7 Mood Lighting Ideas For Your Apartment
Lighting can greatly influence the overall impression of your apartment. Depending on how you play with light and how you use the lighting installations, your apartment will have that uplifting mood or, on the other hand, have a moody atmosphere. Here’s what you can do about it.
Find high-quality light bulbs
Many homeowners invest in CFL or LED bulbs, as they are known to be energy-efficient. However, be careful with the type you choose because some of them can make the room look stark. It’s better to opt for warm, or full-spectrum, LED bulbs. Also, as LED bulbs are brighter than the regular ones, divide the normal bulb wattage by 5 to get the intensity of light you need.
Be careful with the lamp shades
You can make a huge difference to the room if you find the right shade for your lamps. For areas that need more light use lighter shades as they are more transparent. On the other hand, colored shades will diffuse the light, creating subdued glow for a more intimate atmosphere.
Bold ceiling fixture
A large and interesting ceiling fixture adds to the dramatic effect of the room. It also makes the room look more spacious. Just don’t count on the fixture to be your only source of lighting. It is perfect only in combination with other smaller sources of light.
Install dimmer switches
Installing a dimmer is very cheap and the effect is amazing. Just turn off the circuit breaker and install a dimmer in place of the old switch, but check the wires with a voltage tester first. A dimmer is the fastest way to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere in a room. It’s also a great addition when you just want a cozy, warm atmosphere while reading a book.
Use the power of natural light
Natural light brings positive mood into the room. Morning light is always welcomed, even in summer, because it chases off the darkness – raise the shades and move the curtains and let the light flood your room. Just bear in mind the west light, especially in the summer – it can get quite harsh. To reduce its amount in warm months, shade the rooms with quality window awnings that will keep the hot sunlight away. Natural light is important for setting the bright mood but you need to be able to control it at any moment of the day.
Use vertical floor lamps
If you lack the area in your apartment, torchiere floor lamps will provide you with an abundance of light without taking up too much space. Having a tall floor lamp is also ideal for a dark corner that’s usually overlooked. A tall lamp disperses the light really beautifully and provides magical illumination.
Mirror, mirror
Mirrors are excellent for creating the impression of a larger room. But if you place a mirror directly across a window, it will also bounce the light around the room, creating a stunning effect. Not just that it will look like there are more windows in the room but the light dancing around the room will look magical.
Final comment
As you can see, mood in your apartment can be greatly improved by using a couple of simple tricks with the sources of light. In just a few steps, you will achieve just the mood you wanted in your home.