Your home’s lighting is something you likely take for granted. Lighting is something we all use every day, yet we don’t give it much thought. As any knowledgeable electrician or home improvement DIY’er will tell you, however, lighting can make all the difference in your home’s overall atmosphere and functionality. Best of all, many lighting home improvement projects cost very little and are easy to implement. If you’ve been looking for a cost-effective way to make a real difference in your home, these ten lighting home improvement ideas can’t be missed.
1. Upgrade to Smart Light Bulbs
The smart home craze has really picked up in recent years, and homeowners are implementing smart devices at a rapid pace. After all, smart features maximize convenience and even energy savings, so what’s not to like? One lighting home improvement idea that you may want to consider is upgrading to smart light bulbs.
Smart light bulbs are easily controlled right from your smartphone. Aside from convenience, smart light bulbs also save energy and give you greater control over your home’s lighting. Rather than having to flick a light switch every time you get home, smart light bulbs will allow you to tap a button and turn the lights on right from the driveway! You’ll also be happy to know that smart light bulbs are relatively inexpensive despite the many benefits they provide.
2. Install a Dimmer Switch
Did you know that installing a dimmer switch can cut your electricity costs by 20 percent? Aside from that, it can’t be argued that lighting looks better when you can soften it. By installing a dimmer switch (or several) in your home, you can truly set the mood and change the atmosphere entirely.
You’d be amazed what a difference this lighting upgrade can make in your home! When purchasing a dimmer switch, you’ll need to know your bulb type and bulb wattage to ensure you get the most for your money. In terms of aesthetics, you’ll also want to consider the style of the dimmer (toggle, buttons, knob, or paddle) and the color of the dimmer’s faceplate. Once you’ve made your choices, contact a licensed electrician of royal heights for installation.
3. Add Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are simple devices that can be installed on the ceiling or the wall and do exactly what you’d expect. These devices enable the lights to detect motion and turn the lights off when there isn’t motion. Motion sensors are ideal for areas of the home where your family may frequently forget to turn off the lights, such as bathrooms or closets. One enjoyable feature that many motion sensors provide is the ability to install them wirelessly on doors so that the light comes on automatically whenever you enter a room. With motion sensors, you’ll never have to worry that you’ve left the lights on!
4. Set the Scene
Did you know that you can switch out light switches for keypads that enable you to program your lights to certain levels of intensity? That’s right, some switches, like those from Lutron or Maestro, give you this power. Some switches even include an ambient light sensor that will only allow the light to be turned on when natural light in the room is low. Thankfully, these switches also have a manual override so that you can still bypass this feature and turn on the lights whenever you wish. With these types of switches, you can truly set the scene in any room of your home with ease.
5. Consider a Smart Lighting System
Suppose smart lighting sounds especially appealing to you (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the idea of smart lighting). In that case, you may want to invest in a complete smart lighting system in your home. A smart lighting system will allow you to effortlessly manage your home’s lighting, all from a remote location. You can also set scenes, lighting schedules and even sync your lighting’s operation with other smart devices in your home. It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, doesn’t it? Well, the future is now, and this lighting home improvement upgrade can be yours today!
6. Layer Your Lighting to Create Balance
If you’re a passionate DIY’er, you’re probably well aware that lighting can be used to create balance. One of the best ways to do this is by layering your lighting. For optimal balance, we recommend incorporating at least three different sources of light in each space.
A critical aspect of layering light involves the accent layer. An accent layer helps to highlight your favorite areas of a room. It can be used to showcase your favorite art, furniture, and more! When using layered lighting to create a more balanced feel in your home, don’t forget to include the all-important accent layer.
7. Update Your Ceiling Fan
When did you last update your ceiling fan? If you’re like many homeowners, you probably haven’t thought to switch out your ceiling fan in quite some time. That means that it’s probably well past time for an upgrade. Not only do more modern ceiling fans now feature improved motors that consume far less energy, but they will also provide better lighting. As an additional plus, newer ceiling fans are also much quieter. Always contact a licensed electrician for ceiling fan installation in Raleigh, as this isn’t recommended as a DIY project.
8. Install LED Strip Lighting
If you’ve yet to incorporate LED strip lighting into your home’s design, you’re missing out on a slew of benefits. LED strip lighting uses a whopping 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, offers greater flexibility in lighting choices because of their design, and comes in a shocking number of colors. LED strip lighting can be installed in any of your favorite spaces with ease, including your media room, bedroom, or kitchen. Don’t miss out on this new lighting craze taking the world by storm! Interior designers are now recommending LED strip lighting to clients frequently- and for a good reason.
9. Enjoy Added Security With Landscape Lighting
It’s critical that you and your family always feel safe in your home. Your home is your sanctuary, and security should be a priority. There are few better ways to improve your home’s security than with landscape security lighting. Installing outdoor security lighting means that your yard will always remain well-lit. Burglaries are a common threat to homeowners, and landscape lighting means that would-be thieves won’t have a place to hide. Improve your home’s security with landscape lighting and enjoy greater peace of mind.
10. Add Style With Recessed Lighting
Finally, one of our favorite lighting upgrades for home improvement involves installing recessed lighting. Recessed lighting enhances your overall home decor, can be installed just about anywhere in your home and is one of the most energy-efficient lighting options available. Recessed lighting is also embedded directly into the ceiling, so you won’t have to deal with any dangling cords creating potential danger hazards like many other forms of lighting. Don’t skip out on this attractive lighting option when making lighting upgrades in your home!
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