Coldwell Banker Realty - Sudbury
Vera Oliveira, Coldwell Banker Realty - SudburyPhone: (617) 620-5658
Email: [email protected]

Light: The 4 types and why your home needs them

by Vera Oliveira 06/05/2023

When most of us come across the phrase “lighting,” we automatically go to standard lighting fixtures seen in hardware stores or swanky floor lamps featured in chic living room showcases. Those lighting styles are so well-designed, we may even consider using those designs in our homes after inspiration hits. But don’t reach for the first set of light products you find just yet.

Without the lighting basics, there’s a chance you could run into issues like over accenting a passive area of your home, or worse, leave your home without sufficient illumination.

While cautionary tales are great for reminding us to diversify our fixture selections, the question still stands: What are the different types of lighting, and how can they improve your home?

Here are a few key basics to help give you a quick understanding of the types of fixtures and, possibly, provide a few inspiration tips, regardless of your style:

1. Accent lighting

Accent lights typically point out items or areas of your home that you want to accentuate and bring more attention to. These lighting fixtures may present as small spotlights around the crown molding or ceiling of your home, floor lamps with angled beams or anything in between. You can even incorporate them as part of your home’s decor.

The key takeaway for accents is a focused beam to bring interest to a designated area or feature, like an architectural detail set or decor within the home. Be sure to choose a design that fits within your home’s decor to keep the light itself from becoming the accent.

2. Ambient lighting

Just about everyone has been involved with ambient lighting, or “general lighting,” in one fashion or another. These light fixtures may show up as a ceiling light that illuminates a whole room, wall light fixtures that provide exceptional illumination coverage or even a floor lamp with an excess of brightness.

You want to have a comfortable level of lumens, or the unit used to measure light transmitted on a visible spectrum, when dealing with ambient fixtures. You may even use ambient light to set a tone for a room, such as a game area or dining room.

3. Decorative lighting

These light fixtures are favorites among those who want to use their home as a showcase for their personalities and styles. These items may include chandeliers, groovy lamps in living rooms or any form of design style integrated into home spaces. This type of light fixture can come in a slew of common styles and designs found in stores or on your favorite store site.

Decorative lights may also include reclaimed wall sconces, stylized gift lights made from sea glass or any other type of inspiration available.

Decorative lights don’t need to be excessively bright, as their design tends to feature lower watt bulbs, so you and yours can enjoy them without harming your eyes and with savings in mind.

4. Task lighting

Task lighting typically has a higher set of lumens than the other types of lighting. These overhead lights hover over a designated to brighten the activity, or task, being completed in a specific area.

Task lighting fixtures come in a wide range of different designs and can be tailored to fit into whatever room you may need them in.

Examples of task lighting include overhead range lights for cooking and food prep, small lights for dealing with small home improvement products, such as nails and screws, reading or any other type of activity that requires focused illumination.

Now that you have the basics, feel free to explore the world of versatile lighting. If you’d like to experience these lighting favorites, try heading to a home improvement store or local department store. Their customer service team should be able to help you find the lighting you need or help with any questions you may have.

If you’d rather start your illumination journey at home, where you can make comparisons, try using a website that specializes in fixtures. Many retail stores in the United States have a website of their own or a website partnered with their customer service teams. All you typically need is an email address and a list of questions, and they’ll send the tips to your inbox.

About the Author
Author

Vera Oliveira

I am focused, self motivated, dream big and am committed to act in the best interest of my clients!

  

As an incredibly driven and self-motivated Realtor®, my utmost passion lies in serving your best interests and guiding you through one of life's most significant decisions. With a deep understanding of the importance of a comfortable and nurturing home environment, I strive to help families create lasting memories in their ideal living spaces. My clients are my top priority, and I am committed to providing a seamless, stress-free experience from start to closing.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I have called Massachusetts home since 1988, immersing myself in the region's rich natural beauty and historical heritage. Over the years, I have cultivated strong relationships within the community and acquired an intimate knowledge of the local residential markets. This unique combination enables me to offer invaluable insights and act as a dependable resource, skillfully matching clients with properties that perfectly suit their needs.
With over 22 years of experience in real estate and a background of 30 years in sales, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. I approach each transaction with meticulous attention to detail, taking the time to listen and truly understand my clients' goals. By employing a contemporary marketing approach, leveraging strong negotiation skills, and maintaining constant communication, I provide a high-end service that ensures buyers find their dream homes within their budgets and sellers effectively market their properties for optimal returns. Witnessing the overwhelming joy of clients at a successful closing is immensely rewarding to me.
My dedication to personalized service and strict adherence to confidentiality are the cornerstones of my professional competency. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, my warm and caring approach makes me the perfect agent to guide you through the process. As a testament to my track record of results, I have proudly achieved recognition as an award-winning Realtor, ranking among the top producers year after year.
Beyond real estate, I have a profound love for travel, enjoy golfing and participating in fitness classes. I am actively involved in volunteering with organizations such as "We all Volunteer", JFS, and I passionately support the life-saving work of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Additionally, I nurture a deep interest in studying architectural characteristics during my travels.
It brings me tremendous joy to know that I am positively impacting people's lives through the life-changing decision of homeownership. Whether you are seeking to buy or sell your home, I am genuinely thrilled and honored to guide you along the journey and contribute to your success story.