Home changes character throughout the day and each room has its role to play in your daily life. You can change the whole atmosphere of your room just by carefully planning to light. In addition to mood-enhancing benefits, lighting also has a functional role in illuminating task areas.  

1. The Stairways, Entry Walls, Hallway – This area gives the first impression to the visitor, therefore the lighting here should always have a warm and welcoming effect. Small recessed lighting can help draw attention to displays. Hanging pendant lights, wall-mounted lamps, and lanterns should be more appropriate. The lighting here should be 1000 to 2000 lumens. 

2. The Living Room – The concept of layering light is important in the living room, where people tend to gather for a long period. Use lights that bounce off the ceiling for ambient illumination. This creates a sense of brightness in the room. Ambient lighting here should be 1500 to 3000 lumens.

3. The Dining Room – The primary focus of dining room lighting is the table and fixtures placed directly above the table. Provide both ambient and task lighting with dimmers. If there is a French door here, light an element outside the door and make it a focal point. This is a simple solution to avoid glass reflection. Ambient and task lighting combined should be 3000 to 6000 lumens.

4. The Kitchen – Lighting in the kitchen should always be utilitarian and task-oriented. A basic lighting plan should consist of a central ceiling-mounted fixture providing ambient light. Undercabinet fixtures providing task lighting for counters. Soffit lighting providing task lighting above the sink. The pendant or ambient lighting over the island. Ambient kitchen lighting should be 5000 to 10000 lumens. Task lighting of a minimum of 450 lumens in each area.

5. The Bathroom – With an emphasis on personal grooming, a bathroom requires careful consideration of lighting placement. Too many lights can cast shadows on the person standing in front of the mirror. Light both sides of the mirror and central ceiling light. Ambient lighting should be 4000 to 8000 lumens. Task lighting at the mirror of a minimum of 1700 lumens.

6. The Bedroom –  Bedside reading and closet lighting are two primary concerns of a bedroom lighting plan. Wall-mounted light fixtures with individual switch on either side of the bed, with adjustable arms for reading material, is required. Ambient lighting may be floor lamps or a pair of sconces flanking a wall mirror. As the bedroom is a place for relaxing, a serene atmosphere is welcome. For the closet, ceiling-mounted or recessed fixtures are commonly used. Ambient lighting should be 2000 to 4000 lumens. 500 lumens for each reading. 400 lumens for closet.

7. The Home Office – Identify tasks that could take place in this area. Reading books or paperwork, working at a computer, talking on the phone are common tasks. Task light for desk areas should be positioned to minimize shadows and reflections on a computer screen. Ambient lighting should be 3000 to 6000 lumens. Task lighting at the desk should be a minimum of 1200 lumen.

8. Dimming Controls - Smart homes are the rage, but installing smart home technology throughout your home can be expensive. For a less expensive hack, use dimming controls in strategic locations throughout your home. By controlling the amount of light, dimmers help you set the mood and atmosphere of a room. They can also create energy savings and extend the life of light bulbs.

Choosing the right lighting is one of the most cost-effective improvements a homeowner can make. By combining function and style, you can update the look of your home without having to do a full remodel.