Homeowners are investing in their attics for a reason. Extra space is always more than welcome, whether as a living area or storage. But most importantly, a renovated and remodeled attic is popular as it boosts home value. With that in mind, homeowners take additional steps to make their attics as attractive as possible. And the most practical and charming asset is – lighting. Lighting solutions differ as attics differ; no two homes are the same. The best options, the ones that emphasize the space and take your breath away upon entering, are often simple but strategically distributed.

Attic lighting solutions: starting (s)low

Depending on the size, disposition, and overall state of your attic, you will require different lighting options. The first step would be to make a lighting plan with professional help. Ideally, you would know what you want to turn your attic into. Note that the study room or home office, lounge area, storage, and bedroom all have different lighting demands. Once you decide on the purpose of the space, it is easier to select the right lighting option.

Next, you should think about insulation. Electrical installations, and by this we mean hard-wired electrical fixtures, shouldn’t be exposed in any way to excess heat, cold, or moisture. It can weaken them and endanger everyone within the home. Proper roof and attic insulation will not only protect the cabling but will also improve the general energy efficiency of your home.

Speaking of energy, you can and should use energy-efficient attic lighting to save on electricity bills as much as possible. An ideal solution for low-ceilinged spaces are LED lights. These bulbs have a better distribution of light, long operational life, are incredibly efficient, durable, low maintenance, environmentally friendly, and can be found in a variety of sizes and design options. They can be used in ceiling lighting, floor lamps, or as a part of wall decor.

Best ideas for attic lighting

If you’re about to hire a professional that specializes in indoor lighting, you’ll need to inform them of the position of the circuit. They will need to know where they can most easily tap into it. To present your attic in the best possible light, you should work together to decide on the right lighting solution:

1. Industrial pendant lighting
2. LED strips
3. Floor lamps
4. Wall lights
5. Table lamps
6. Sensor lights
7. Low ceiling lights/Downlights
8. LED panels

Industrial pendant lighting

Industrial pendants are ideal for a home office or study room where an optimal and focused light is needed. They’re not only practical, but their simple and rugged aesthetics are becoming increasingly attractive. Often found with transparent minimalist shades and revealed lightbulbs, they can be suspended on chains and cords of different materials and designs.

LED strips

Strip lights, LED strip, ribbon, or tape are the names for a truly versatile and flexible lighting solution. It is best used to accentuate structural features of the attic or furniture. Get some help to bring robust pieces trouble-free upstairs and emphasize their contours with LED strips. They are easy to use and install, can be cut to size, they’re dimmable, and come in different colors.

Floor lamps

One of the many good things about floor lamps is that they can be moved around and adjusted to fit your lighting needs ideally. They create the illusion of height, are chic and charming, and complement other lighting options in the attic. Floor lamps are versatile and can be used equally as task lighting or ambient lighting.

Wall lights

Wall lights or sconce lighting is one of the oldest forms of lighting. Some of the modern designs border art; wall lights are becoming wall decor in their own right. Perfect for lounge areas, these soft ambient lights fit well with every home style. They will also help you save overall energy as they provide sufficient visibility without the need to light up the whole space.

Table lamps

The soft light of table lamps suits bedrooms in a converted attic best. Table lamps are convenient to use, as they cast light to a limited area, without disturbing others in the room. They can be used for a variety of purposes if combined with an adequate lampshade and a dimmable lightbulb, for example. Moreover, they have excellent decorative potential. Often, table lamps come in terrific designs that easily overshadow the modest amount of light they produce.

Sensor lights

Sensor lights are extremely convenient for long corridors and the least frequented areas of the attic. Never worry about finding a light switch upon entering or forgetting to turn off the lights behind you. Their most treasured perk is energy efficiency as they are used only when necessary. Also, sensor lights are highly practical if you have small children. 

Low ceiling lights/Downlights

This lighting solution is among the best types of lighting for every room but especially for the attic. Minimalist downlights are perfect for low ceilings, but due to their design and focused light beam, they are a good fit for kitchens or home bars and bathrooms, and even within wardrobes and other storage areas.

LED panels

Just like other LED lighting solutions, the panels boast durability, extremely low heat emissions, and the best quality of light. They can be found in a variety of designs, sizes, colors, and shapes, making them ideal for attics. They are often much easier to install than other ceiling lights.

Zoe Davis is a mechanical engineer but has decided that she can better show her creativity through interior design. She also loves to blog and can’t resist sharing her tips on a wide range of home-related topics, something that park-moving.com greatly appreciates. She’s proud to be a pet mom to a lovely calico cat, Truffles.