Rules for Lighting Your Home #7: Good Lighting Is Worth Paying For

by Alden Miller | September 6, 2013 | Design Lab

The lighting in a room not only affects aesthetics of the space, but the health and well-being of everyone living in the home as well. I find low levels of light irritating when I need to get things done, and bad lighting definitely affects my mood. Rooms need to be bright enough to not strain your eyes and allow you to do the activities you want to do in the space. Unfortunately, inexpensive light fixtures and bulbs often don’t deliver the needed wattage to provide adequate light. Remember, with a dimmer switch the light can always be toned down for the times when low levels of light are desired, so it’s always best to start with a lot of light.

Good lighting is important to combat eye fatigue necessary for young and old eyes alike.

 

 

5 reasons it’s worth paying for good lighting

  1. It’s not healthy for the eyes to strain under poor lighting that is too low.
  2. If the lights are badly balanced it creates a glare and your pupils are constantly adjusting their dilation.
  3. Likewise, if lighting is not diffused enough it’s harsh on the eyes.
  4. In the evening the amount of light (and the height of the light) establishes the size of the room so if a light does not deliver enough light the living space feels smaller.
  5. Light fixtures can be beautiful. Investing in a very nice decorative light fixture is like investing in sculpture or art.

 

 

Fixtures Worth the Focus

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Lighting is an area where designers really get a chance to show off their skills by finding choices that are right for you and your home. Decorative light fixtures are a special thing, because like a potter’s teapot, they serve a function as well as providing beauty with the experience. Filling your surroundings with art enriches your life, and because light draws the eye, your lamps and light fixtures will always be a focal point. Why not invest in something beautiful?

Up Next In Our Lighting Series. . . 

This was the last post in our series on tips for lighting your home. If you missed something or would like to revisit one of the posts, find them all in one place here.  In the meantime, go get some sunshine!

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