Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    This Is Why We Send Paper Valentines on February 14

    The tradition began more than 1,500 years ago.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflĆ© dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    Pantone Predicts the Bold, Happy Colors You'll See Everywhere in Spring 2021

    If these trendy hues are any indication, brighter days are coming. Here's how to use these stunning shades around your home.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Home Improvement Ideas
  3. Lighting
  4. Lighting Planning
  5. 15 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Home's Lighting

15 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Home's Lighting

By BH&G Editors
Updated January 02, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Credit: Courtesy of The American Lighting Association
Lighting choices can make or break a room's design and mood. Fix outdated or inefficient lights with these expert tips on choosing and updating fixtures, bulbs, and switches. Use these lighting ideas to brighten rooms, save energy, and give your home an entirely new look.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

1. Choose a Lighting Focal Point

Credit: Courtesy of The American Lighting Association

Not all fixtures—chandelier, lamps, sconces—should be the same size. Otherwise, the eye searches for visual clarity without landing on anything specific. For a large space, such as a dining room or family room, a chandelier makes a great focal point. In a smaller-scale room, think about a distinctive floor lamp or vintage-inspired sconces flanking a piece of wall art.

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2. Consider Scale When Selecting Light Fixtures

Credit: Courtesy of The American Lighting Association

Lighting shouldn't overpower a room—but it shouldn't get lost either. Scale matters when choosing the best light fixtures for your space, and a few guidelines can help you get the look right. The length plus the width of any room in feet should generally equal about the diameter of a chandelier in inches. For example, if you have a 10x10-foot room, your fixture should be about 20 inches in diameter.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

3. Layer Lighting for a Balanced Effect

Credit: Courtesy of the American Lighting Association

Layers are important when it comes to lighting. For the best balance, aim for at least three sources of light in every space, including the powder room or foyer. In small spaces, you can reduce the bulb wattage and size of the light fixtures to accommodate fewer square feet. Just don't ignore the accent layer, which helps to highlight the extra details you've used to finish your rooms.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

4. Use Dimmers Wherever You Can

Credit: Courtesy of The American Lighting Association

Dimmers can instantly change a room’s atmosphere—and help you save on your electricity bill. Install dimmer switches in as many rooms and with as many fixtures as you’d like to gain more control over your lighting. Use dimmers to change the mood and balance artificial light with natural light.

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

5. Use Lighting in Unexpected Ways

Credit: Courtesy of The American Lighting Association

Lighting is so much more than overhead fixtures and portable lamps. Besides adding functional task lighting, you can use pops of illumination to give your home an unexpected glow—and a personalized touch. Some of our favorite outside-the-box lighting ideas including hanging a pendant bedside or highlighting a bookshelf with mini lights that highlight artwork or other display pieces. You could also uplight a plant by hiding a small spotlight next to a large container and turning it at about a 45-degree angle up toward the foliage.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

6. Get a Lighting Control App

Credit: Paul Costello

Let's say you're watching TV on the couch and left an upstairs light on, or you're going on vacation and don't want the house to look vacant. Or maybe you want to turn on the living room lamps before you get home so you’re not walking into a dark house. With the help of today's easy-to-use smartphone and tablet apps, you can control your home's lighting, window treatments, temperature, and more. Many apps also have settings you can define, so with the touch of a button, your lights can be set to “dinner party” or “wake-up time.”

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

7. Swap Out the Lightbulb You Leave On the Longest

Credit: Anthony Masterson Photography, Inc.

Consider changing out the bulbs in the light fixtures you use most often, such as in a kitchen or an entryway, for energy-efficient models. Energy Star-labeled bulbs can have a significant impact on your home's energy conservation: you can save $40-$135 in energy costs per bulb and cut energy use by about 75% and generate 75% less heat. Plus, in order to be labeled as an Energy Star bulb, the bulb must be backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

8. Find a New Ceiling Fan

Credit: Robert Brinson

When was the last time you updated your ceiling fan? If you don’t remember, now may be the time for an upgrade. Newer ceiling fan motors use much less energy and operate cooler to the touch than older motors. Many are also much quieter than older fans, and modern designs are available in all decor styles.

