Creating a Unified Home Lighting Plan: Tips and Three Example Designs
Selecting light fixtures for your home is an exciting journey. They possess the power to make a bold statement or gracefully complement other elements in a room. One common question I often receive is how to choose light fixtures that harmonize with each other, especially in open floor plans where multiple fixtures are visible throughout the space. As many of us now reside in homes with open layouts, such as living rooms connected to dining areas or kitchens blending into dining spaces, the need for a cohesive lighting plan becomes paramount – a situation I find myself in with my new house!
Amidst countless possibilities and combinations, today's goal is to simplify the process and provide you with some "tricks" and guidelines to assist you in selecting light fixtures for your home. Creating a unified scheme, be it flushmounts, pendants, or chandeliers, is beneficial even if you don't have an open floor plan. By setting a few "boundary conditions," you'll navigate the vast array of options with ease and find fixtures that perfectly suit your home.
To achieve this, it's essential to develop a lighting plan before diving into shopping. I'll elaborate on setting boundary conditions shortly, but the idea is to establish a framework that guides your fixture selection. And if you'd like to see concrete examples, I've prepared three lighting plans in different metal finishes: brass, black, and polished nickel. Each plan features a diverse range of fixture types suitable for various rooms in your home. Start with a few of these fixtures and effortlessly fill in the gaps with additional selections as needed.
Let's embark on this illuminating journey together and create a harmonious interplay of light fixtures that truly elevate your entire home.
Selecting the perfect light fixtures for your home can be an exhilarating endeavor. These fixtures have the remarkable ability to either take center stage or gracefully enhance the overall ambiance of a room. A common query I often encounter is how to ensure that light fixtures coordinate harmoniously with each other, especially in open floor plans where multiple fixtures are on display. As more of us embrace the concept of open layouts, whether it's a connected living room and dining area or an all-inclusive space, a unified lighting plan becomes essential - a task I'm currently tackling in my new house!
While the possibilities for lighting combinations are virtually limitless, today's focus is on simplifying the process and providing you with useful "tricks" and guidelines for selecting light fixtures. By establishing a cohesive scheme, encompassing flush mounts, sconces, chandeliers, and pendants, even homes without open floor plans can achieve a harmonious lighting flow. Setting some "boundary conditions" will facilitate your fixture search and prevent overwhelm in the face of myriad options - because, let's be honest, the choices are endless!
In the following sections, I'll delve into how to develop a lighting plan that fits your home like a glove. First, start by creating a list of the fixtures you need, ensuring you don't overlook bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways. Consider the unique constraints of each space, like ceiling height, and determine whether any electrical work is required. For instance, moving a junction box or adding new ones may be necessary for island pendants or wall sconces, so getting the fixture's placement right is crucial.
Next, let your decorating style serve as a guide in selecting your light fixtures. If you're unsure about your style, Pinterest and Instagram are excellent sources of inspiration. Sticking to fixtures that align with your chosen style will create a cohesive theme throughout your home.
The metal finish of your fixtures plays a vital role in the overall look. While mixing metals can be stylish, opting for a single finish can simplify the process. Watch out for variations in sheen and color, especially in blacks and nickel finishes, to ensure a seamless match.
When it comes to achieving a cohesive look, choose fixtures with similar lines and feels. Echoing design elements from one fixture to another can create a harmonious visual flow throughout your space.
To aid you in crafting your lighting plan, I've prepared three starter guides featuring flush mounts, semi-flush mounts, chandeliers, pendants, single wall sconces, and vanity lights. These fixtures complement each other beautifully, and you can effortlessly mix and match them throughout your home.
Embrace this illuminating journey as we curate a lighting symphony that truly elevates your entire home, infusing every corner with warmth, style, and unity. Happy shopping for your dream light fixtures!
Whole Home Lighting Plan: Brass
Leon Chandelier | Brass Floral Glass Sconce | Kayla Brass Chandelier | Kalin Flower Glass Chandelier | Kalin Flower Glass Ceiling Lamp | Swedish Modern Brass Chandelier | Cylinder Brass Series | Pumpkin Brass Ceiling Lamp
Whole Home Lighting Plan: Black
(Note that some of these fixtures are listed as oil-rubbed bronze or antique bronze, but read as black as far as I can tell!)
Serge Mouille Plug In Wall Lamp | Black Heracleum Chandelier | NR2 Pendant Light | Lederam Manta Ceiling Light | Serge Mouille Ceiling Light A | Outdoor Lantern Pendant Lamp | Myrna Wall Light | Lines Chandelier
Whole Home Lighting Plan: Polished Nickel
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