Dress Up Your Space With Light

Finding new ways to add a little pizzazz to your home can be daunting for some. My usual word on that front has been paint; but if have just painted, new lighting is another spectacular way to add that next level of excitement your home.

You will see on the market every type of chandelier from very fancy and expensive to more modest styles; one that will suit your space is just waiting for you to select it.

With lighting, you can step out of your comfort zone a little and not make a terrible mistake as long as you keep scale in mind. Add together the dimensions of your room, and that sum will give you a good idea of the diameter of the light fixture you should be looking for. Of course there are many things to keep in mind when deciding the size of your light fixture.

The size of your table when at rest is the number you should be considering for an everyday chandelier; when the table is fully extended for special occasions, you can add candles for additional light and ambience. Set the fixture 30 inches to 34 inches above the table top for most ceilings, a bit higher if you have excessively high ceilings. Having dimmers on your dining room chandelier is always a good idea.

Pendant lights over an island are ideal; giving you good task lighting as well as being a focal point for your island or peninsula. A lighting fixture is a great way to add an accent color to the room, as well as a focal point in your kitchen. The addition of recessed lighting over your island or peninsula can be helpful and dimmers here will enhance the use of the space, because sometimes you just need a little more or less light.

I like to see variety in decorating. I often suggest using a modern light fixture in a traditional or country setting to create a happy surprise for you and your guests. The same is true in the reverse: try a funky fixture in a typically modern setting; it helps give your space an extra layer of interest.

The bathroom is another area of the home that can use a lift with lighting. If you have a small powder room, you can make it noteworthy by bringing in some interesting color and décor elements and set it all off with a spectacular chandelier. Powder rooms don't usually have much in the way of upper cabinets, so you don't have to worry about doors opening and interfering with a hanging light fixture. Since it is not your main bathroom, you don't need to be as concerned with the quality of light; it's more about setting a fun mood.

For your master bathroom, again, you can have a combination of recessed lighting as well as wall sconces or a chandelier-- whatever the décor will support. Keep in mind that you will want good lighting for make-up application and shaving. If you hang a chandelier, be sure that it will not interfere with medicine cabinet or linen closet doors or with privacy.