How to Pick Light for a Space
Alright, folks, let's talk about picking the perfect light for your space, because nobody wants to be stuck in the dark ages, right? We've got a three-step plan, and trust me, it's easier than deciding what to binge-watch on a Friday night.
Irvington Remodel Kitchen
Reflecting on a project from a few years back, the thoughtful lighting choices in this kitchen continue to shine. Considering the space's nature and size, I introduced layered lighting – through abundant natural light from windows and skylights and strategically placed pendant lights, sconces, and can lights. The result? A space that effortlessly transitions from bright daylight to cozy evenings.
Thoughtfully illuminate your spaces by following these crucial steps:
Step 1: Know the purpose of your space. Are you chilling and jamming to music, playing veggie ninja in the kitchen, or gearing up for the most intellectual book club in town? Different vibes call for different lighting. Is it a task-oriented space or a laid-back chill zone? Your activities spill the beans.
Step 2: Size matters, people! Think of your room as a lighting triangle - no dark corners allowed! Balance is the name of the game. And we're not talking about balancing your checkbook; we're talking about layering your lighting. Keep in mind ambiance, natural light (thanks, windows!), and task lighting. It's like creating the perfect lighting lasagna.
Ambient Light: Who does it better than McGee & Co., offering tons of great lights? For your entryway, go bold. For your bedside, go for something that meets the scale of your space, I love this lamp for a bedside table.
No plug no problem! These are fabulous for bringing a vibe to an area that lacks electrical. Bypass trpping over cords and go for a rechargeable, colorful option!
Step 3: Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty of picking the right light! Consider how big the space is. A bedside table? That's like a cozy reading nook. An entry console? Time to make a grand entrance with a statement piece. And don't forget the shade - it's the superhero directing the light show. White shades are the unsung heroes, making sure the light goes where it's supposed to.
Treehouse Living Room
Lighting up this home was no small feat for Wendy. Faced with the challenge of tall trees and unpredictable PNW weather, she had to get creative. Not every day is as sunny as the summer day this image was taken on, so remember to plan your lighting for all seasons. Skylights, can lights, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and some strategically placed table and standing lamps near the couch and chairs (not shown) brought this space to life.
Light Bulbs are at the center of the illumination game. They come in LUMENS and KELVINS, like they're auditioning for a sci-fi movie. LUMENS, my illuminating friend, are the MVPs of brightness. Wattage tells you how much energy a bulb uses, but lumens tell you how much light it actually gives off. KELVIN is the metric for measuring the color temperature of the bulb. Think of it as a mood ring for your room. You can pick the temperature that suits the ambiance you're going for, whether it's a warm and inviting space or a crisp, clean look - we usually opt for a 2700 kelvin warm light.
Be sure to look for the 'dimmable' tag on the box. Your lamps and lights should be the rockstars of adjustability. Seriously, I'm not kidding - every single one. The laundry room is the only exception; I don't know what kind of dramatic lighting you need in there. You can get these handy gadgets to plug in and turn any lamp into a dimmer winner!
Have more lighting questions? Message us @tealandscott on Instagram!
Helpful links:
Watch our Lawn Chair Chat “Can you have too many can lights in a room ?”.
Watch our reel “Selecting Light Bulbs” to see the difference a quick bulb change can make!
Affiliate Disclosure: Teal and Wendy hand pick every product they recommend. Some product links are affiliate and may provide a small kickback to T&S at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate they earn from qualifying purchases.
