The Best Lighting

Buying Guide

There is so much more to the world of lighting than chandeliers and sconces. While traditional lighting fixtures are an integral part of every indoor and outdoor space, there are also other lighting options that are becoming increasingly popular.

For example, with more and more people doing video calls for work and pleasure, it’s important to ensure that you are lit up properly for the camera. There are special kinds of lighting fixtures just for video calls. Similarly, if you like making videos on your phone to post to social media, then you’ll need lighting to properly light your face and your background.

Regardless of whether you’re buying traditional lighting fixtures or experimenting with new ones, there are some important things to keep in mind. First, you have to determine what kind of end result you are going for. What is the space you want to light up and what kind of look do you want to achieve? For example, do you want to have crisp white lighting in the hallway or a warm glow for your TikTok video? Do you want brightness focused on the bathroom vanity or an adjustable lighting fixture in the basement? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you figure out what kind of lighting you need.

Having an even glow with the lighting is key. You don’t want to have too many shadows or too much contrast as that can have a jarring look. It’s important to take measurements of your space, including the ceiling height and the length of the walls, to determine how much lighting you will need and where it may cast shadows. Keep in mind that the smaller the light, the sharper the shadow.

• Many people struggle with getting the right size of light fixture for their space. One trick you can use is to cut out a cardboard light fixture that is about the same dimensions you’re looking to get. Hang it up or stick it up in the place where you plan to put the real fixture to see how you like the size of it. This way, you will easily be able to tell whether the fixture is the right size or not.
• You can alter the mood of the space by the color of bulb you choose. for example, incandescent bulbs typically have a yellow glow, which has a warm feel. Fluorescents typically have a blue look which feels cool and modern.
• In some cases, it’s important to be able to adjust the brightness of the lighting. Look for lighting fixtures and blubs that have dimmer capabilities so you can find a level of comfort in the brightness of the light. This doesn’t just apply to overhead lighting either. For example, dimmable lighting around a vanity is helpful because some people may not want the full glow while doing their hair but may need the lighting to be brighter while doing their makeup.
• Some lighting fixtures, especially those for video calls, come with color filters for the bulbs. These can be white, blue, yellow or red. Using a filter can have the same effect as using a colored bulb but offers more flexibility as they are easy to change.
• Versatility is always a consideration, especially if you have a small space. can your lighting fixture serve more than one purpose? For example, if you get lighting for your video calls, can you use the same fixture to help with making TikTok videos? Be sure to think about how else you can use the lighting before making a purchase.