Lighting affects you more than you think. You can catch the podcast chat here.
The first thing I want you to think about is the color of the light. Did you know that incandescent light is yellow? Have you ever taken a photo with the lights on and it turned out yellow? That’s why. If you use sunlight the photo will look more like you expect it to, truer to how it appears to your eye.
Compact florescent lighting is typically on the green side, but some bulbs are color-corrected. Just be sure you know what you are buying. Halogen lights are also crisply white, while xenon lights are slightly warmer.
Kelly suggests you go with pink light bulbs to give your room a soft warm glow. She says the color not only makes your room look inviting, but you’ll look good in it too.
I recommend adding lamps to every room. You want to have some options besides overhead lighting. Overhead light has it’s place but it’s not warm and cozy like lamps are. For the times that the lamps are not providing enough light, you can turn on overhead lighting.
Use dimmers! A dimmer switch means you can adjust the light to exactly where you want it to be. No worries that the lights are too bright or two dim.
For my dining room I have several types of lighting. Of course my favorite is natural light. I make sure to open my curtains and shades as much as possible so there is a maximum amount of light coming in. This light is great and seems to add the most cheer to a room. I know that if I go in a home with all the windows shuttered, I find it a bit depressing.
The second source of light in here are the canned lights in the ceiling. They are on a dimmer of course. Thirdly I have a chandelier that is great for parties. And lastly I have lamps on the buffet. I use a combination of the lights depending on how much light I need. I want it to feel friendly and not dark when I have company, but I also don’t want people stumbling to find their seats in the dark.
I also want to address ceiling fans. Some designers really hate them. Although they are not my favorite, they are necessary here in Texas. Summer would be unbearable without them. Of course I would love to see a gorgeous chandelier in my bedroom, but it isn’t going to happen without a big, fat fan pointed directly on me.
You can find all the podcast episodes HERE.
Good advice on the compact fluorescent lights, some can really give off a harsh light.
Thanks for the information. I do love the natural light best but there are some beautiful lights out there to help make for some gorgeous lighting. Thanks again.
I too dream of a gorgeous chandelier in my bedroom. Not happening. Ceiling fan is a basic necessity of life in Texas. Love and live by all of your lighting tips. Dimmers are a girls best friend!
Ginger
Ginger yup I love my dimmers!
We took our ceiling fan out of our bedroom years ago, the BEST thing we ever did! We have a beautiful antique chandelier over the bed. Anita, I have the same chandelier as yours in my dining room, love it.
Sounds dreamy Mah.
I have purchased 2 different fan lights for my kitchen and the first one I took down and returned it because the lights were horrible. It was so dark in my kitchen even with the window . Went to Lowes and stood there and there were so many lights on you couldn’t tell which ones were bright and which ones weren’t. We bought another one that I thought was bright, but got it up and the same problem. We can’t put higher watt bulbs in it. So, we just kept for a year. No we are trying to find a kitchen fan light that is bright enough for a kitchen, (should have kept the original one, the only thing wrong with it was the color). I can’t go back to Lowes because it would be the same thing. Any suggestions where I can buy one with someone who knows about these things? BTW love your blogs Usually not a poster.
I agree about all your ideas about lighting. I love short boudior lamps with glass shades or added light. I use LED’s now. Walmart has “daylight” which is blue and very bright which I use in my kitchen and my enclosed hallway for my art display on the hall walls. I use the other bulb, which is a warmer, yellow glow. I have antique fixtures in my home so the “cooler” LED’s save my wiring…they are cool burning, won’t get hot over time. QUESTION: where did you get your giant glass bottles? I see them in decor and they are nice and airy and “quietly” fill a corner…not sure where to find them.
Sherry I get those at Round Top. I am not sure where else they have them.
I am curious why everyone uses ceiling fans, if they hate them so much. Why not use a floor fan? They make fabulous styles now. In fact I believe I saw I very stylish one on your blog once. Also, has anyone tried the ones you hang on the wall, over in a corner. Seems like those would work well in a corner over the door you enter from. Be a lot less noticeable than a ceiling fan smack dab in the center of the ceiling. Just curious as I have a chandelier in my bedroom and hubby is really pushing for a ceiling fan…and,resistance is futile…
Do you live in Texas Valerie? You are too funny!!!
Yep, I’m with you Anita!!! Texas is …well, Texas!
LOL! I actually spent the first 30 years of my life in San Antonio (the last 30 in Minnesota…ugh). Grew up in a small, 3 bedroom house and was ecstatic when we got our first window air conditioner when I was 12. No ceiling fans. However, after I was long gone, my Mom had central air conditioning put in, and…. ceiling fans in every room! Love, love Texas…it will always be home…
Anita, I have a solution for you. We took our ceiling fan out of our Master bedroom, and installed a beautiful chandelier. The solution to not having a fan? We searched for a decorative floor fan, and found one at a very good price on Amazon. It suits our needs for sure.
Great idea Beth and I have one!
I live in Florida and cannot give up the bedroom ceiling fans. Like you I would prefer something else but sometimes comfort wins.
Anita, thank you for the lighting tips. I agree with you about having ceiling fans in Texas. I live in the Fort Worth and without ceiling fans, I would melt. HA!
Enjoyed your blog today! The info on variation of lightbulb colors is good to know! Thanks!
Anita, I have the perfect compromise for you and your fan base who aren’t fans of ceiling fans, but need the airflow in the summer: a fandelier. It is a ceiling fan with a chandelier below! I put a beautiful one in my bedroom last year and it is beautiful. Check out the “Casa Deville” (rubbed cream with crystals) and the “Contessa” (dark bronze with crystals) on lampsplus.com. (Please note: I do not work for Lamps Plus, just suggesting what I have and love in in my own home) Susan
Okay I will Susan. I’ve seen some before, so I’ll check these out.
A Fandalier at Horchow, now if we can only get it to look rustic.
D
A Fandalier at Horchow , now we need to get it antiqued!
A Fandalier at Horchow , now we need to get it antiqued!
Your island lighting is my favorite. Simple but elegant.
Anita, I live in Las Vegas and would love to replace the ceiling fan in the Master. I will definitely look into the suggestions for a Fandelier. Love your decorating style and helpful hints. Thanks.
We are receiving free LED bulbs for our entire home with our solar panel purchase. I am confused if I can use these in chandeliers with candle bulbs. Do I want this? Will they be too bright?
Ginger, I am not sure how big the room is, what the wattage is of the bulbs and what other lighting is in the room. So I don’t have enough information to answer your question. If the bulbs are free, you can check them out and see if they are going to work. Keep the old bulbs so you can change them back if need be.