Light is both a functionality and aesthetic of space. Most homeowners focus on particular features of the room such as the couch, tables, and pieces of artwork used as decorations. Light is the last thing on their mind when customizing their condo for rent – BGC, Makati or in any city.

Little do they know, lighting is a huge plus when decorating. It’s time to include lighting factors when you spruce the place. Below are five things to think about when you replace lighting:

1. Consult a professional lighting planner        

Are you familiar with the three types of lightning?

Most of the time, homeowners are not aware of the different types of light. They expect a single bulb or LED light to do the job. But one source of light cannot accomplish the task. Making a healthy and safe home environment can depend on the quality and quantity of light in the area.

Professional lighting planners understand the need to emphasize proper lighting and its fixtures. They know where and when to incorporate ambient lights with a task or accent lights. They can evaluate your lifestyle and use of the room to provide customized solutions. Moreover, professionals can suggest lighting options without sacrificing functionality and aesthetic.

2. Evaluate current home condition

Professional services can help you evaluate the state and condition of your space regarding lighting. As a homeowner, you must also take time to assess your home. You may be taking your lighting fixtures for granted. There may be switches and old parts that may need replacing.

Other than the appearance of lighting, there may be other factors that can affect the quality of light in your home. Markus Earley of earlylight in Rhode Island asks a series of questions to clients to help them determine their goals and ideas for their home.

• Is there something you want to highlight?
• Are there items you want to hide or keep?
• What type of lighting do you like?
• What lighting doesn’t appeal to you?

You may use these questions as a guide to identify which parts of your home you need to focus on once you start renovating.

3. Give a green light on replacement

New homes use recessed lighting, so the property requires fewer improvements on its fixtures. It may only require changing the bulbs or use the same installation to enhance the light distribution. However, outdated structures may need a lot of replacement during the renovation.

You may need to replace everything else besides faulty lights. There may be ceiling replacement and a bunch of other things going on to keep the house good as new. If that’s the case, accept the idea of increased expenses to fix broken beams and chucking out damaged cabinets and counters. These structures can negatively affect new fixtures instead of enhancing the space.

Afterwards, include the light switches when implementing changes in the space. Dimmer controls instead of standard on and off switches are better in the long run. Flicker switches use the same amount of energy all throughout while a dimmer function allows you to minimize the flow of energy running through the light. It’s highly efficient and helps you save on bills. It also extends the life of the bulb by 10 percent.

4. Consider natural light

Natural light is the best source of luminescence. The light from the rays of the sun boosts the immune system. It is also a mood enhancer that gives a natural glow to fabrics and furniture. Using more natural light in a space minimizes carbon footprint. It lessens the need to rely on artificial lighting until sunset.

Before making drastic changes in your home, consider how natural light enters your home. Accentuate the areas that provide natural light, so you find which types of light supports the sun’s warmth at daytime. Make sure there are enough fixtures to illuminate the room at night when sunlight is absent, and the soft glow of the moon is not enough.

5. Choose eco-friendly light sources

Homeowners often prioritize price over the longevity and effectivity of light sources. Incandescent bulbs, for example, is the least expensive among the types of light bulbs. It casts a warm glow that is complementary to various skin tones. Hence, it is the most common among households. However, it lasts for 700 up to 1000 hours and isn’t as efficient as other bulbs.

Fluorescent is another type of light which emits flat, harsh light with a bluish hue. It has different forms and was made to resemble daylight. Unlike other light bulbs, the light is not dimmable. Still, it lasts longer than incandescent. Another type is the compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) that consume less energy than incandescent bulbs but lasts longer. CFLs are also better than traditional fluorescent light. They turn on instantly, have warmer tones and balance color tones. On the downside, this type of light contains mercury.

The latest development in lighting technology is LED, which means ‘light-emitting diode.’ LEDs provide directional light which makes it perfect for task lighting. When used as general lighting, it is clustered together to form a bunch. This method costs five times more than CFLs. They are the most energy efficient from all the light bulbs.

Home renovation should always include lighting. Lighting does not only provide illumination that can rack up electric bills. It also affects your lifestyle, mood and decisions when staying at home. Consider these tips on your home renovation checklist to have the best of home living.