Beautiful chandelier hanging over dinning table.

Room-by-Room Lighting Guide for Monterey Homes in 2022

Renovating a home in Monterey is an exciting project. And if you live in Pacific Grove or Carmel, you want your home to look beautiful inside and out. One way to accomplish this is with great interior lighting.

Lighting Design Basics for Your Home

Here are three things to know about lighting when renovating:

  1. Accent Lighting. Accent lighting is for highlighting a specific object or area. You can highlight a piece of art, entrance, plant, architectural detail, or some other area inside or outside of your home.
  2. Ambient Lighting. Ambient lighting is the main source of light in a room. Overhead light fixtures, chandeliers, and recessed lighting are examples of ambient lighting.
  3. Task Lighting. Task lighting provides light for a specific task or purpose. If you have a specific light for when you’re sewing, reading, cooking at the stove, or engaging in any other activity, you’re using task lighting.

Choosing the Right Light Bulb

Choosing the correct light bulb makes all the difference when it comes to lighting. It gets easier when you know what type of lighting you want – accent, ambient, or task. After you decide on the type of lighting, you’ll want to think about light bulbs.

Lumens

Lumens represent the brightness level of a light bulb. If you want to know how much light a light bulb will produce, just look at its lumens.

The US Department of Energy suggests comparing lumens instead of watts when shopping for a light bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

For adequate lighting, a typical bedroom or den requires about 10-20 lumens per square foot. And a kitchen or bathroom needs brighter lighting, at about 70-80 lumens per square foot.

When lighting a room for an older person or person with weak eyes, you’ll want to choose a high level of lumens. Refer to the following list for some common lighting situations:

Wattage

Wattage has been replaced by lumens for determining bulb brightness. But it still helps to know that wattage is the amount of electricity a bulb uses. And a higher wattage equals a brighter bulb.

You’re also more likely to find an LED or CFL bulb as opposed to a traditional incandescent bulb.

An LED bulb is the most energy-efficient of them all. The LED also lasts longer, offers better brightness, and uses less wattage. It’s estimated that the average LED will last around 25,000 hours.

A CFL bulb requires more wattage than an LED. But a CFL uses less wattage than an incandescent bulb. And you can expect a CFL to last around 8,000 hours.

A traditional incandescent bulb is the worst when it comes to energy efficiency. Not only does it require more energy and watts than LED or CFL bulbs, but it only lasts around 750 hours.

Kelvin

Kelvin measures the color temperature of a light bulb. You might see it expressed as K on packaging for light bulbs. This measurement helps you determine which color you’ll get from the bulb. For instance, a bulb’s color might appear bright white or more bluish. Most bulbs range from 2,500K to 6,500K.

Reading a Light Bulb Label

Light bulb makers are required to provide lighting information on their packaging. It’s similar to the nutrition facts label on food packaging.
Light bulb packaging should include estimates of:

For example, an LED bulb might use 15 watts. The same bulb might
cost you about $1 year for an average of 15 years. And emit light that appears more like daylight because it has a 5,000K rating.

Now you’ve learned more than you ever thought you needed to know about light bulbs and lighting. But the information makes the next step so much easier.

Interior Lighting Tips for Various Rooms

Different rooms have different lighting needs. For example, a bedroom generally needs less light than a kitchen. Here are some lighting tips for six of the most common rooms in a house.

1. Bedroom

Choose lighting between 2,000 to 4,000 lumens.
You’ll likely want a center fixture to light the entire room for when you’re making the bed or getting dressed.

Add table lamps for when you’re trying to relax and only want a small amount of light. You could also choose to add dimmers to your bedroom lights.

2. Dining Room Lighting

Choose lighting between 3,000 to 6,000 lumens.
Make sure the lighting fixture above the dining table isn’t wider than the table. You might also want to consider adjustable recessed lights and light dimmers.

3. Kitchen

Choose lighting between 5,000 to 10,000 lumens in total.

You might find lighting the kitchen a bit challenging. For most people, the kitchen serves several purposes – from preparing dinner to doing homework. Here you can consider a ceiling fan, ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, or pendants.

If using recessed lights, avoid placing them in the center of the ceiling. And for a kitchen island, consider pendant lights above the area. You want to avoid shadows over areas where you’ll prepare food.

4. Bathroom

Choose lighting between 4,000 to 8,000 lumens in total.

