When you enter a house, looking for a switch to turn the light on is the first thing you do; more than its theme, color, and design, lighting is the surprise package of a home that you first unfold and get a glimpse of; what is yet to come! 

Being a fundamental element of your space design, adequate lighting, when complemented with the right furniture, color palette, and decor, enriches the experience and adds to the aesthetics of your place.

As intimidating as it may sound, picking up the right combination of lighting is a fun chore; all you need to create is a balance of what you need and how you want to make it look. 

To be your companion in this challenging yet fun task, we have prepared a guide to get you a functionally beneficial and aesthetically pleasing bright interior space!  

Layer the lighting

The rule of the thumb for interior lighting is layering. No room is adequately lit with just a single light source; while one light source is used to give a broad base to your space, another is used to enhance its features. Experts suggest using at least three layers of different lights to enhance a space’s visual appeal and improve functionality.  

General, accent, and task lights are three layers that not only bring to life the personality of your space but also allow it some flexibility and versatility. While general or ambient light is used to give a base to your overall space and evenly illuminates the room, accent light is a bright light that highlights special features, architectural elements, or statement furniture of your space. Moreover, task lights are special-purpose lightings that are integrated into areas where intricate activities are carried out. 

Great lighting adds depth and height, creates cozy nooks, and highlights your most outstanding features. It’s all about finding the right combination of light and shade and infusing a room with new life.

Determine the theme

Next in the row is the feel you want to give to your living space; are you a fan of minimalistic designs that drip contemporary sophistication, or do you want to create a cozy haven that welcomes warmth? The opportunities are endless, and the call is yours, but not having a theme in mind might put you in a situation of indecisiveness. 

Think of giving your space a personality or translating your personality into it; this will not only create a theme but also give your space an identity for which you can choose adequate lighting depending on the mood of it. 

Opt for linear lighting to brighten your vast space while keeping it minimalistic, or fancy a classic chandelier for your traditional-themed room. The key is to keep the themes consistent!

Choose light colors

If you’re designing a dark space for a brighter interior, keep a check on your color selection. Whether you’re choosing a color scheme for your walls or furniture, for a bigger and brighter outlook, always opt for lighter colors. Dark hues like black, grey, and blue often create an intimate and containing look, giving an illusion of a smaller, contained space, while light colors reflect light to give a defining look.

To make your space appear brighter, opt for a white, cream, or beige color palette and pair it with light-colored furniture to give a feel of open space. If you’re a fan of dark colors, pair your light paint with dark furniture to give a graphic look. Use brighter colors for furnishings and accessories to make powerful statements.

Choose the light type

Ask yourself questions like, “How bright do I need my home to be?”, “What will I be doing the most in my space?” or “What theme or atmosphere am I trying to create in my living space?”. Once you answer these for yourself, create a list of elements you need to include in your space’s lighting. Do you want to keep it energy efficient? Do you want to create a statement look? Consider your preferences and then hop on the journey of choosing the ones. 

Add mirrors

Well known for its reflective surfaces, nothing can make your room look brighter than incorporating lots of mirrors. Whether you want to double the amount of sunlight entering your house during the day or reflect your lighting during the night, create the illusion of more and brighter space using a variety of mirrors. 

Final Thoughts

Making your interior stand out is no less than a challenge, but once the results are achieved, there is no doubt in saying that it dramatically affects your experience each day. Some spaces don’t require extensive upgrades but rather modest alterations that help add character to the space and turn it from a dark to a bright and pleasant environment. Try it on your own, incorporating these tips!