Interior Designer SF: Tips for Getting the Good Glow
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
It’s a new year and the perfect time to take a fresh look at your home. Given these tumultuous times, we could all use a serene space in which to retreat.
The Virgin light fixture by Terzani.
Making good lighting choices is the easiest and most cost effective way to improve the feel of your space. Fluorescent lighting, harsh overhead light and overly bright spaces don’t make you want to linger. The goal is to create a cozy space in which you love to spend time. Read on for some key lighting basics to get you started on creating your new relaxing home.
Provide multiple light sources of varying types per room. Start with two table or floor lamps for ambient light, and add task lighting for reading or working as needed. This also allows for the use of lower watt bulbs since you are not relying on one bright overhead fixture to illuminate an entire room.
Use a dimmer. If your lamps don’t have a 3-way switch built-in (which requires a 3-way bulb to function) then buy a dimmer at your local hardware store. It’s an easy install and will only set you back $15-20.
Use 40 – 60 watt soft white incandescent bulbs for a cozy, pleasing light. Reserve compact fluorescents for hallways, laundry rooms and other utilitarian spaces. If you are determined to use compact fluorescents throughout your home, try the n:vision TCP Home Soft White bulbs. They come highly rated for warmer light output.
Tags: home lighting tips, lighting design tips for the home, terzani, using CFL bulbs, using dimmers
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