Ceiling fixtures generally aren’t the best for bathrooms. Instead, consider installing lights on the sides of your bathroom mirror. That’s better for activities such as shaving or applying makeup. Adding light above the shower or tub is a good idea as well.

5. Family Room / Living Room

Choose lighting between 1,5000 to 3,000 lumens in total.

Think about how you use the room. Do you sit and talk with friends and family? Watch television? Read? Flexible lighting is a good choice for a multi-use room.

6. Home Office

Choose lighting between 3,000 to 6,000 lumens in total.

Lighting for your home office depends on the situation. Do you often use a computer? If so, portable lamps can help avoid bothersome reflections on the computer screen. You might even consider accent lighting to highlight awards or diplomas.

Professional Advice for Your Lighting Needs

Good lighting is an important part of any renovation project. Or maybe you want custom lighting to change the mood of a specific room. Lighting is your chance to have fun and experiment with different options.

The Home Lighter, Inc in Pacific Grove specializes in exterior and interior lighting fixtures. Stop by their home lighting showroom in Monterey CA to discuss your lighting needs.

Today, many homeowners are looking for high-tech modern lighting fixtures to give their homes a contemporary look. The ten styles listed here offer different options for illuminating your contemporary home with the latest LED technology. From traditional wall sconces to sleek pendants, you can find an option that suits your taste and needs. Interior lighting fixtures Monterey CA homeowners choose are highly functional and stylish.

1. Bring Light into Interiors

Bring light into your interiors effortlessly with modern lighting fixtures. These stylish decorating accessories come in many shapes, sizes and styles to suit every taste and budget. From traditional wall sconces to sleek pendants, you can find an option that suits your taste and needs. And with the latest in LED technology, you can have a bright, modern California home without worrying about energy consumption.
Light and airy rooms will be yours with pendants and linear fixtures. You can install these decorations in alcoves or windows to provide a soft glow. Enhance the light with decorative wall washes and mirrors to create an airy ambience.

2. Opt for Subtle

Red and green are a big trend right now, but there are other options to choose from during your search for the perfect light fixtures. Let your personality shine through with wooden shades or a touch of teal. Have fun picking the colours you think will enhance your home and make it stand out. Match existing furniture or go bold. Consider the colour scheme of your room when choosing light fixtures that won’t clash with the décor.
You can alter the lighting in your home to match your mood or the season. Acrylic wall sconces come with various styles and finishes that offer you options for both contemporary and classic designs. Choose a subtle floral motif to complement your existing decor or add a bright pop of colour. Look for wall sconces compatible with your lighting fixture and have the right dimensions to fit your outlet.

3. Use of Natural Materials

Natural materials are stylish and will ensure you get the look you want. Laminate wood is a popular choice for lighting fixtures because it has a rich appearance and is easy to maintain. It can be used in wall sconces, ceiling mounts, table lamps and chandeliers. Choose an accent colour to coordinate with your décor or choose different shades of the same colour for a more interesting look.
Choose metal wall sconces that blend in with your decor for contemporary home design. Choose from copper, brass and stainless steel to go with every style. You can also find light fixtures that include glass shades and are compatible with LED bulbs. Choose a low-voltage system that uses low-wattage bulbs and fits in your small spaces.

4. Airiness in Your Contemporary Home

By bringing in more light and airiness, you can create a relaxed atmosphere in your home. The best way to bring the outdoors in is through windows, but indirectly by using mirrors, wall washes and other light sources. LED lights come with the option of changing the bulb’s colour to match the décor and mood of your home. Keep things simple by choosing classic white light or bold with blue, yellow or red bulbs.
Some of the best lights you can choose from when looking for contemporary home lighting fixtures are wall sconces. Choose light fixtures designed with a sleek appearance, have an elegant finish, and have an adjustable light source. Take a look at options that include a combination of crystals and glass to give your home an exquisite look.

5. Bare Floors in Gorgeous Finishes

Bringing in the bare floors and walls is a great way to light up a room. It allows you to see the elements of your current décor and make them your own. By putting together different colours for floors, walls and furniture, you can create a bright ambience with contrasting colours.
It’s always nice to have a stunning style in your home, but it’s not easy. The first thing to think about when getting new lights is how they’ll fit into the décor of your current home. You might have a lot of different options because you can use wall sconces, industrial light fixtures, ceiling lamps and a small table or floor lights. You can match the existing décor or make a statement with one completely different.

