Building a custom home means you get to select every element of your home, including the lighting. Choosing the right lighting and light fixtures for your custom home is just as important as choosing your furniture and décor. Creative lighting helps complete the look of your home…room by room. Creative lighting makes a statement, sets a mood, and serves a functional purpose.
There are 4 layers of light: Task, Accent, Decorative and Ambient.
(1) Task- Task lighting brightens workspaces like countertops and inside the pantry where you store things. i.e. table lamps, underneath kitchen cabinets, inside storage closets
(2) Accent- Accent lighting adds depth and dimension. i.e. can lights and up lights, track lighting, recessed adjustable fixtures, chandeliers with dimmer switches
(3) Decorative- Decorative lighting adds décor to your space or room. i.e. chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps, table lamps, pendants
(4) Ambient- Ambient lighting or general lighting is the main source of light in a room and is a very important part of your indoor lighting design. i.e. natural sunlight from outside that shines through windows and open doorways, candle lights, fireplaces
Once you have decided on the type and style of lighting for the interior of your home, the next step is to make sure you choose the right bulbs. Different bulbs perform differently. There are four basic types of light bulbs to choose from: Incandescent, Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFLs), LEDs and Halogen.
Let’s take a look at each type more in depth:
(1) Incandescent Bulbs- these are the traditional light bulbs that have been used for decades. Incandescent bulbs produce a warm, glowing light.
(2) Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFLs)– these use about 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb and they last longer. CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, so they require more careful handling and disposal than other bulbs. They typically emit a cooler tone and you can find them in a range of temperatures and brightness levels.
(3) LEDs- these are just as efficient as CFLs, but they can last much longer. LEDs have come a long way and are now being used in place of incandescent bulbs. Not to mention they are more efficient, aren’t as hot when touched and they last a long time. Although LEDs are more expensive than some bulbs out there, you might be able to find some utility rebates.
(4) Halogen- these are great for task lighting as they give off a bright, white light…like natural daylight. Halogen bulbs use about 10-20% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Adding dimmers to your light switches allows you to control the light in each room. You might want low light to relax, ambient light to entertain and brighter light to read and work. In addition to controlling the lights in your home, you will also be more in control of your costs. You can cut your energy costs in half just by dimming your lights 50 percent.
Lighting is a very important element that makes your home feel inviting and comfortable. Choosing the right creative lighting, light fixtures, bulbs, and dimmers are all part of your custom home planning process.
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