Considerations in Lighting

When choosing light fixtures for your home, there are many factors to consider. Accounting for the room's size, style, and how you plan to use the space can help you choose the lighting that's best for your home.

Room Size

• The most important consideration when choosing lighting is the size of the room. Few rooms will be satisfactorily lit with just one lighting source, and the size of the room affects not only the number of lighting sources needed but the scale. A huge light fixture in a small room is as out of place as one small ceiling fixture in a large room.

Room Use

• The way the room is used affects the number and type of lighting options needed. While a small dining room may be satisfactorily lit with one chandelier and a couple of buffet lights, a kitchen needs task lighting for cooking areas, eating areas and display areas. Home offices and craft areas need brighter lights, located in different workstations in the room, whereas bedrooms may need only a pair of small bedside lamps and an overhead light source.

Style

• The room's decor style will influence the type of lighting selected. Overhead light fixtures, plus lamps and other task lighting, should reflect the style of the room; a crystal chandelier would be ridiculous in a casual family room, while a rustic ceiling fan/light fixture would be jarring in an ultra-modern bedroom.