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Lighten Up for Spring
Create a fresh look in your home with a few easy changes.
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| BRIGHT TIPS: Take a Fresh Approach to Your Fixtures |
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It's the beginning of a new season; it may be time to lighten the mood by modernizing your fixtures.
- Replace dark shades with lighter ones. A small change, such as changing a shade on a table lamp, sconce or a chandelier, can freshen up a space without costing a lot. It is particularly important to use light-colored shades if surrounding paint colors and accents are darker in tone.
- Change the trim around recessed cans. Newer, more popular minimalist styles and a range of finishes are now available, whereas standard white trims used to be the only option.
- If the longer, brighter days bring more natural light into your room, try adding low-voltage lights as accents and spotlights instead of relying on a main overhead light source. Repositionable fixtures offer flexibility and control in directing light individually toward chairs and artwork.
- Get rid of the brass. This finish on fixtures was popular 20 years ago. They are a sure signal that lighting is outdated.
- Add some pizzaz over a dining table by exchanging a chandelier for a few pendants with colorful or patterned shades.
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| RIGHT LIGHT: Choose the Best Bulb for Your Space |
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Confused about which light bulb to use? To see the various kinds of light bulbs and where they work best, check out the Energy Star Choose a Light Bulb Guide. The guide also shows different color temperatures in which Energy Star bulbs are available.
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Click here for tips for choosing the right lighting
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| EXPERT ADVICE: Get Answers to Your Questions |
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Do you have questions about lighting your home?
Click here to submit your questions for an ALA-trained lighting professional.
What is the best light to mimic natural (high density) sunlight?
To achieve a light similar to the full spectrum of daylight, lighting professionals recommend a flourescent bulb with certain specifications: 32 watts, 4-foot length, 6000K color temperature and 80 color rendering or above.
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