Mark the Electrician, right, and staff person Virgil install paper flowers on an oversized Ikea light fixture. Courtesy photo

By SUZETTE FOX

Good lighting can literally light up your life. It can make the difference between “nice place” and “wow, love your pad.” But, in most homes, the lighting is too complicated and too dim. Before you do anything else to your home, consider changing your lighting.

Whether you live in an apartment or own a house, we’ve all had that moment where we realize it’s time to switch things up. One of the quickest and easiest ways to redesign or update a living space is to update your light fixtures. It can make a world of difference.

Why Does It Matter?

We often take lighting fixtures for granted; they work, why change? Here are a few reasons why updating lighting fixtures matters in creating a beautiful, comfortable home:

• Safety – If lighting is not bright enough, it can create unnecessary risks for falling, tripping or bumping into furniture in the kitchen, hallways, or any room.
• Appearance – Lighting can completely change the look of a room. By updating lighting fixtures, you can pursue the look and feel you have always wanted.
• Efficiency – Older lighting fixtures may work just fine, but they could be wasting unnecessary energy. Upgrading to higher efficiency lighting fixtures can actually save money on electricity and promote a healthy environment.

Under the shelves lighting in a kitchen. Courtesy photo

There are a number of ways to update lighting fixtures to improve safety, appearance, and efficiency. The particular solution will depend on each specific situation, but here are a few general ideas for updating fixtures:

• Layer Fixtures – Most rooms need three light fixtures. A good idea, particularly for main rooms, is to layer lighting fixtures. This means combining different types of fixtures in the same room. For example, recessed lighting and pendant lighting could be used together in the kitchen. This can improve both the look and functionality of a room.
• Analyze Use Of Room – What do you do in this room? Read? Then you’ll need a good reading light in all the places where that might happen. Romance? Put your lights on dimmers. Party? Uplights are fun and a little dramatic. Great piece of art you’re proud of? Spots put the focus on it.
• Soften Lighting – Overhead lighting, apart from chandeliers, is usually too harsh. Softer lighting like table lamps, floor lamps, uplighting and spots are a better choice.

Pink pendant light fixture. Courtesy photo

Replacing Light Fixtures

Replacing your old fixtures is often the best option for people who just don’t like their current light fixtures. It is the only option when the old one is broken beyond repair.

Aging light fixtures can make even the most modern home look outdated. Updating the look of a room using creative lighting solutions provides an affordable way to create immediate change in the overall appearance of a room without spending a lot of money.

Where To Start

Finding a light fixture doesn’t have to be difficult. Mark Hartman, of Mark The Electrician, recommends “Look for established light fixture manufacturers from reputable lighting dealers. Find out if the light fixture you like is “Listed” by a recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) so it may be safe to use in the U.S. Be aware of the type of illumination such as whether the fixture will use a conventional incandescent lamp, compact fluorescent or LED.”

Mark also adds, “Check to see if the light fixture can be controlled by a dimmer. Does the fixture package include the light bulbs? Will that light bulb be easy to find when it needs to be replaced? Finally, consult with someone trusted and qualified to do electrical work, when installing your new light fixture.”

Dining room fixture. Courtesy photo

A Word About Chandeliers

Chandeliers are no longer for formal dining rooms, made of crystal. Today’s chandelier can be casual, modern, and elegant. A traditional choice for above a dining room table or in an entryway, a chandelier now also appears in all areas of the home – in dens, living rooms, kitchens, offices, bedrooms and bathrooms. A chandelier transforms the look of a room, setting a romantic or sophisticated tone. A wide range of styles, finishes, and sizes make it easy to find a chandelier to suit your decor.

Updating Old Fixtures

Options for updating old lighting include redesigning the old ones and creating your own using recycled materials. The following ideas will provide inspiration for updating your old light fixtures without breaking the bank.

• Redesign – One way to create your own inexpensive lighting solution is to redesign your old fixtures. Redesigning is a great option if your old ones look outdated because of their color or texture. If an old fixture just needs a coat of paint to make it look brand new or a new drum shade to add some style, a redesign can cost less than $20. The options for redesigning an old fixture are almost limitless if you like the overall design of your current one. Pops of color, texture, or pattern can make an old light look new.
• Replace Old Shades – Old shades also make easy projects for home lighting updates. Pendant drum shades are readily available to purchase as replacements. Big box stores usually keep them in stock, but be sure to take accurate measurements of your old shade to ensure a proper fit.
• Find Gently Used – Great designer pieces sometimes end up in thrift stores and antique stores where they can be purchased for a fraction of the original cost. Estate sales are also good places to check. Online classifieds also frequently have beautiful light fixtures for sale at extremely low prices.

Updating old light fixtures does not have to be an expensive project. Whether you decide to redesign, recycle, or replace your old ones, creative lighting solutions can be an affordable way to make any room look drastically different. With so many options, this home improvement project is easy to fit into any budget.

Feel free to contact Los Alamos Interior Designer Suzette Fox to suggest specific design topics or for help with your home. For more information, find her on Facebook at facebook.com/SuzetteFoxInteriorDesign and on her website www.suzettefoxinteriors.com