We can spend so much time in our homes that we often overlook the full potential of what each space can be. And new or creative ways to use them.

Increase the Functionality

Certain areas in a home are meant for function — think a kitchen pantry or a bedroom closet. These purposeful spaces are often passed over on our way to more exciting rooms, but lighting them properly can make your daily routine easier, more enjoyable and add extra personality.

 

Krystal Balderas, a lighting designer with Accent Lighting in Wichita, Kansas, highlights the variety of lighting options available. For instance, for closets, she recommends using “LED retrofit recessed cans.” She also suggests “LED tape on shelves, and there are even LED light-up bars now to hang your clothes on.”

For homeschool areas or offices, Balderas says “use three layers of light — LED retro-can, a table lamp…and I’ll suggest tape, or I’ve had someone put a swing arm sconce over their desk area.”

 

Update a Forgotten Fixture

If you look around your home and find at least one fixture that you simply put up with, rather than truly enjoy, you are not alone. One of the most common reasons homeowners shop at their local showroom is to find a replacement for their out-of-style lights or ceiling fan. And the best part is there’s no renovation required!

 

“We get a lot of people upgrading because they are getting ready to put their house on the market, or just ready for a change! We also hear a lot of people say they want to be able to see better, as in they don’t have sufficient lighting in their home,” says Cassie Smith, Sales Associate at Richard’s Lighting in Huntsville, Alabama.

Occasionally, you buy a light that you liked at one time, but your style has since evolved. Or maybe you moved into a home with lighting you never really liked at all. These “hidden” fixtures may be functional, but they do not enhance the look and feel of the space.

Make It Your Own

In addition to improving the lighting in your functional everyday spaces, a hidden space can also be an area that has not been given as much attention. For example, a typically unused corner can be reimagined as a book nook for the family bibliophile or a custom spot for your favorite furry friend.

Brandi Fos, a showroom manager with Pine Grove Lighting & Electrical Supply in Mandeville, Louisiana, worked with a client who wanted to create a special space for their dog under the staircase. After consulting with them to better understand their needs, she recommended using LED tape around the perimeter to light up this sweet space. The result? “It was absolutely adorable,” she says.

Show off Your Taste

Finally, if you own special artwork or personal effects that are close to your heart, lighting is a simple way to show them off, whether subtle or dramatic. Draw the eye with wall sconces on either side of a canvas or add LED tape lighting and channels for a lit up and tucked away shine on the shelves.

 

 

Next Steps

Choosing the right lighting can make a dramatic difference in making your home full of spaces you love. Start by working with an expert at a Lighting One member showroom, or do a bit of style research ahead of time by viewing their selection online.