Advice From Whitmer's Lighting

The many finishes and styles available make the lighting in your home and office a very key feature in the design aspect. Choosing the correct lighting will create your mood, atmosphere and style or theme of your home, from Contemporary to Old World Tuscany.

Some of the more popular styles currently are transitional fixtures. These are available in many different styles and themes with a wide selection of finishes available.

There are so many different choices available today for the homeowner. Manufacturers today are geared toward coordinating lighting with all the elements that go into making a house a home. Call or contact us today for an in home consultation or continue reading below to learn more about lighting.

1) Living Room Or Family Room

When designing a lighting plan for a living room or family room, you need to consider the variety of activities that occur there. You'll want to include general lighting for entertaining and watching television, task lighting for reading or sewing, and accent lighting for artwork, plants, and interesting architectural features. Dimming controls are ideal for the living room because they allow you to design the lighting to suit each mood and activity (see lighting controls). More >

2) Dining Room

Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and functional. This requires a mix of general, task, and accent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including a formal dinner, a family get-together, and other activities such as homework, hobbies, or family bookkeeping. Dimming controls will enable you to vary the light for each occasion. More >

3) Kitchen

The kitchen is primarily a work area, but it is also a gathering place for family and friends. Lighting that is comfortable as well as functional is required. More >

4) Bedroom

When lighting a bedroom, you will want to create an overall atmosphere of quiet relaxation, while providing some bright spots for reading and other activities. A combination of general and task lighting that takes into account the age and lifestyle of the occupant(s) is needed. More >

5) Bathroom

In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for shaving, grooming, and applying makeup. In small bathrooms, mirror lights will illuminate the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture is needed for general lighting. A recessed infrared heat lamp will give you added warmth on chilly mornings. More >

6) Home Office

When lighting a home office, you will want to create a comfortable environment that is free of harsh contrasts and distracting glare. You will need task lighting for reading, writing, and computer work, and general lighting for the surrounding area. You may also want to include accent lighting for prized possessions. More >

7) Other Home Areas

In the entrance foyer, general lighting is needed to welcome guests and assure safe passage. This can be furnished by a handsome ceiling fixture that emits a generous spread of light. If more light is needed, consider placing matching wall sconces on either side of a foyer mirror. More >

8) Outdoors

Outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of your property, makes your home safer and more secure, and increases the number of pleasurable hours you spend outdoors. And it is an investment that pays off handsomely in the value it adds to your home. More >

9) Accent Lighting

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