The abode’s lighting and lighting fixtures are more important than people realize. Everyone has visited a bathroom to find that the lighting is so bad that they want to run from the reflection looking back from the mirror or so dark that you cannot see your face in the mirror at all. A beautifully furnished room can be ruined with bad lighting or an ugly fixture.
Before purchasing or creating the lighting for your abode one should know the different types, or layers:
- The ambient layer is the general overhead lighting in a room; this can be the recessed high hats, a chandelier, or a ceiling fan with lights.
- The task layer is the more concentrated light you need when working; such as under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, a light over the sink or island, a desk, or reading lamp.
- The focal layer is used to highlight objects; like artwork, architectural details, or a wall with a wall wash.
- The decorative layer is for fun and excitement. This layer is also known as accent lighting. It adds dimension and mood to your room, and is used to augment the total design, just as an accessory does; such as lighted molding or columns, or lighting washing the ceiling for effect. Lighting can also be in different colors to create a special look and ambiance.
A wonderful and easy way to make old lighting look new is to transform ordinary recessed lights into hanging pendants. This looks great when it is over a table or counter. You can buy recessed light conversion kits online and in stores like Lowes. These will makeover your room in an instant on a budget. If you rent, you can easily change back to the original high hat when you move. The height can very easily be adjusted after the pendant is installed. These also reduce the air leaks you have with recessed fixtures and are energy efficient.
There are many concepts for new chandeliers or sconces. One easy idea is to just simply add or change shades on existing fixtures. Japanese decorative paper parasols can transform existing lighting very easily; attach the parasol upside down to the old ceiling light fixture with two plastic cable ties. You see the pretty paper parasol with the light shining through from below. Everything else is hidden.
Update an old chandelier or sconce (if you do not have one, you can find them at a garage sales or thrift shops). Remove any crystals and bulbs and paint the fixture with high gloss paint in black, white, or any fun color. Put the chandelier back together and hang. You can also add more personal touches with items like shells, little toys, beads, or buttons. Christmas tree ornaments hangers work well to hang these trimmings. Instead of painting you can wrap old chandeliers with glue and rope for a unique look. Swap crystals with shells and beads.
Lighting do-it-yourself projects are fun and creative. You can make your own pieces of art and have a great lighting center piece for your room on a budget. Chandeliers and sconces can be fabricated out of so many different items such as ribbon, jewelry, beads, drinking glasses, cd cases, bic pens, globes, paper cutouts, silverware, chopsticks, recycled garbage, shells, wine or beer bottles, and tree branches. You can make it a family project and challenge everyone to come up with their own ideas of what to use. Happy meal toys can be fun for a child’s room.
Think of this project as a mobile with a light in the middle. You will need a lighting base to start from. You can recycle a base from any old chandelier that has been tossed out or purchased from Goodwill. You can make your own with electrical wire (as per the length of the lamp required), bulb holders, and bulbs.
When guests arrive you will definitely be in the spot light, so never be afraid to dance!
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