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

9. Fix Your Media Room Lighting

Credit: David A Land

TV-focused spaces need less overhead light and more ambient and task lighting, such as lamps. This helps to reduce glare on screens. Good task lighting also means the overall room can be dim, but someone wishing to read can have ample lighting, thanks to a table lamp. Consider natural sources of light when planning a media room and install good light-controlling window treatments so a sunny day doesn’t dampen your entertainment pursuits with harsh rays.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

10. Change the Oldest Lighting Fixture in Your Home

Credit: Anthony Masterson Photography

Lighting manufacturers have made it easier than ever to replace energy-hogging fixtures and bulbs with those that last longer and trim utility bills. When you're at your lighting showroom, simply look for products with the Energy Star label. Plus, old light fixtures can quickly date a space. Replacing old chandeliers and flush-mount lights with fresh models can take years off your home’s looks.

Related: How to Install a New Light Fixture

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

11. Pick a New Shade

Credit: Ann VanderWiel Wilde

Lampshades have more practical design power than they get credit for. Lighter-color versions can help diffuse light in a wider circle. A dark shade concentrates the light, focusing it on a surface. A new shade is also a chance for you to try out a punch of color and pattern before you redo a whole room.

Related: Expert Lighting Tips for Your Home

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

12. Replace a Light Switch

Credit: Paul Dyer

Newer bulbs respond better to newer switches. With wireless options (usually operated with wireless remotes), you can control light from around the room or elsewhere in the house. Being able to control lighting with a remote is a smart solution if you’re looking for how to improve lighting in a bedroom. Once you’re cozy in bed, you don’t even need to get up to turn off or adjust the lights.

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

13. Check the Height of Your Dining Room Chandelier

Credit: Annie Schlechter

What's the secret to a beautiful dining room? An eye-catching chandelier, of course. To make your space really shine, keep this lighting tip and rule of thumb in mind: in general, the bottom of a chandelier should be about 30 inches from the top of your table.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

14. Swap Your Holiday Lights for LED Versions

Credit: Ray Kachatorian

Americans gobble up 2.22 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year to power mini holiday lights. Make the switch to LED lights and reduce your contribution (and December light bill). LED holiday bulbs can trim your energy budget and last about 30 holiday seasons, according to the EPA.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

15. Add an Exterior Fixture

Credit: Richard Leo Johnson

Beautiful light is great, but safety and convenience are also top concerns for exterior fixtures and landscape lighting. If you have a dark entrance—a side door, a garage door—install either one sconce or a matching set. You'll stop fumbling for keys and feel more secure, too.

Related: Make an Impact with Exterior Lighting

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By BH&G Editors

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 15 1. Choose a Lighting Focal Point
2 of 15 2. Consider Scale When Selecting Light Fixtures
3 of 15 3. Layer Lighting for a Balanced Effect
4 of 15 4. Use Dimmers Wherever You Can
5 of 15 5. Use Lighting in Unexpected Ways
6 of 15 6. Get a Lighting Control App
7 of 15 7. Swap Out the Lightbulb You Leave On the Longest
8 of 15 8. Find a New Ceiling Fan
9 of 15 9. Fix Your Media Room Lighting
10 of 15 10. Change the Oldest Lighting Fixture in Your Home
11 of 15 11. Pick a New Shade
12 of 15 12. Replace a Light Switch
13 of 15 13. Check the Height of Your Dining Room Chandelier
14 of 15 14. Swap Your Holiday Lights for LED Versions
15 of 15 15. Add an Exterior Fixture

Share options

Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

  • Table Lamps
  • Lighting & Lamps
  • Pendant Lighting
  • Chandeliers
  • Floor Lamps
  • Ceiling Lighting
  • Lamp Shades
  • Kitchen Lighting
  • Wall Lighting
  • Track Lighting
  • Shop More Next

Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
Better Homes & Gardens

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
  • Help
  • Media Kit
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

View image

15 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Home's Lighting
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.