Masters Home Improvement

Well-planned lighting can transform a dreary space into an inviting corner, and it can even make a small space seem more expansive. To choose the right lights for each area of the house, take a look at these bright ideas…

Getting started

When renovating or building a house, it’s important to work with your builder and electrician to make sure the lighting is adequate and well positioned.

You’ll need to select all your lighting items – from downlights to pendants – early on because your electrician will need to install all the wiring before the gyprock goes on.

Also, think about where you want to position the switches. A central spot provides easy access, and a two-way switch means you can turn on a light downstairs, and turn it off upstairs.

Quick fix

If a renovation is not required but you’re keen to replace dowdy old lights with modern versions, it’s necessary to hire a licensed electrician for technical work.

But if you desire an instant spruce-up, simply introduce a mix of table and floor lamps around the room. This is an easy way to create ambience and generate cosiness – it also adds a fresh design element to your interior.

Mix and match

A room needs a variety of lights for different purposes. There are three specific types that can be mixed and matched…

Ambient: This is the main source of light. A combination of recessed ceiling lights, pendants and chandeliers give perfect illumination throughout the room.

Task: This provides a concentrated pool of light, making it ideal for reading or using a computer. A desk light or a wall light above the bed are perfect examples.

Accent: This is used to focus on a specific area. A floor standing light or a small lamp on a table can create a specific mood.  
Here’s your chance to be adventurous – a clever combination of downlights, table lamps, pendants and standing lights not only provide clever illumination, it also makes a strong design statement throughout the house.

Different types

Pendants & chandeliers

Large, sculptural pendant lights and chandeliers in both traditional and contemporary styles create an ambient glow. This works a treat in a spacious living room or stairwell, as the light washes out all around. You can use them individually or, for extra glamour, group pendant lights together for a real ‘wow’ factor.

Floor lamps

Over the past few years, designers have embraced this form, introducing daring shapes and interesting materials. Not only can a floor lamp brighten dim corners, it can also work as task lighting – clever positioning will make it ideal for reading a good book on the couch.

Table lamps

Endless styles, shapes and colours abound, making a table lamp one of the most diverse options in the lighting world. It can work as a focal point in a room, since it looks just as good day or night. Think balance and scale when choosing a table light – a tall item looks good on a large console, while a smaller version looks perfect on a bedside table. And the best news is that it’s easy to move lamps from one room to another for a quick interior revamp.

Wall lights

The unassuming wall light has become a valuable addition to the lighting collection. A bathroom favourite, a pair of wall lights are positioned at both sides of the mirror – they shine onto the face, making it easy to apply make-up or for shaving. Wall lights can also work as task lights in the bedroom – a must-have for late-night readers – and become even more practical when used as a dimmer switch.

To highlight the steps of a staircase, recessed wall lighting positioned low on the wall provides subtle illumination.

Downlights

Overhead, recessed halogen bulbs – also known as downlights – are long-life, unobtrusive and super-chic. They now offer different finishes and shapes to suit any room of the house. To brighten a kitchen or living area, space recessed lights in regular intervals around the ceiling, creating an even glow throughout the entire room.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.