Lighting can play a massive role in the atmosphere of a home. It can create a calm and relaxing environment or add excitement and energy. According to a study by the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, “A well-designed lighting system can both enhance the appearance of a home and contribute to the occupants’ sense of well-being.”
Some other studies have shown that lighting can also affect moods and emotions. For example, a study by the University of Essex found that exposure to blue light before bedtime suppressed melatonin production, leading to poorer sleep quality.
Given these findings, it’s clear that lighting can significantly impact the mood and feel of a home. If you’re looking to change the atmosphere of your home, consider changing the light fixtures or bulbs. A simple change can make a big difference. However, you might not know where to start. Here are a few areas where it is possible.
Identify an Area
When changing the lighting in your home, finding an area where you can experiment is essential. It will help you save on costs and get a sense of what works best for you. It can be helpful to start with rooms you use less often or areas already bright.
Some areas where you might want to experiment with light fixtures or bulbs include bathrooms, hallways, and basements. It can also be a great place to try out new lighting ideas if you have a spare room. Just keep track of what works and what doesn’t so you can apply those lessons elsewhere in your home.
Changing the lighting in your home can be a great way to improve the atmosphere and save money on energy costs. You can start with any room. By experimenting in specific areas, you can find fixtures and bulbs that work best for you and your family. If it doesn’t end up being what you want, you can consider making improvements or changes to your decided area. The tactic ensures you remain flexible with your designs, especially when you don’t have a preferred style.
Modernize the Lights
One great way to change the atmosphere of your home is by modernizing the light fixtures. This can include adding dimmers, changing old light bulbs, or upgrading to LED lights.
Dimmers are a fantastic way to change the mood of a room with just a click of a button. They allow you to lower the light for a relaxing evening or raise it when you want to get ready for bed. Dimmers are also an excellent energy-saving tool since they help extend the life of your light bulbs.
LED lights are another area where you can save money and improve your home’s atmosphere. They last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and use less energy. You can find LED bulbs in various shapes, sizes, and colors. So, if you’re looking for a specific look, you’ll likely be able to find it.
String lights are also becoming increasingly popular to add atmosphere to a home. They can be used indoors or outdoors and are available in various colors and styles. If you’re looking for a festive feel, consider string lights in red and green. Or, try white or pink string lights if you want something more romantic. You can also have those string lights dimmed to make it more intimate. You can find companies that know how to dim your LED string lights. The strategy will make your lighting more modern and flexible.
Utilize Natural Light
Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light. Not only is it free, but it can also help improve your mood and energy levels. Moreover, you will get plenty of health benefits from it.
If you have the option, add windows to rooms that don’t get much natural light. You might also consider skylights as another way to bring in natural light. Just install them properly so they don’t cause any leaks.
When natural light isn’t an option, there are still ways to make the most of it. One way is by using mirrors. A mirror opposite a window can help reflect light and brighten a room. Just be sure not to put the mirror directly in front of the window as it will reflect the glare and make it difficult to see.
You can also use lighter colors when painting or decorating rooms that don’t get much natural light. Lighter colors tend to reflect light, making the room appear brighter. If you want a cozier feel, consider adding warm lighting with yellow or red tones.
Final Thoughts
No matter what atmosphere you’re hoping to create, the lighting in your home plays a significant role. You can save money by making simple changes and still get the look and feel you want. So, don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you.
