How to Use Decorative Lighting in the Home

Lighting styles can make a huge impact in the home. There is ambient lighting (background lighting that illuminates the home), task lighting (for specific activities like reading or cooking), accent lighting (highlights special features like sculpture and painting) and decorative lighting (used mainly to act as home décor). While decorative lighting is highly personal and an expression of individual taste, some style ideas are universally appreciated and easily incorporated in the home. Here's how to get started.

Things You'll Need

• Candles
• Crafts materials
• Lighting accessories and décor items

Instructions

1. 

   Use candles. You can't go wrong with the magical flicker of candlelight. Arrange them singly or in clusters in different areas of the room. Group candlesticks of different heights on the sofa table. Scatter assorted tea lights on the buffet table. Deployed strategically, candles can complement whatever décor style you have in your home.

2. 

   Use cord lighting. Cord lighting is versatile, inexpensive and cost-effective. It uses low-heat LEDs that eat up minimal energy compared to regular lights. Lay out cord lights behind furniture, above bookshelves or under staircases for a subtle, yet dramatic effect.

3. 

   Use back-lighting for artwork. Somewhat crossing over into accent lighting, consider illuminating a piece of artwork from behind. The light, along with the artwork, will serve as a decorative sculpture of light.

4. 

   Use kinetic light pieces. Kinetic lights that are designed to "dance" and change colors are becoming more common in the home. Retro-style lava lamps, fiber optic art forms and rotating light platforms with crystal sculptures are just some of the decorative lighting accessories in motion.

5. 

   Use light and water. Lighting elements that are designed into and integrated with table fountains, wall fountains and other water features create a dynamic and elegant decorative style. Choose the image and sound that pleases you most.

6. 

   Use light and handicrafts. A handmade item that emits light will always be a conversation piece. Consider a table lamp covered with beads, a light box crafted from textured hard plastic, a floor lamp made of rice paper or a string of hanging baskets with colored lights.

7. Use your imagination. Decorative lighting is all about drama. Experiment. See what works best for your type of home, décor preferences and special occasions. Try something new every chance you get.

Tips & Warnings

• Use eco-friendly lights.

• When creating handcrafted lighting solutions, be sure to follow all of the standard safety rules and precautions for electrical wiring. When in doubt, consult a professional.

Resources

• LowImpactLiving: Decorative Lighting