Whether building, remodeling or just sprucing up your home, lighting can change the look and feel of every room. Lighting is sometimes a second thought when remodeling or building, but in fact it should be at the forefront of all decisions. The easiest way to ensure you have lighting everywhere needed is to really think it through as you design your space and not as an afterthought. For example, picture yourself prepping food in your kitchen. Is the area you’re prepping well lit in the right places and not casting your shadow over the prep area? Maybe along with the can lighting, you need to add under cabinet lights. Follow the four tips below to help you identify and select the best lighting products for your style and needs.

Size

How large or small should the fixtures be?

Size of the lighting fixtures is important. When choosing your fixtures, keep in mind that when viewing them in a showroom, they may appear smaller than they actually are. Be sure to measure the areas in your home where these fixtures will be placed and bring those measurements into the showroom when selecting. Ending up with a fixture that is too small or too large can be an eyesore to your final room appearance.

Color

Lighting color sets the mood.

In your kitchen, for example, you will have the cabinets, the flooring, the countertops and possibly a tile backsplash. All of these items will have a look and feel that you prefer. This “feel” will either be warm or cold. Choosing lighting to enhance this will complete the room. For example, a more traditional kitchen tends to have a warmer feel whereas a contemporary kitchen will feel cooler in tones. (picture shown: warm on left, cool on right)

Function

Lighting is very useful when placed properly.

It almost feels silly to mention function as something you need to remember, but this is such an important part of successfully lighting a room, that it needs to be listed. As mentioned above, the best way to consider all of the uses of each light in your room would be to actually go through what you will be doing in each space in your mind. In your living room, do you only watch television or do you like to read in a particular corner of the couch as well? Is this room used for conversation with guests? Or do you have a corner table where you play family games at night?  All of the uses need to be considered to arrange placement and quantity of lighting.

Style

Do you prefer contemporary, traditional, or possibly a  transitional style?

Style is basically your personal preference. There are so many styles and colors from which to choose. This is the easy one because ultimately it’s up to what you prefer. And you can certainly mix styles. There are no set rules on this category. You pick what you like and enjoy it for years to come. I’ve added some of our new styles that you will find in a select number of our showrooms. Come in and see for yourself how beautiful lighting can be! Progress Lighting fixtures shown below.