7 Ways to Update Your Home with Lighting

Giving your home a facelift doesn't have to take a lot of work or be expensive. In fact, many homes can instantly feel different and more polished with a few changes of lighting. Whether it's brightening up a room, using a chandelier as a centerpiece or finding the perfect accent piece, finding the correct piece can make a huge difference for the look of a room. For those looking for an update, here are seven ideas to consider.

1. Install Dimmer Switches

Having a dimmer switch can help you to instantly change the mood of a room. Dim the lights in the bathroom for a soothing bath, or create a romantic mood in the dining room or bedroom. Find the perfect amount of light for watching a movie or reading a book. While a dimmer switch is perfect for controlling light intensity, they can also reduce energy costs for your home.

2. Create Layers of Light

Simply having a light feature on the ceiling can make the room appear small, dark and uninteresting. On the other hand, creating layers of light by combining wall, ceiling and lamp light, will make a room appear bigger and brighter. As a general rule, try to have three corners of a room illuminated.

 3. Replace a boring feature

Most homes come with standard silver or brass features that are small and boring. Instead think about getting a larger feature that matches the decor of the room. A sleek metal chandelier may work in a modern living room, while an old-fashioned crystal chandelier would work better in a Victorian parlor. In either case, be sure the size of the chandelier matches the size of the room. For a large living room with a relatively short ceiling, consider a chandelier that hangs close to the ceiling but extends far out. For a smaller room with a high ceiling, consider a smaller chandelier that hangs further down.

 4. Highlight Artwork

Sometimes the intricate details of an art piece can be hard to see from across a room. However, by illuminating the artwork with a small light fixture, you can instantly draw attention to it. Many light fixtures are made specifically for art, so be sure to get one that compliments your piece.

5. Do Some Cleaning

Many light features become dirty and dusty overtime. This can cause the entire room to feel dusty and dim. Clean fixtures and light bulbs regularly to keep a clean, vibrant light coming through.

6. Update Your Wall Plates

While picking out a new light fixture, don't forget about updating your wall plates. Often replacing an old, yellow plate with something more decorative can instantly create a new look in a room with very little effort. Consider installing stainless steel plates in a kitchen that match the sleek feel of many home appliances. Many plates also offer concealed clips that leave a clean finish with no visible screws.

7. LED Finder for the Dark

Many of us struggle finding a light switch in the dark. However by installing a small LED finder in a light switch, a small blue light will appear in the dark, that will guide you right where you need to go.

Anne McKenna is a director at KES Lighting. She blogs about lighting for a range of decorating blogs and websites. Click the link for more ideas.