6. Light Up Your Interiors with An Open Floor Plan

Opening up your interiors is so easy with modern lighting fixtures. With so many options of different types, choosing the right one is impossible. Keep in mind the size and dimensions of your room. Then, focus on how much you’re going to use the lights. For instance, if you’re setting up a lighting system all-around a desk to read and work during the day, choose an energy-efficient option that will illuminate your work area without heating your house too much. Also, think about where you want to place the lighting installation. Use geometric shapes to add a modern look to your home.

7. Stream-Lined Contemporary Architectural Exterior

Decorating your exterior is a great way to give your house a makeover. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on different types of trim and hardware to accomplish this. You can find the perfect look for your home using modern lighting fixtures.
This type of décor will be suitable for contemporary home and traditional small homes. For instance, you can use small tables and glass or crystal wall sconces as focal points when designing the exterior of your home. It is a great idea for both new and old houses.

8. Attention to Contemporary Details

When deciding what modern lighting fixtures to use in your home, you need to be careful while choosing the right ones. Some of them are a waste of money and won’t fit with the décor style you’ve chosen. With just a little bit of research, you can find the right option to match your home.
Choose them among chairs, pendants and wall sconces so you can find something that will give your home a harmonious appearance. Bright colours are a great way to bring life into a room, but you have to make sure they work with your current colour scheme. Keep in mind that all interior design styles go well with modern lighting fixtures, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

9. Technology Hidden Behind Your Gorgeous Contemporary Home

No matter what style of interior design you have chosen, the best way to add the finishing touch is by adding modern lighting fixtures. It will create a wonderful look and turn your interior into a piece of art that will stand out. So, you don’t need to buy expensive accessories that won’t match your style. Save your money and choose modern lighting fixtures instead.
You can find the perfect furniture to place around the house, but if you don’t have any decorative light fixtures, it’s hard to make it look stylish. So, instead of buying new furniture, use modern lighting fixtures to give it sophistication. Use them to draw attention to the most used areas or focal points of your house, and you’ll be amazed at how it transforms into a piece of art.

10. Release Your Traditional Thinking in Our Contemporary Age

Although it might seem odd to bring the old age interior design into our contemporary age, this is a great way to make it feel more sophisticated. Some of the best modern lighting fixtures are like art pieces, which will be perfect if you put them all over your house. It is something that everyone can do to make their home look more stylish, elegant and delightful than before.

Conclusion

Although there are many contemporary home décor options for your modern accessories, it’s important to know what lighting fixtures you need to have in your home. These accessories will bring the right feeling to different areas. You can visit The Home Lighter, Inc. in Pacific Grove.

After the invention of the carbon filament incandescent light bulb way back in 1879, it became refreshingly easier to gracefully illuminate a face in the bathroom mirror.

Vanity lighting, which is the use of artificial light to illuminate a person’s face, has been around since the early 1900s. As you can imagine, lighting technology has changed remarkably over time. Back then, an even and diffused light source would minimize shadows and blur facial imperfections when someone looked at their reflection in a mirror.

Today, the technology behind vanity lighting has improved beyond recognition, but the sentiment behind it has not strayed far from its original purpose. It’s still a unique way of lighting a mirror to provide a more flattering illumination of a person’s face. This ingenious type still helps someone look and feel more beautiful.

Centuries later, vanity lighting fixtures are a popular way to enhance the ambiance in a bathroom. We all still want to look stunning the minute we catch our reflection in the mirror.

If you want your bathroom to feel warmer and friendlier, then the right choice of vanity lighting fixtures can even help you create a more inviting bathroom, one where you can enjoy your morning bathroom routine bathed in the glow of soothing light.

Although the perfect vanity light fixture can make all the difference in a bathroom, it’s often hard to decide what to select. With a wide range of styles, shapes, and sizes, you need to know just what you’re looking for to find lighting that works for your bathroom.

Here are some key ideas to help you find your perfect light fixture and take the first step towards creating a dream bathroom!

Why You Need Good Bathroom Lighting 

Lighting is an essential element in every room, whether you need it for reading, cooking, or getting ready in the morning. And when it comes to designing a bathroom, lighting is an essential factor.

With the right light fixtures and colors, you can increase the aesthetic value and functionality of your bathroom.

