cinnamon
Cinnamon single chunky dimmer switch, \u00a340.99, Dowsing & Reynolds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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3. Tactile materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Light fittings can help with the overall feel you want to create in your room, whether it\u2019s sparkling glass for an elegant vibe, a metal design for a more utilitarian look or something softer. <\/p>

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Add texture by introducing a shade in a more touchy-feely material \u2013 linen, velvet, rattan and silk are all good contenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pom
AGRA pendant light with pompoms in beige, \u00a366, Maisons du Monde<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Open-plan home lighting ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you have one open-plan room with different functions, such as eating, watching TV or cooking, it\u2019s crucial to light each part for its own specific requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you may want lower mood lighting in the living area, while the kitchen will need something more functional and bright. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that you don\u2019t have to have the same light fittings throughout \u2013 contrast and diversity can be a good thing.<\/p>

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Lighting and automated blinds control system, price on application, Lutron<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Bathroom lighting ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pendant lights are fine to use in a bathroom, but there are regulations in place to keep you safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fittings close to a bath will need to have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating unless your light fitting is high enough that it\u2019s out of the bath and water \u2018zone\u2019. Find out more about IP ratings at plumbworld.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Roundout pendant, \u00a31,581, Hudson Valley Lighting Group at The Design Buzz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mood lighting style tips<\/h4>\n\n\n\n