If I had to choose one aspect of a room that I love to design and choose, it would be the lighting. I love the variety of pendant lights, chandeliers and lanterns out there - the selection is almost overwhelming and certainly fits any style imaginable. I thought I would talk today about how to make sure your space is perfectly lit - every time.
When I'm designing a room, I allow for at least 3 light sources. Not 3 light FIXTURES, but 3 light sources. Usually it boils down to ceiling light, lamp light and candle light for me. I love those 3 mixed together, but if I'm being honest, I rarely actually turn on any ceiling lights (except for my kitchen). And if I do, it's on a dimmer switch.
Let's take a peek at some of my favorite images that are swirling Pinterest right now.
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This is an absolutely stunning living room, right? It's a gorgeous collection of modern meets traditional meets nature. The tufted vintage inspired sofa, the cow hide, the modern lamps and that gorgeous brick fireplace. It's all blending and comforting. But what about the lighting? What makes that lighting work?
Look at the light sources: Ceiling Light. Lamp Light. Sconces. Fireplace. 4 light sources all working so cohesively you barely notice each one individually because they're creating a beautiful lightscape.
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How about this space? It's honestly one of my favorites! But check out the lighting - Ceiling Lantern, Lamp light, and candles. Not to mention that abundance of natural lighting. What I love about her lighting choices here is that the lantern is the showstopper. It's meant to be like jewelry for a room - while the lamp behind the sofa blends in - not wanting to take the spotlight. I love that. Every room needs a piece that makes you notice it.
This picture in particular brings me to a special point. Everyone is used to having a chandelier in the dining room, right? It's a no-brainer to hang a chandelier over your dining room table. But it's not the only place you can dress up with an amazing light! Don't be afraid to put a large chandelier/pendant/lantern in your living room. Ceiling fans are not the only option and sometimes a simple change to something like this can really change a space. Can you imagine this room below being as pretty with a ceiling fan? Nope.
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Even going beyond that, think outside the box! Check out these amazing spaces with chandeliers:
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Think of lighting as the jewelry for your space and maximize that impact. Be a little daring and go big! Whether your style is modern or rustic or elegant glamour, you can maximize the impact your space makes by paying attention to the lighting.
Here are a few of my favorite pendant chandeliers at a few of my favorite lighting retailers - these all have shades on them and would be perfect for any of the spaces mentioned above:
Last tip - one of the most frequent questions I get is regarding how high to hang a chandelier above the dining room table. The answer is about 30-33 inches above the table if you have 8 foot ceilings. I like to add 3-4 inches per foot of additional ceiling height - so if you have 9 foot ceilings, your chandelier will be about 33-37 inches above the table.
Happy Lighting!
Happy Lighting!
