Good lighting is often touted as the finishing touch to a home’s interior design, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a room’s jewelry, that special glitter or sparkle that makes it come alive and shine. The right lighting can make you feel amazing as you spend time in a space which is what a well-lived home should be all about. On the flip side, lighting that looks out of place can feel awkward and uncomfortable. The good news is that it’s easily fixable with a lighting refresh.

There are many reasons to update lighting, chief among them is replacing outdated designs or features that no longer serve a room’s purpose or style. Below we’re sharing a few types of outdated lighting features. If you check at least one of these boxes, it may be time for a lighting showroom visit for some new ideas.

1. Replace Outdated Styles

Outdated means different things to different people. For example, a light fixture may look old to one person but hold vintage charm to someone else.
Even so, there are some common reasons why a home’s light fixtures can look and feel out of sync with your style.

Here are a few to consider:

• • Light fixtures no longer match a room’s decor.
  • Your personal style has changed over time.
  • You bought a home and aren’t happy with the lighting.
  • You’re renovating or refreshing a room.
  • Kids are growing up and their room’s lighting no longer matches their age.
  • You’ve repainted your home’s exterior and the lighting no longer complements the new colors.
    

2. Upgrade the Outdated Quality

A quick look online or at discounted homewares stores and you’ll see that not all light fixtures are equal in quality. Rock-bottom prices often result in less durable fixtures that need to be repaired or replaced too soon. Choosing a better lighting brand may require a little more upfront investment, but will save money long term in both energy consumption and lifespan. 

A manufacturer like Savoy House is an American, family-owned lighting company that’s been committed to high-quality craftmanship and service for more than 50 years. The company features several different branded collections to serve a variety of design priorities and price points. With its many different lighting fixture styles, Savoy House is a convenient single source for lighting renovations and remodels. 

And when it comes to updating fixture quality, here are a few common reasons to start shopping around:

Builder-grade fixtures: New construction homes often include a lighting package. If you didn’t upgrade, a builder’s base lighting package may not be of the quality you expected or preferred. 

Material quality: Most fixture material is metal, but glass, wovens, and plastics are also common. Look for durable and corrosion-resistant materials, especially in high-moisture and humidity environments. For safety considerations, look for products with a UL or ETL rating. 

Finish quality: Polished, rubbed, distressed, aged. There are many different types of finishes, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Look to a reputable manufacturer or supplier for a selection of quality finishes across a variety of price points.

 

3. Improve Outdated Energy Efficiency

With last year’s new minimum energy requirements from the federal government, the full transition to LED light bulbs is well underway. It’s time to dispel LED misconceptions — it’s the year of the LED, and this versatile bulb offers plenty of design opportunities and incredible energy savings. 

While you can swap out your old incandescent bulbs for LEDs in many light fixtures, now’s a great time to refresh them with brand-new LED fixtures. A Savoy House

Falster LED Chandelier in warm brass can brighten up an entryway or dining room. A floral-inspired LED One-Light Sconce in matte black gives a soft organic feel to a living room or bedroom.

 

4. Update Outdated Control Features

Sometimes you may want a source of bright light to read a book, a soft warm glow for a relaxing evening, or a source of even overhead lighting to get dressed. Your tasks and activities change throughout the day, and light control can help accommodate your household’s daily rhythms.

Dimming capability: Look for fixtures with dimming capabilities to adjust the amount of light depending on your needs.

Motion sensors: Light fixtures that turn on when you’re in a room and off after you leave are convenient and save energy. Bonus, no more wondering if you left the light on when leaving the house.

Remote control: Leave fiddling with a switch or lamp behind with user-friendly remote controls for every type of fixture and ceiling fan. 

Smart lighting: Turn on your porch and entryway lights as you turn down your street with smart light fixtures with app and

smartphone controls. 

Refresh Your Home’s Outdated Lighting 

In the grand scheme of home improvements, lighting updates are more affordable than other projects (and often don’t require a pricey contractor!). Fixture selection can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Savoy House has a comprehensive selection organized by both quality tiers and types to help narrow your search. And as one of our premier supplier partners, many of their products are on display at various member showroom.