Ideally, you want the bathroom light to be soft and flattering, but not so dim it obscures the makeup you’re trying to apply or the clean shave you need to look your best. For example, you don’t want a glaring light but a soft-white lightbulb for daytime makeup application or shaving.

Most people opt for a table lamp with an incandescent bulb. This provides enough light while keeping it soft and flattering. The downside of these types of lamps is they don’t last very long, so you’ll have to replace the bulb often.

For a softer and more ambient light, you can use a floor lamp with an incandescent bulb or fluorescent bulbs indoors. These types of lamps are perfect for creating that “dressing room” feel in your own bedroom or bathroom vanity area.

While these are all workable options, the best way to create the right amount of lighting in a bathroom, one that is not too bright nor too dim and one that lets you see your face clearly in the mirror when you’re getting ready in the morning before heading out of the door, is to use a vanity lighting solution.

Vanity lighting is important for families who use a bathroom mirror during makeup application, shaving, haircuts, or other bathroom grooming routines that require excellent visibility.

Bathroom lighting is a key factor in determining how well someone can see everything in a small room. The best types of bathroom light fixtures have an adjustable head and one or more bulbs that can be turned on or off independently from each other.

How to Light Your Mirror

Consider the location of your mirror and how much light you need when deciding on what type of light fixtures to install. For instance, if your mirror is close to a window, then natural daylight will suffice. Alternatively, if the mirror is far from a window and there isn’t enough light coming from that direction, then installing a lamp or recessed lights are probably your best bet.

Height for Bathroom Vanity Lighting

Bathroom lighting is crucial to the overall feel of the space. A light fixture that is too high can make the space feel claustrophobic, while a light that is too low can make it difficult to apply makeup or shave.

The height of bathroom vanity lights is often a matter of personal preference, but some people like to have the lights above the mirror in order to avoid glare from their reflection.

The standard height of these fixtures is about 40-inches or 1-meter, although many people opt for lights that are between 54 and 75 inches or 1.5 and 2 meters.

Positioning Lights and Mirrors

While there are many options when it comes to positioning, lighting should never overhang the mirror. This is a safety hazard and can be dangerous.

Make sure that you install your light in such a way that it doesn’t hang over the mirror. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally knock it off while brushing your teeth or shaving.

Types of Vanity Light for Bathlights & Mirror Lights

There are various types of vanity lights that can be installed in bathrooms. Some of the popular types are mirror lights and bathlights.

Mirror lights, as the name suggests, are installed on the front of bathroom mirrors to provide illumination for getting ready in the morning. They are generally placed at a height where you can easily see your own reflection.

Bathlights, on the other hand, are usually found at the height of your head height and don’t just illuminate the mirror but light the whole bathroom. Besides helping you decide between your hair care products in the shower, they also make it easier for you to see what’s inside cabinets and under sinks.

Recessed, Pendant, or Chandelier Vanity Lighting

The lighting in a bathroom has a significant impact on the mood and ambiance of the space.

When installing a light, you should consider the type of space you have available. Different types of vanity lights are better for different types of spaces and it’s important to choose one that will work well in your specific situation so that everyone can enjoy using your bathroom.

If you have open, airy space then pendant or chandelier lighting is best. If your bathroom is small and confined, then recessed lighting will not disrupt the flow of the space and will make it easier for people to use the bathroom.

Lighting and Home Design

Vanity lighting design can match the home design. This unique type of lighting not only enhances the mood with a unique ambiance but also gives homeowners a variety of options to design their home’s lighting.

There are lighting fixtures for popular home design themes, such as modern, rustic, and minimalistic designs, with a variety of colors and product designs.

Where to Find the Best Vanity Lighting Choices

At The Home Lighter, Inc. in Pacific Grove., the lighting showroom offers a wide variety of styles with different materials and prices.

The company provides high-end indoor and outdoor lighting to clientele in the Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel California area. They offer something for everyone at different price points. In fact, when you walk into the residential lighting showroom in Monterey Ca, you will be amazed at the sheer number of options currently available for residential lighting.

Seeing so many light fixture options in a store may seem overwhelming but the staff is there to help you find exactly what you are looking for and offer expert advice on how to select the best vanity lighting for your bathroom.

Lighting your home is essential in improving your general living. Some common home lighting mistakes that people make can lead to a lack of light where needed or wasted energy. Here are six common home lighting mistakes everyone makes.

