4 Do’s And Dont's For Mixing And Matching Lighting Fixtures

There are endless options available when it comes to decorating your home. This can be both a curse and a blessing, as you might be guaranteed to have a plethora of options available that meet you preferences, but it might also become overwhelming trying to pick your favourite. We have created a do's and dont's list to help you navigate between your options seamlessly. 

1. Create A Focal Point In The Room

Have a look around and choose an area, furniture piece or an element that you would like to highlight in that room. The focal point can be one light fixture, for instance chandelier across a dining table is often a popular choice, but it does not have to be just one point only. For instance, track lighting and wall lights are often used to complement, frame and direct the eye toward whatever you choose to be the center of attention, such as a piece of artwork or a fireplace mantel. It is important to remember that the primary purpose of mixing and matching light fixtures is design.

2. Layer Your Light Fittings: Why It's Important and How to Incorporate It

Whether you’re lighting a small room or an open plan kitchen living area, different environments have specific lighting considerations. Layered lighting helps you to highlight particular features and areas. For example, you could emphasise wall art, a quartz countertop, beautiful wooden desk or anything in between. It can add texture and depth to any room, making it more aesthetically pleasing and exciting. Layered lighting also allows one to change the atmosphere of a room with just a few changes: you might dim an accent light to create a softer mood in a bedroom. On the other hand, an excellent lighting layout for bathroom can include soft overhead lighting from multiple fixtures and some accents lights to dress up key decorative elements- such as the picture below. 

3. Don't Pick Your Fittings Based On Looks Only- Make Sure They Serve Their Purpose

It is important to pick your favourites based on what works for you but also make sure to consider the space, use, and your budget. You need to make sure that they will do what you want them to do. You do not want to purchase a light fitting because of its aesthetic looks only to realise that it doesn’t serve its purpose. For instance, while ambient lighting can substitute natural light in dark spaces, task lighting is used for more specific purposes like reading or cooking so keep these in mind. Opt for light fixtures that are practical without compromising on style.

4. Don't Forget About The Bulb Types

While most of us will be focusing on the look and feel of the actual light fitting, it is also important to consider the lamps that go with that particular light fixture. The type of bulbs you use can influence the overall ambience of the room. For instance, warm white bulbs create a cozy atmosphere, and that's why in bedrooms you often see very warm light bulbs as that is known to affect your sleep better. In addition to that, exposure to yellow and orange light may increase melatonin production, especially compared to cooler colours which signal your body to wake up. The cool white led light bulbs offer a more contemporary feel and can be more suitable for working areas such as kitchen counters and bathrooms. 

At EMA Lighting we’re here to help you make choices you’ll love for a lifetime… or for a few years, if you want to switch it up even sooner. Reach out to via ema@lhevans.co.ukor finish one of our showrooms to get started.