You’d be surprised by how new light fixtures or even light bulbs can change the whole appearance of your home. Lighting upgrades don’t need to be expensive or complicated. Here are some ideas for affordable lighting upgrades for both the inside and outside of your house.
Affordable Lighting Upgrades for the Outdoors
Your outdoor lighting plays a big role in your home’s curb appeal at night. It can also help to boost home security by illuminating the whole property. Here are some ways to incorporate outdoor lighting around your home.
Light Fixtures
Your home probably already has a few built-in outdoor light fixtures hardwired to the house. These may include mounted porch lanterns or a lamp post. If your outdoor light fixtures are outdated, rusted, or don’t complement the style of your home, upgrade them to something new. There are endless styles to choose from and many won’t cost more than $100.
Motion Sensored Lights
Lights that turn on automatically when they sense motion are helpful for safety, security, and convenience. Install them near fence gates, steps, and entrances. They prevent people from tripping outdoors in the dark and also are likely to scare away any intruders that try to trespass on your property.
Pathway Lights are Affordable Lighting Upgrades
Pathway lights are some of the most affordable lighting upgrades if you choose the solar stake light variety. They usually cost only a few dollars per light and are incredibly easy to install just by sticking them into the ground. Line walkways and driveways to define the area. You can also use them to illuminate garden beds and show off your landscaping.
Indoor Affordable Lighting Upgrades
The lights you choose inside your home can make it feel warm and welcoming or sterile and uncomfortable. Lightbulbs that are fluorescent and too bright cause headaches and make your home feel like an office building. On the other hand, lights that are too dim can cause frustration when you can’t see what you are doing. Choose soft white lightbulbs for your indoor fixtures instead of those that are labeled “daylight”. You’ll get a more pleasant hue from your lighting. Simply changing the lightbulbs in your fixtures can make a big difference.
Kitchens
One room in your house that you need to have bright lighting is in the kitchen. You need to be able to see well when working with knives and hot food. Track lighting is a popular choice because it has multiple bulbs that can be adjusted to shine at a certain angle. Pendulum lights over a countertop or island are also an attractive and functional choice.
Living Rooms
Your living room is a place to relax, so indirect and dim light is more appropriate. Consider using only lamps as your light source instead of an overhead fixture. You could replace the light overhead with a ceiling fan. If you want to keep overhead lights, putting them on a dimmer switch makes the room feel cozier.
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