1. Using One Light Source

Using one source of light will leave dark spaces in your home. You will not have enough light to perform functions, especially in your kitchen. Adding layers to your lighting will increase your home comfort and add balance to ensure all areas in the room receive sufficient light.

Areas like the kitchen require ample light since it’s where you prepare your food. When you don’t have ample lighting, you may end up struggling to cook or hurt yourself when using utensils like a knife. You can improve lighting in your kitchen by installing simple fixes such as under-cabinet strip lighting or overhead track lighting with adjustable lamps.

You can add layers such as task, ambient, and accent lighting that will work together to achieve balanced lighting. You can use the ambient layer for overhead lighting and the accent layer for creative lighting on artistic elements. The task layer is for functional spaces for activities like the kitchen.

Accent lighting is rarely used since it requires a bit of creativity to pull it off, but it can bring your room to life with the right application. When using ambient lighting, ensure that you also incorporate other lighting layers to prevent your room from looking flat and dull.

2. Insufficient Lighting

When installing home lighting, most people usually forget about small spaces such as pantries and closets. Others install a single overhead light that does not sufficiently light up the whole room. It leaves shadows on the storage space and shelves, making the task of finding items very challenging. You can also install LED tape lights or under-cabinet lights in small spaces so that you can navigate easily. These lights also make your storage appear stylish and clean.

3. Lack of Lighting Controls

Incorporating lighting controls in your lighting plan is essential to aid in automation and to adjust your home lighting. Timers, dimmers, and motion sensors can help you save money on your electricity bill when appropriately used.

Dimmers are ideal in creating a more intimate ambiance with low-level lighting such as dining rooms, master bathrooms, living rooms, or bedrooms. They are also suitable for incandescent lamps to help reduce energy consumption and heat emission. Installing dimmers in your incandescent bulbs will help to increase their lifespan. Alternatively, you can use LED bulbs to change their color, dim, and perform other practical and fun things using your smartphone.

There are two types of motion sensors that is the vacancy and occupancy sensors. They turn the lights on or off when you forget. Timers are ideal for outdoor lights when used together with photocells.

4. Poor Positioning

Choosing the correct fixture is as important as placing it effectively in a room. Placing the fixture in the wrong place can ruin the room’s design and cast shadows. A room can have a cave-like feeling even when it has plenty of lights due to poor positioning.
When using recessed can layout to light your kitchen, ensure that you place the lights above the workspaces or countertops rather than over the entire room. This is because can lights fail to illuminate vertical surfaces with enough light where the eyes perceive the light.

Another example of lights that are often placed in the wrong position are wall sconces in the bathroom. To reduce shadows cast by overhead lights, ensure you put them at eye level about six inches from either side of the mirror.

Excess use of recessed lights around the ceiling is not appropriate as downlights do not light up walls. To sufficiently light up the room, your walls need to reflect the light. Superfluous use of recessed lights will leave your rooms poorly lit and increase your electricity bills. Install recessed lighting in ideal places and combine it with other types of lighting such as stylish pendants, beautiful chandeliers, wall and floor lamps, or track lighting systems.

5. Choosing the Wrong Light Bulb

Choosing the wrong light bulb for your room can make it feel dark and cold. One of the first mistakes people make when buying a light bulb is getting the wrong wattage. The amount of energy used in a light bulb is referred to as the watt. Using energy-efficient light bulbs can save your money on your electricity bill while giving the same amount of light using fewer watts.

It’s essential that you perform a little research to determine the wattage requirements of your home lighting fixture. Light bulbs have their wattage requirements, and the wattage limit is labelled or printed on them. If you are unsure of your existing light bulbs, you can uninstall them to confirm. To save energy in your home, you can use lower watts than the recommended but do not go higher as this could cause a fire.

Another common mistake with light bulbs is ignoring the lumen rating. This shows how bright the light bulb is. A light bulb with a higher lumen rating will appear brighter. When choosing a light bulb, remember that you need different levels of brightness in different rooms. Workspaces such as the kitchen require more light. Thus, you need to install light bulbs with a higher lumen rating. Other areas such as the living room or the bedroom can have light bulbs with lower lumen rating since they do not require a lot of brightness.

Your design and use of your rooms will determine the lumens you need. If you are looking for a design aesthetic that is dark and moody then, you will go for a lower lumen, while a bright design will require a higher lumen. You can adjust the lumen with seasonal changes or when you repaint your walls.

