Lighting is one of the most important components in your home. It can set the mood for a room, provide safety by illuminating dark areas, and more. The best lighting upgrades for your home are ones that provide the perfect balance of safety, efficiency and style. By investing in quality fixtures and bulbs, you can enjoy an upgrade that will last for years to come. So what is the right type of fixture? The answer depends on where you need light most- whether it’s a hallway or living room.
But whatever your needs may be, there are plenty of options on the market – from sleek contemporary designs to retro chandeliers. If you’re looking to upgrade your lighting, here are four options that will make a big difference.
LED Lighting
One of the best lighting upgrades you can do is replace old light bulbs with new LED lights. LEDs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer. They also produce better quality light that looks like natural daylight (not harsh). This isn’t just good for your electric bill, but it’s also great if you want to be more environmentally conscious. LED lights are widely available in most markets now.
Big box stores and specialty hardware stores carry them, and you can probably find any type you need. You can also order them online, directly from manufacturers or retailers. Safe Electric notes that LED lights come in creative styles, too. You can get LEDs that are shaped like regular light bulbs or downlights with a small profile. They also come in different color temperatures and can be used in virtually any fixture.
Wall-Mounted Lights
For some rooms like kitchens, wall-mounted lights can be helpful because they won’t cast shadows on counters or other surfaces below them. Wall-mounted lights also provide ample light to work under and come in many styles that match any décor or room setting. But wall-mounted lights aren’t just for kitchens. They can be used anywhere you need an extra boost of lighting – like above staircases, hallways, or even bathrooms.
You can install one or multiple lights depending on your needs. Wall sconces are also a good option in rooms where you have limited floor space or want to highlight an area. They can be installed anywhere – on the wall, around corners, and even outside of your home for extra security lighting. Pendant lights are also popular with homeowners because they provide light over areas that require a little more brightness. And they are easy to install with the right tools.
Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches for lamps are another must-have upgrade, especially if you’re adding lights or updating your decor. They offer a number of different options and allow you to increase the light in certain areas while decreasing it in other parts of your room. They also create a more relaxed, cozy feeling for your home. Dimmers are ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other areas that you want to be just a little softer.
Dimmer switches are available in different styles, so choosing one based on your decorating preferences is important. There are toggle-style dimmers, rocker-style dimmers, touchpad-style dimmers, pull chain-style dimmer switches, and even rotary-style dimmers. Rotary dimmer switches are best for large rooms like living rooms or dining areas because they allow you to adjust the light level very quickly.
Smart Lighting Options
If you want to transform your home into a smart, tech-savvy space, then you need to take advantage of smart lighting options. Smart lights are great for safety, convenience, and energy use in your home. Some of the best ways that smart lights can improve your life include:
- Make it easy to find things in dark spaces when moving around your house at night
- Automatically turn on or off when it senses motion or when certain people arrive or leave
- Make sure you never trip over things in your dark home again – add smart lights at the most dangerous places for walking around with no light
- Save energy and money on electricity bills with smart lights that turn off after a set amount of time even if they are not being used.
Better Lighting Makes Your Home Look Better
Lighting can indeed make or break the look of your home. Bad lighting makes rooms seem dingy and small, while great light will open up a room to create lots of space. So, go ahead and upgrade your lighting to make your interior rooms look as beautiful as possible. Don’t forget your outdoor spaces either – install some LED lighting, well-placed solar lights, or lanterns for patios and decks to make your space feel more inviting.