Written by Blitz Electric Ltd. in Edmonton
Having the right lighting in your mood can affect everything from the temperature to your mood. It’s even a safety consideration.
The good news is that there are plenty of lighting options, and a few tips for ensuring your lighting isn’t a distraction. Here are some tips from experienced electricians in Edmonton.
Home lighting ideas and tips
Hire a professional to design and install upgrades.
Some lighting projects are perfect for the DIYer, but for more complex projects, get customized advice from a lighting designer or knowledgeable electrician who will create a plan based on your needs and budget.
Install dimmer switches.
Installing dimmer switches on your light fixtures to save energy and soften ambient lighting. A dimmer will also extend the life of your bulbs and minimize the time and effort required to change out bulbs in hard-to-reach fixtures. However, be sure to match your lighting with the manufacturer’s recommended dimmer. Edmonton electricians can help.
Use enough fixtures.
Do not try to light up your kitchen with too few fixtures, which can lead to shadows or glare. Instead, use a blend of ambient, task, and accent lighting and put lower wattage bulbs in the fixtures. Also, take advantage of task-specific features such as under cabinet, over the island, and over sink lighting and use 4000k bulbs whenever possible.
Choose high-quality fixtures.
A well-made light fixture not only looks better, it lasts longer too. Inspect light fixture construction the same way you would a piece of furniture, feeling for sturdy metals, porcelain sockets, sufficient shades, solid joints and connections, and if parts screw together without too much pressure.
Add some flair to a room.
Whether you want to highlight a painting, fireplace, or French doors, use accent lights to focus attention on the elements that make a statement in your home. Look for ways to uplight a room, like placing rope lights around the perimeter to create a warm glow. Add spotlights behind furniture, or wall-mounted sconces to showcase wood beams, and consider adding a chandelier to the entryway. For inspiration, contact the best electricians in Edmonton.
Apply different layers of lighting.
The first layer is ambient light that evenly distributes light in the room. This could include a combination of natural light, pendants, and overhead fixtures. The second layer could be task lighting, such as undercabinet lighting or reading lamps. The third layer should highlight the room’s unique features with accent lighting such as track lights or recessed lights. The fourth and final layer could be decorative lighting, such as chandeliers or lamps.
Upgrade to LED lights.
These are energy-efficient and can last up to 12 years. You could also upgrade to LED tubes instead of removing the entire light fixture. With a LED tube you will achieve brighter light over the long term. And recessed LED ultra-thin lighting not only adds a trendier look but saves costs over more traditional fixtures.
A little thought and effort can go a long way when it comes to lighting in your home or office. Give us a call to learn how we can help brighten your day.
Contact Blitz Electric!
780-965-1260
