Oct 08, 2023

Tips For Optimizing Light in Your Home

When done correctly, your home’s lighting fixtures should complement and blend into their surroundings. As you select lighting for your home, it’s imperative to understand that what works in one room may not work in another. Consider the function of the lighting and the statement you wish for it to make. Utilizing multiple light sources installed at different levels is an easy trick to give a room character.

Here’s our room-by-room guide for enhancing the light within your home.

Bathroom

Make your bathroom the best place to apply make-up with the correct lighting. Light coming from multiple directions will illuminate your entire face and eliminate any shadows. To achieve this, a light above the mirror and on both sides of the mirror (sconces are an easy way to do this.)

If you have a larger bathroom, it’s also a good idea to have a light above or near the shower. Oftentimes, bathrooms do not have outer facing walls which make them absent of natural light. One way to work around this is to install a sun tunnel. They are optically engineered to capture light through a high impact dome on the roof. The light rays travel through a highly reflective tunnel, transmitting a pure natural light with no color shift. The diffuser assembly at the ceiling distributes natural light evenly into the room while limiting bright spots and glare.

Dining Room

The focal point of this room is the table and because of this, you should select lighting that highlights it. Drama can be added by installing a chandelier that hangs directly above the table. Be mindful that the size and style of your fixture should not make it stand out from the rest of the room.

Chandeliers come in various styles; select a timeless look to extend its shelf life. Be sure that your ceiling is high enough to accommodate a chandelier. Ideally, a chandelier’s bottom should hang about 30 inches above your table. A dimmer switch is encouraged because it allows you to control the intensity of the lighting in the room. Don’t limit yourself to just overhead sources, which can make the room feel less intimate.

Bedroom

Because sleep is the main purpose of this room, you should aim for lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere. Reading lamps and sconces are perfect for this room; just be sure to aim them away from the bed.

The ideal height for the bottom of the lamp shade is 1.5 feet above the top of your mattress which will provide ample reading light. Low watt bulbs (40-60) work best in your sleeping area; in your dressing area it’s okay to increase wattage.

Kitchen

Kitchens need lighting that encompasses the entire room. A common mistake is thinking that one light can illuminate the entire space. If you’re determined on having a single fixture, try track lighting which can be angled in multiple directions to shed light on the areas you desire.

Ideally, a kitchen should blend a few different types of lighting. Some suggestions include: overhead lighting (complete with a dimmer that can be brightened when you are cooking), under cabinet lighting to illuminate work surfaces and lighting if you have a built in desk.

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate more natural light in your kitchen, it’s worth considering skylights. They come in a variety of sizes including: square, triangle, oval, etc. They are a great way to evenly distribute natural light, eliminate direct sunlight & hot spots and add aesthetic appeal to your home.

Living Room

Dimmers can work well in living rooms because the room often serves multiple purposes; there are times when full lighting is needed and others when limited lighting is better. A table lamp sitting on an end table can be beneficial for those who use their living room for reading. Just be sure to have the lamp close to a piece of furniture so it can be accessed easily.

Not a fan of end tables? A floor lamp can easily work as a substitute. The living room is a great place to have a piece of artwork displayed with a spotlight on it.

For more information about our home improvement services, contact us today. Our team of professionals is ready to serve you.

Home Improvement Reviews:

"We have used Lindus for many home projects. Lindus recently finished an update on our kitchen. Again the quality of work was outstanding from the person who came to give the original bid to the electric work that was finished this week... including the decorator, the countertop and sink people, the tile people, the workers who took care of coordinating all the subcontractors, and all the behind the scenes folks. I wish that I had the names of everyone so that I could thank them personally in this review. BEST BUSINESS EVER!"

Mike B.

Minnetonka, MN

June 30, 2023

"Even though this last repair was a very small fix, Eric was very understanding and worked with us with getting the garage back to its original appearance. We have had four large jobs contracted through Lindus and have not been disappointed by any. We refer anyone we talk to, who’s remodeling, to contact Lindus. From the receptionists to the project managers, everyone has been great to work with."

Rita F.

Inver Grove Heights, MN

June 15, 2023

"Highest recommendation for Lindus Construction team. We started with a heat map analysis of our kitchen to address significant cold areas, and transitioned to a solution to insulate the walls and install hot water in floor heat as selected solution. Kitchen was demoed down to the studs to access walls from inside, which allowed for a complete remodel of 1960-70s kitchen. Lindus team provided design expertise, cabinet, flooring and countertop selections, plus drywall, electrical, HVAC and plumbing teams, along with skilled carpenters. Lindus team provided good communication of schedule and handled minor delays that happen with all projects with high customer service. Such a pleasure to work with Lindus Construction! Thank you for a significantly improved kitchen design."

Barbara T.

Minneapolis, MN

May 15, 2023

"They demoed the old bathroom, replaced sheetrock, installed a prefab walk-in shower surround, shelves and grab bars, installed a new vanity and medicine cabinet with framing. These gentlemen know their business, took care to ensure that I was included in decisions, and maintained a clean, organized work space. I am very pleased with their work. It's a beautiful space!"

Michele B.

Maple Plain, MN

March 22, 2023

"In the past 2 years, Lindus has built me a beautiful new deck, replaced my aging fascia and exterior doors, and remodeled my main bathroom. I went with this company initially because they seemed so professional and knowledgeable, and I was not disappointed. I love what they've done for my house, and if I need any remodeling or building work done in the future, I'm definitely going with Lindus!!"

Romy O.

St. Paul, MN

February 18, 2023

"Above average personnel, quality workmanship, and good communication. Kudos to the Lindus team. They have completed a complete renovation of kitchen down to bare floors, removed old plaster, new cupboards, flooring, etc. Stunning transformation!"

Teresa M.

February 5, 2023