Buying the wrong light bulb color is a common mistake most people make. Light bulbs have different color hues and a wide range of light temperatures. The temperature of light bulbs is measured in Kelvins (K), and it affects how the room feels. Warm light bulbs range from 2000K to 3500K and give your space a cozy and soft intimate feel with a yellow or orange hue. It is common with vintage light bulbs such as incandescent light bulbs or Edison bulbs. You may also notice this type of hue during sunsets and sunrises. This color is ideal for rooms such as the bedroom, living room or dining room.

Natural or cool light bulbs range from 3500K to 5000K and give off a truer white color. It is identical to light present in the afternoon and morning outside. It gives a room a crisp, clean and inviting feel ideal for closets, bathrooms and offices.
Daylight light bulbs range from 500K to 6200K and give off a similar light to that of a sunny day at noon. It is a good choice for work spaces such as garages and kitchens since it is more crisp and clean than natural light.

Blue light bulbs are over 6200K, and they are not ideally used in homes. However, people with seasonal effective disorder or artists may use this type of light.

6. Leaving Out Exterior Lighting

Some people may forget to light the exterior spaces or install too much lighting. Lighting up your exterior spaces can improve the security of your home. However, a bright exterior light shining on your window will affect your comfort while you sleep. You can install solar landscaping lights to improve the beauty and safety of your yard at night. Motion-activated security lights are also vital in conserving energy and improving convenience as they light up after detecting movement.

If you are making any of the mistakes on the list, you may need to correct them to conserve energy and improve your comfort at home. If you have any issues with interior lighting fixtures santa cruz ca, you can visit the Lighter Inc. in Pacific Grove for more information.

A light fixture is also known as a luminaire or light fitting. Light fixtures can have one or multiple lamps. The lamps in LED fixtures are often hard-wired in place, but most lamps are usually in sockets, so they are easy to replace. It is essential to understand the lighting basics since the type of light fixtures you choose sets the ambiance and significantly transforms your space.

General or ambient lighting uniformly lights up the whole room. Task lighting gives light for specific tasks like cooking, writing, computer work, reading, and accent light highlights a particular point of interest. There is a wide array of light-fixtures available to choose from for these three types of lighting. Listed below are the different types of light fixtures for your home lighting.

Types of Light Fixtures

Pendants

Pendant lights are often suspended from the ceiling by either a pipe, cable, or cord. The light from a pendant light is directed down. Hence it is also known as a downlight. In most cases, a pendant light has a shade that encloses the light bulb. Pendant lights provide task and ambient lighting, so they are often located over a kitchen island or a table. Since they are visible, they always add character to your space, and they also exude a strong element of style. So if you would like to add décor to your household lighting, pendants would be an excellent choice.

Ceiling-Mounted Fixtures

Ceiling-mounted light fixtures are directly mounted on the ceiling. They often have either a fabric, plastic, or glass shade that conceals the light bulb and diffuses the light evenly. They light up the entire room, and are the most common indoor lighting fixtures since they have been in existence for over one hundred years. If you would like ambient light, a ceiling-mounted fixture would be the best pick since it will provide a more dispersed and general light in a room.

Spotlights and Track Lighting

Depending on the type of fixture, Spotlights and track light-fixtures are usually attached to a track hung off the ceiling or mount to the ceiling. Since the linear housing has several movable heads, you can reorient them along the track to focus on different directions. Track lights can be used as either accent or task lights and are appropriate for galleries and kitchens because of their ability to be repositioned and adjusted. They are quite flexible since you can change their focus to whatever direction you desire. If you like hosting, track lights are appropriate since you can use them to draw attention to whatever you want.

Table and Desk Lamps

Table and desk lamps are often used as task lights since they are flexible, and you can position them wherever you would like to. For instance, you can place them on top of a desk when working or beside a chair and use them as a reading light. They cannot be used as ambient light because they illuminate light in a downward direction to light up the surface directly below. However, they can be a significant design feature in a room since they are visible. Table and desk lamps are available in a range of styles and sizes.

Recessed Lights

Recessed light-fixtures are installed above the ceiling. The wiring and mechanism are hidden with a lens or flush bulb in the ceiling. A ceiling-mount fixture can be seen easily, but a recessed light is level with the ceiling, so it is more modest. For installation, it needs about four to eight inches of space above the ceiling. A narrow band of light is sent in one direction by recessed lighting. Depending on the type and number of fixtures, recessed lighting can be used for various functions such as task lighting, accent lighting, or ambient lighting. Ensure condensation does not drip on the light fixture by having insulation in the ceiling

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are lighting fixtures that are surface mounted to the wall. They direct light either downwards or upwards, and their shades or covers often add a touch of style to a room. Depending on the light fixture, they can be used to provide task or ambient light. However, note that they are not quite powerful enough to light up a large space. They are usually installed at eye level, and they are also one of the most decorative light-fixtures. Wall sconces are often installed on either side of a bed or a fireplace for additional illumination.

Cove Lighting

Cove lighting can either be incorporated into or mounted to the upper part of a ceiling or wall. It is often hidden from direct view, and it provides an uplighting along a room’s edges towards the ceiling. A cove light provides ambient, diffuse lighting. Most cove lighting today is provided by a thin strip of LEDs along a niche or cove. Cove lighting is a common type of architectural lighting, so it is often integrated into the room’s structure. They provide indirect lighting, which is the technique of bouncing light off ceilings and walls. It minimizes glare and shadows.

Undercabinet

Undercabinet light-fixtures are usually mounted under kitchen cabinets. They can be a single puck shape fixture or linear lighting used as task lighting in a kitchen. They illuminate your countertop so that you can read a recipe without straining, and they also help you avoid cutting yourself.

Chandelier

Chandeliers are often suspended from the ceiling and are indoor lighting fixtures that provide ambient light. They continually enhance and add to the style of a room. Chandeliers can be quite breathtaking and can be used as a statement piece in your home. There is a wide array for you to pick from since they are available in different materials, styles, and sizes. Since everyone is likely to notice it when they visit your home, it would be best to pick one that fits your décor while providing excellent home lighting. They are often installed over dining room tables, but you can install them in other rooms in your house.

Vanity lights

It is essential to have sufficient light in your bathroom. This allows you to see what you are doing, whether it is your nighttime skincare routine before bed or wearing makeup in the morning. Vanity lights can be installed above your bathroom mirror to make it easy for you to see yourself whenever you are getting ready. Consider your bathroom mirror’s size when choosing vanity lights to not pick a too big or too small light. The wrong size of lights will look out of place.

The type of light-fixtures you choose for your home lighting is essential since they set your home’s general mood. If you live in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, California, and you are looking for high-end outdoor and indoor lighting fixtures, visit The Home Lighter. They have a wide array of light-fixtures you can choose from whether you are looking for kitchen, interior, LED, bathroom and vanity, outdoor, or landscaping-lighting. They also offer commercial lighting solutions, and you can call them to book an appointment so they can serve you better.

Just as lighting impacts your employees’ overall productivity, it also makes your office look stylish and well illuminated. A poorly lit office will make employees feel uncomfortable, and they may not be able to focus on their job.

Fortunately, there are multiple light fixtures that you can install in your office. However, most people do not know how to choose office lighting. That is why you need to master some crucial factors when selecting office lightning. Here are tips for choosing office lights to improve your office mood with maximum work performance.

Consider Your Office Lighting Needs

The light intensity matters most when considering the best lighting option for your office. You need to determine the amount of lighting your office needs.

It shouldn’t be too dull or too bright because both options can adversely affect your employees. For instance, too dull lighting can cause people to fall asleep and lazy. This can lead to loss of concentration and low productivity. Meaning, your employees will not be able to execute their day-to-day activities effectively.

Also, too much light will cause your employees to strain and experience headaches or eye complications, affecting employee productivity and well-being. Therefore, ensure you choose optimal lighting that will make your employees work with ease.

Go for Sufficient Lighting Fixtures Based on Office Space

Offices are not the same. Bigger ones require more lighting fixtures than smaller ones. So, when choosing the fixtures, determine the size of your office to know how many light fixtures will be sufficient for each space.

For the best results, identify the number of tables and desks in each office space before deciding how many fixtures will be enough for each. Also, check your tables’ shapes, especially when you plan to create evenly balanced lighting on each table and desk.

For small square tables, install a single fixture with Lighting Solutions Pacific Grove to get the best possible outcome. You can also use recessed spots to help you create balance in your office. If you have long shared tables, you can install many light fixtures to light up space evenly.

Choose Dimmer Switches for the Boardroom

When you go for office meetings, the overall atmosphere can significantly impact the meeting outcome. It starts with the type of light fixtures in the room. That is why you need to be careful when choosing office lighting fixtures for the boardroom.

