10 Things You Must Know: Accent Lighting

The right illumination can change the look and feel of your home. Check out these tips on where and how to place accent lighting.

By: Lisa Frederick

Tip 1: Light only what you want to see. 

Through lighting, you have the ability to direct attention on the things you want people to notice in your home. Lighting can amp up visual drama like nothing else.

Tip 2: Try backlighting or uplighting.

Place a light below or behind an accent wall, a striking piece of art or another object, which gives it
added presence and a glamorous halo effect.

Tip 3: Dimmers can brighten your life. 

Dimmers make it easy to control lighting. The dimmer gives the option of having lights all the way up or all the way down. It saves electricity and the life of the bulb.

Tip 4: Don't forget about lamps. 

If you're uncomfortable permanently changing the lighting in your home, you may want to try using lamps to light the space. There are many decorative choices!

Tip 5: Install directed lighting to highlight certain areas. 

Using lighting to draw attention to focal points of a room can really make the difference.

Tip 6: Use track lighting.

The benefit of track lighting is that you have the ability to change the direction of its light.

Tip 7: Hidden sources are more appealing. 

Recessed lighting goes with any decor. The recessed fixture blends perfectly within the ceiling, and the homeowner doesn't have to go out and pick a fixture.

Tip 8: Good things come in small fixtures. 

Using a smaller fixture can help cut utility costs. Engineers have been able
to harness a small power source and amplify it to have the intensity of a much brighter light.

Tip 9: Know the difference between fluorescent and incandescent. 

Incandescent lights can be found in most homes in America. Fluorescent bulbs are often found in offices; they last longer and are more energy efficient.

Tip 10: Less light can give you more impact. 

Proper lighting is essential to creating the right mood and really brings a home all together in the end.