Home Lighting Tips from the Pros

When TV and movie directors want to highlight a character or set a mood, they turn to the lighting director. Creative lighting methods are some of the more subtle and effective ways to establish a specific ambiance.

As the star of your own home movie, you can use the same principles to shape the story. Looking for a quick and easy home improvement project? Use these expert tips to let your light shine.

1. Draw Up a Plan
   Do you think of lights as strictly functional pieces added to a room, almost as an afterthought, rather than a vital element in your home improvement strategy? Pros understand that lighting should be organically integrated into a room's decor to make a statement. Start by creating a plan that considers all aspects of a room, including its style, furnishings, and main purpose.
2. Go for a Layered Effect
   The "layered look" is more than just a fashion trend. Just as 3D adds dimension and perspective to an image, three layers of light provide richness and balance to a room's atmosphere. Start with basic illumination of ambient lighting, then move to specialized task lighting and finish with decorative accent lighting.
3. Pay Attention to Scale and Proportion
   Yes, all rooms benefit from layered lighting, but it's not a one-size-fits-all concept. Don't allow lighting to overpower a small room or get lost in a large room. Take features such as light size and wattage into account.
4. Dimmers Are Your Friend
   Dimmers offer an additional measure of control over the intensity of lighting in a room. Many of today's dimmers include high-tech conveniences such as remote or voice control. Be sure to install dimmers for all overhead lights, whether you go DIY or hire a professional electrician. If you want to include tabletop lamps, most home improvement stores carry inexpensive plug-in dimmers.
5. Light Up the Corners
   Most homes have at least a couple of those awkward corners that end up getting ignored because no one knows what to do with them. Simply placing an attractive floor lamp in the corner adds polish and ties the space into the rest of the room.
6. Shine a Spotlight 
   Taking another cue from the entertainment world, use spotlights to draw the eye toward plants, pieces of art, or other visual focal points in your home. In addition to the traditional ceiling-mounted version, spotlights come in versatile forms such as track-style and recessed.
7. Get Help from Mother Nature
   Don't confine your lighting plan to artificial sources. Daylight is fresh and warm, providing a natural boost to any lighting scheme. Combine two home improvement projects in one by installing or remodeling windows to optimize the advantages of sunlight. Don't forget to plan for blinds or other treatments as needed to manage heat, particularly with west-facing windows.
8. Go Green
   Sunlight also plays a valuable role in an eco-friendly lighting system. Whenever possible, keep sustainability in mind by choosing energy-efficient light bulbs and lamps made from recycled or reclaimed materials. Hardware such as dimmers, timers, and photocells help conserve energy and reduce electric bills.
9. Lamps as Art
   Lampshades are frequently overlooked as a valuable decorative element. They come in an endless variety of colors and styles, and you can change them in minutes to fit a season or mood. As a bonus, lampshades can create unique effects when light passes through them.

Who knew home improvement had something in common with filmmaking? Thoughtful and strategic use of lighting creates a flattering scene from all angles.

• How to Make Your Entryway More Functional
• Small Kitchen Improvements With Big Impact
• How to Improve Water Efficiency Around Your Home
• Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
• Planning a Backyard Space for Entertaining
• Easy Ways to Reduce Household Noise Between Rooms
• How to Create a Functional Mudroom in Any Home
• Simple Upgrades That Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
• Smart Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home

• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage

• When Buying New Construction Makes More Sense Than Resale
• What to Look for in a Move-In-Ready Home
• What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
• What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
• What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
• How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
• What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
• Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
• How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather

• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment

• Why Outdoor Lighting Improves Evening Showings
• How to Handle Multiple Showing Requests Efficiently
• What Sellers Should Know About Buyer Contingencies
• How to Prepare Your Home for Last-Minute Showings
• When a Price Reduction Can Help Restart Buyer Interest
• How Professional Photography Impacts Online Listing Views
• The Hidden Costs Sellers Should Plan For
• What Sellers Should Know About Appraisal Gaps
• How to Prepare Your Home for a Competitive Offer Situation
• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move

• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos