Interior Lighting: The Importance of Natural Light No matter the season, how you choose to light a room should always be driven by the amount of natural light that is available. On gray winter days, you may find you need to rely on additional light sources. Next, consider the function of the room. A single light source such as a well-placed lamp may be all that’s needed in rooms such as a den or family room that’s primarily used to relax and enjoy time together as a family. Other rooms, such as the kitchen, where tasks are routinely performed, will require more abundant lighting options to ensure you can see properly to complete chores safely and without causing eye strain. Consider adding strip LED lighting under cabinets to increase lighting in areas used for food prep or clean-up to create an efficient kitchen environment. Change Up Your Light Bulbs and Shades for Winter Light bulbs vary in strength and hue, from high temperature and bright light with a blue cast to lower wattage bulbs with a warmer tone. Higher wattage bulbs are excellent for tasks such as reading, writing and household chores, while lower wattage bulbs emit warmer light and are a good choice for setting the mood for cozy relaxation. Don’t stop at changing your bulbs! Seize the opportunity the change in season brings to change up your lampshades as well. Resist the urge to choose dark shades for winter and consider light neutrals in warm tones such as parchment or alabaster that will allow more light to filter through.
Have a Room That’s Perpetually Dark? Do you have a room in your home that is dark even during the brightest part of the day? If so, you’re not alone. Homeowners frequently encounter this problem when their home is located on a heavily wooded lot or if the room has few windows. If you aren’t looking to do major renovations, consider trying one or more of the tips below to brighten up a low-lit room: z Employ a layered lighting strategy. First, install a ceiling light or a fan with a light fixture. Then, add additional sources of light such as floor lamps and wall sconces. Choose sleek fixtures that will imbue the space with a light and airy feel. z Paint the ceiling a crisp, bright shade of white. Doing so will brighten the room while also making it seem larger and more open.
Use mirrors to reflect the natural light. Strategically hanging mirrors opposite windows to reflect the incoming natural light is a great way to brighten any room.
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z Paint the walls in a shade that reflects the natural light. Go for lighter colors such as a cool white or pastel shades like mint green, butter yellow or lavender for a softer look.
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December 2022
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