Lighting can influence your mood and has the power to take your apartment’s design from average to exceptional. An apartment can look dull and lifeless, especially with the wrong design, lighting, color hue, and interior.

If you want to make your space more welcoming and comfortable, then having the right lighting is essential. Choosing the right light fixtures can also address several issues such as the lack of natural light and minimal space.

Follow these seven lighting rules of illumination, and apply them to your apartment.

1. Incorporate an Eye-Catching Ceiling Fixture

Having a large, over-scale fixture will help direct attention to the ceiling above, which opens up more space. Moreover, it also creates illumination and drama, tricking the eye into thinking that the area is bigger than it is. However, lower ceilings are more challenging in smaller spaces, and by placing a flush mount chandelier it can draw attention upward more than a single flush mount would. That doesn’t mean that you should completely abandon other lighting sources, though. More often than not, ceiling fixtures don’t work as standalone, especially if you have a space that lacks natural light. While it can help brighten an entire room, you will still need other lighting sources.

2. Assess Illumination

A lot of people tend to focus on the fixture itself. Ideally, your focus should be on what you’re fighting. How does it look when the light lands on the surface? What does it do to enhance the look of the space?

While finding the particular look and style for your space is essential, in illumination, you also need to look for the right light. To maximize existing light, depending on your décor you should consider using a wall mirror to reflect more of that natural light. Placing a mirror to reflect light from a window can accomplish bouncing that light throughout the room to help achieve that goal.

3. Layer Up your Lighting Scheme

Layer your light sources so that you have options later on when it comes to the setting on what you want to create. Do you plan to use the room for relaxation, work, entertainment, or for a combination of all three?

Layering up your lighting scheme means using functional lighting in your space by making use of decorative ceiling fixtures, table or floor lamps, and light sconces to light up darker corners of the room.

Also, lighting in an apartment usually consists of three major categories ‒ task, ambient, and accent. Task lighting comes from a bright source of light and is usually spaced on a concentrated spot like whenever you’re performing detailed work (e.g. reading or slicing vegetables.) Ambient lighting illuminates an entire area, making it possible for you to see and safely move around. Accent lighting, on the other hand, turns an object into a focal point (e.g. an architectural feature or a valuable piece of art.)

4. Choose Sconces and Overhead Lighting for a Powder Room

Looking for the right kind of lighting for a powder room is challenging. Having overhead lighting makes the place a lot smaller, and the light itself can be a bit harsh. However, when you try to incorporate a sconce with overhead lighting, it brings the perfect balance and opens up the area.

5. Play with Scale for Visual Interest

If you want to make a statement, the bigger the fixture is, the better. Placing a massive dramatic installation together with the right room interior can make a lasting impact.

It’s always a good idea to decide on the central lighting fixture first, such as a chandelier, and move on with the lamps. Keep in mind that not everything needs to be huge. Some of your lighting fixtures should be on a smaller scale so that it won’t compete with the bigger ones.

Also, to create a better ambiance consider using dimmers. A great place to add a dimmer is in a bedroom, this way you can control lights and bedside lamp from a bed. A dimmer placed in a bathroom can also work well, especially late at night when nature calls. This is a cost-effective way to instantly control the look and mood of your space.

6. Choose Your Lampshades Wisely

Lampshades can give a significant difference when it comes to getting the quality of light from a lamp.

When you choose a particular lampshade, know what your lighting goals are. Usually, lighter lamp shades permit more light to get inside the room. Meanwhile, darker shades will make the light more concentrated and will usually shine above or below the fixture.

So, if your goal is a room that’s flooded with light, choose mesh or glass shades. You can also opt for Edison-style lighting wherein the bulbs are exposed.

7. Consult a Lighting Specialist

When it comes to your current project, excellent illumination is the key. If you want to create an inspiring ambiance that elevates your style, consult a lighting specialist. These professionals have the right knowledge, skills, and expertise. They’re also trained to find the highest quality lighting that perfectly fit your style and needs.

Let us help you find your best style!

Fine Home Lighting and Fine Home Lamps are committed to providing customers with fine quality home accessories at the best possible prices along with providing knowledgeable and responsive customer service.

About Fine Home Lighting and Fine Home Lamps

FineHomeLamps.com has been in operation since early 2009. We carry over 10,000 hand-selected home accessories such as table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, including wall mirrors, wall clocks. and wall art. We continually expand our inventory in order to provide additional choices for our customers.

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