Lightings would typically be the second thing that comes to mind after getting your home and settling all the renovation stuff. Lights set the ambience, aesthetics and help you to perform tasks. Hanging lights, ceiling lights, recessed lights, track lights, what do you choose? 

1.: Determine the theme and end result you want to achieve.

You should have a clear idea of the mood you want to set in every space of your home. For example if you want to showcase a modern living room with ample light, get a lighting fixture that fits the size and look. Explore having multiple light sources like recessed lightings if you have a high ceiling, this would also help you to perform a variety of activities and functions better. 

Photo: STEYDA Molecular Pendant Light

 
Photo: KYRUS Spidey Hanging Light

2.: Use multiple light fixtures or focussed lightings for functionality and activity

Do not be afraid of using a few of the same light fixtures to better illuminate your space. It would be odder if you use different light fixtures together. Say if you do spend a lot of time in your kitchen, consider multiple light sources or focused lightings. In the past, many homes simply affix a ceiling light in the centre of the kitchen deeming it sufficient. However when you turn your back to work at the kitchen counter, the light gets blocked and the poor lighting can affect your eyesight and activity. Take a look at how the couple of kitchens stand out with their choice of lightings. 

Photo: Use of multiple light fixtures to illuminate the kitchen

Photo: Track lights provide focussed lightings and a modern look

3.: Provide night lighting along walkways

This is essential if you have young kids or elderly people living with you. Consider using dim night lights or fixtures attached to dimmer switches. It will help children and senior folks to navigate around the house especially when visiting the washroom or getting some water from the kitchen. Leaving a dim night light on in your children's room give them a sense of security and comfort as well.

4.: Use recessed lightings for high ceilings and modern decor. 

Downlights are used to create a "flushed" look when fixed into the ceiling. With 3 different light colours to choose from, they set the mood in your space. You can also opt for dimmer switches to be attached or get those that can change different light colours with the touch of a remote control. These fixtures are affordable, subtle, modern and never seem to go out of style. 

Photo: Recessed lightings are modern looking and provide functionality

5.: Research your lights carefully

Lastly, do research your lights and the light up area carefully. This is especially important if you plan to use a chandelier for your dining or living area. Consider the height of the ceiling and the space the chandelier might take up. A chandelier could look oversized and inappropriate in a small space or it might not fit into the overall decor of your home. Minimalist lightings can be easily fit in most decors and reduces the possibility of getting it wrong. 

Photo: REXAM Hanging Glass Lamp

Photo: Ceiling Chandelier

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We are excited to add something new to our online lighting shop. The CLERMONT Pendant Light is a jet back industrial looking light that warrants immediate attention. It is suitable for any space in your home, be it your living room, bedroom or even the kitchen. Having them in clusters of 4 or 5 will add a rich industrial look or they can simply be used as a nice contrast in a modern or minimalist theme home.

Expected availability for this lighting is 24 August 2015. Check out our products page regularly for the latest additions. 

Now that you decided on your light fixtures, another important consideration is of course the light source, depending if you like your house to be daylight bright or if you prefer to set a warmer tone. Let's take a look at some of the basic considerations. 

1. Wattage - This is the power that the bulb or light source is going to consume (it does not translate directly to brightness unlike the incandescent bulbs). With newer light bulbs (ie: LED) designed to use less energy, wattage is no longer a reliable way to gauge a light bulb's brightness. Lumen measures brightness. A standard 60-watt incandescent bulb, for example, produces about 800 lumens of light.

2. Lumen or Luminous Flux - Lumen (as denoted by LM) is the measure of the amount of light emitted from the light source visible to the human eye. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light source is.

3. Colour Temperature - Colour Temperature is measured in KELVINS, It denotes what colour is your light. Colour temperatures over 5,000K are called cool colours (day white), while lower colour temperatures (2,700–3,000 K) are called warm colours (yellowish white / warm white). A light source with cooler colours is generally brighter than a warmer light source. 

4. Colour Rendering Index - A colour rendering index (CRI) is a quantitative measure of the ability of a light source to reveal the colours of various objects faithfully in comparison with an ideal or natural light source. Light sources with a higher CRI are critical when viewing photography and art pieces.

We love how multiple Durham Pendant Lights were used to blend an industrial feel in the woody cottage dining area.

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The foyer area is usually the first space you see when you enter. As the saying goes, the first impression counts. Brighten up the space with a light that draws people in, you could go fancy with a chandelier or keep things simple with a well-design pendant light. Additionally, remember to keep it within the theme of your entire space (ie: scandinavian, industrial or minimalist) to avoid giving the whole place a confused look.

If you have pictures or a collection, we recommend you to install track lights to showcase them else our beautiful pendant lightings can be the centrepiece and equally own that space. 

Speak to us for more ideas, simply email the team at support@lightsandco.com or shop our lighting collection at www.lightsandco.com/collections/all-lightings-collection