Considerations When Selecting Decorative Lighting for Your Renovation
Introduction
Lighting is one of the most impactful design elements in any space. It’s not just about function. Lighting also shapes mood, highlights key features, and brings personality to your home. For renovations, decorative lighting plays a crucial role in tying your design elements together and creating a polished look.
Understanding the Role of Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting serves as the "jewelry of your home" We have all heard this statement so often it sounds cliche, but is nonetheless true. Some people prefer understated jewelry, while others like a bolder look. Both can be done well as long as the overall balance of the room and other lighting elements are maintained.
Unlike ambient or task lighting, decorative lighting is primarily about making a visual statement. Think chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces, and table lamps to endow a room with charm, style, and personality.
Why It Matters
Decorative lighting doesn’t just illuminate—it enhances the design aesthetic, creates focal points, and sets the tone for your space. There are different ways to approach your lighitng plan .
Decorative lighting offers a unique opportunity, whether renovating a home or just swapping out light fixtures. When approaching a home, I survey the fixed items like floors, walls, windows, moldings, and cabinets followed by the soft furnishings like rugs, window treatments, art and furniture. Lighting is unique because it is neither totally "fixed" nor "soft". It holds a sense of permanence and links to the architecture and permanent elements of the home. At the same time, lighting is a far less expensive and less disruptive upgrade than new cabinets or flooring. Decorative lighting presents another opportunity to display a design element that connects to the profound elements of your home's design and history. This does not mean you need to be a slave to your homes vernacular - but the lighting should either acknowledge it or break from it in an intentional way.
1- Do you want your lighting to fit your home from a historical architectural standpoint?
Key resource - The Brass Lighting Gallery
2- Do you want your lighting to acknowledge your homes vernacular but bridge with your current taste and decor direction?
Key resource - Visual Comfort
3- Are you decorating in specific style and want your lighting to bring that forward?
Key resource - Hudson Valley Lighting Group
Whether it’s a modern pendant in the kitchen or an ornate chandelier in the dining room, the right fixture can elevate your home’s personality, and make a strong indication about your overall design aesthetic. Your lighting should "make sense" in your overall design scheme. You want visitors to notice it, but not so much that it confuses them.
Key Considerations When Selecting Decorative Lighting
1. Style and Aesthetic Fit
Your lighting fixtures should harmonize with your overall design theme. For instance:
A sleek pendant light complements a minimalist, modern kitchen.
A vintage-inspired chandelier works well in a traditional or transitional space.
Additionally, pay attention to finishes. Popular options include brass for warmth, matte black for modernity, and polished nickel for timeless elegance. Choose a finish that coordinates with your hardware and other accents in the room.
2. Scale and Proportion
The size of your lighting fixture matters. A piece that’s too small may feel underwhelming, while one that’s too large can overpower the space. Consider these tips:
Chandeliers: Ensure the diameter is proportional to the room size or dining table. A general rule is to add the room’s length and width (in feet) to determine the chandelier’s diameter (in inches).
Pendant Lights: For kitchen islands, space pendants evenly and hang them 30-36 inches above the countertop. You want roughly 20-30" in fixture width for every 5' of island width
3. Light Output and light temp
Decorative lighting should be beautiful but also functional. When selecting fixtures:
Check the fixture’s light output to ensure it’s sufficient for the room.
Opt for dimmable options to control brightness and set the mood.
Consider the color temperature of the bulbs: warm light (2700-3000K) creates a cozy atmosphere, while cool light (4000-5000K) is better for task-oriented areas. I can't think of a good reason to use cool light in a residential setting - maybe a basement storage room? Just remember warm
Budgeting and Prioritizing
Decorative lighting can range from budget-friendly to investment-worthy. Decide where to splurge and where to save based on the fixture’s impact. For example:
Splurge on statement pieces for islands and dining rooms.
Save on secondary fixtures, like hallway sconces or utility room lights.
Conclusion
Thoughtful decorative lighting choices can transform your renovated space into something extraordinary. By considering style, scale, functionality, and energy efficiency, you’ll ensure your lighting enhances your home’s design and meets your practical needs. Take your time to explore options, and don’t hesitate to consult with a professional designer to achieve your vision.
Tell me What you think-
What’s your biggest challenge when choosing decorative lighting? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Subscribe to our blog for more renovation tips and inspiration tailored to Northshore Milwaukee homeowners.
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