In this case, dimmer switches are the most appropriate since the boardroom serves various purposes. For instance, the light intensity used for the staff meeting, presentations, and conference calls may not be the same as other office areas.

In short, ensure the lighting is flexible enough to handle the multiple boardroom activities. When you install dimmer switches, you gain more control over the entire space since you can adjust to your preferred light intensity. You are also likely going to incur lower energy bills and bulb durability if you install dimmer lighting.

Pick the Appropriate Bulbs

Bulbs come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Making the right choice of bulb color and temperature depends on the function of each office space. The most preferred commercial lighting for some offices is warmer yellow or orange lights. The lights are suitable for making your employees concentrate on work, making them more productive.

The right color and temperature of the bulbs that suit your office depend on the time of the day. For instance, switch to brighter and cooler lighting in the morning to keep your employees focused and alert. The light becomes warmer as the day progresses. This creates a good mood for the employees to wind down.

For the best results, always ensure that the lighting’s color and temperature stays balanced throughout the office no matter the time of the day. You can consider hanging bulbs to help you save space and minimize clutter.

Supplement with Natural Lighting

Much as artificial lighting is essential in an office, it would be best to expose your employees to natural lighting. It does not only light up your office, but it also offers various benefits to the body.

Natural lights help the body to produce vitamin, which has therapeutic implications to the body. It elevates depression, eases headaches, blurred vision, and improves your employees’ mood. Natural light positively impacts employees’ sleep at night, making them more productive the next day.

It regulates hormones, which makes employees feel more energized and also reduces mood swings. In short, it creates room for a happier work environment and gives a cheerful mood to the employees, increasing performance.

Remember, not all offices have access to direct sunlight. Meaning, you need to be careful when choosing a specific office location that has the right latitude with no obstructions from neighboring buildings. However, if your office has no windows, you can either redesign it or purchase sunroof materials to radiate natural light in the office.

Go for Indirect Lighting

Instead of using direct light combined with light from your computer, you can choose an alternative commercial lighting source. This is because the combined lighting can cause headaches in your employees, resulting in low productivity.

Since you want your employees to stay healthy, alert and focused, you can install lamps to provide indirect lighting to your office. Lamps offer moderate light and make your employees stay comfortable throughout the day. For best results, ensure you place the lamps evenly in each office location for maximum coverage.

Choose Energy-Efficient Light Fixtures

When choosing commercial lighting for your office, consider energy-efficient fixtures that won’t consume a lot of energy. That’s why it’s crucial to learn about various lighting options.

Today, many people prefer LED lights over fluorescent lights due to multiple reasons. LED lights are energy-efficient as compared to fluorescent. However, it’s worth noting that LED lights are more expensive, although they are also durable.

Your employees will not experience migraines and other related health complications with LED lights, unlike when you choose fluorescent. This is because you can dim LED lights based on the season and the time of the day.

Additionally, you can choose to install motion-sensor light fixtures that detect movement to save on energy bills. They either switch on or off depending on an individual’s direction or when vehicles approach the office building. Such lighting options can help you save money since the lights will automatically go out when there is no one in the office.

Also, dimmers will help you save more on energy bills since you can regulate them from maximum to minimal lights when you do not require too much light.

Consider Your Budget for Office Lighting

There are cost implications for each office lighting fixture. Meaning, you will need to choose what fits your budget. The cost is one of the primary considerations when selecting light fixtures for your office.

The two most common pocket-friendly options are LED and fluorescent. It is worth noting that both options have pros and cons. Therefore, as you choose the best option within your budget, understand the main features, and choose one that fits your lighting needs.

Remember, no matter the option you choose, you can always install dimmers, timers, and sensors so that you have full control over energy consumption.

Consider the Design of Your Office

Your office’s design is also another crucial factor you should consider when choosing office light fixtures. For instance, if you have an office with few windows, you will need to install more lighting requirements than a small office with large windows.

This should be a serious consideration, especially when the area does not have access to direct sunlight. Increasing light levels in such locations will increase light stimulation and keep employees safe from injuries.

The Bottom Line

Using the tips above will help you choose the right lighting for your office. Your primary focus should be installing good quality lighting to create a suitable work environment that will keep your employees energized and productive. You can visit The Home Lighter, Inc. in Pacific Grove to get a better understanding of all your office lighting needs.