Many options exist when lighting up a room

The many shapes, forms and, most importantly, purposes of lighting can often leave DIY designers in the dark. There are the cost-efficient LEDs, recycled and repurposed chandeliers and, of course, the constant go-to pendant light that so many fall back on when trying to illuminate a specific area.

The colorful paint chips have been pored over and carefully chosen. The furniture was tested, measured and comfort-approved for every room and the rugs were found adequate for adding the last final decorative touch to your rooms.

But did you remember the lighting?

Lighting’s many shapes, forms and, most importantly, purposes often leave DIY designers in the dark. There are cost-efficient LEDs, recycled and repurposed chandeliers and go-to pendant lights to illuminate a specific area. Choosing lighting can be overwhelming given all the trends and options, said Libby Hartman, marketing manager for Kalco Lighting and Allegri by Kalco Lighting

“Lighting has changed significantly over the last 25 years,” Hartman said. “You can get more affordable lighting that is quite beautiful and can fit any style, pretty affordably.”

The lowly light fixture plays a bigger part of design than it has in the past, often becoming a focal point of a room.

“If you are just starting to build your home décor and style, finding those pieces that are indicative to whom you are and your long-term style is really worthwhile,” Hartman said. “Like a good pair of shoes for an outfit, it’s an essential part of the room.”

Kalco and Allegri have diverse portfolios, the company’s Contemporary Transitional or Traditional collections are some of the most popular. For Kalco, the Sharlow and Giada Collections are thriving; for Allegri by Kalco the Floridia and Tenuta continue to dominate.

“We also see a lot of positive response for our Belmont Collection; the hand-painted driftwood accents really speak to the current restoration and coastal trends we’re steadily seeing in the lighting and home decor market,” Hartman said.

The hunt for good lighting often leads to big-box home improvement stores or discount décor chain stores, she said, while lighting companies are incorrectly thought of as priced out of the ordinary budget.

“There are many options (online) and at area lighting (companies) like Kalco that are well within your average price range and that may better fit your style,” she said. “You can pick your piece to match exactly what you’re going for in your home.”

Choosing lighting isn’t hard if you consider the room. Ponder the space and factors such as the amount of available natural light, the color and size of the room and the fixture’s functionality, she said.

Although the traditional pendant light in the foyer or chandelier over the dining room table remains a solid style choice, new lighting styles can add depth to your room and be a fantastic taskmaster.

“Essentially you want to layer your lighting,” Hartman said. “What you are really adding is ambience. You are building the style of the space.

“If you layer your space correctly, you don’t have to rely too heavily on your decorative (light) pieces for all forms of functional light,” Hartman said. “First and foremost lighting should highlight and help create a cohesive space. By angling lights correctly, you can lengthen a room, create the illusion of taller ceilings or highlight unique textures.”

And don’t take those sconces or end lamps lightly.

“The right statement lighting piece can pack a punch and send a message about the entire design scope for your space,” Hartman said. “Personally, the challenges I see with lighting are people overlooking natural light in a space,” Hartman said. “Sometimes I see spaces that rely too heavily on task lighting rather than the ambient lighting that sets the overall tone for the space.”

A successfully designed room is a healthy combination of ambient, task, accent and decorative lighting, said Michael Murphy, interior design and trends producer at Lamps Plus.

“Ambient lighting provides even, overall illumination to a room,” he said. “This is most often accomplished with a beautiful chandelier or recessed lighting, or sconces.”

Task lighting is important when performing specific tasks, such as cooking, completing homework or getting ready in the bathroom.

“Task lighting for a bathroom can be accomplished by using sconces and bath bars,” he said. “For a contemporary look consider adding a pendant light — it’s becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms.”

In the kitchen, he recommends using the more traditional pendant and under-cabinet lighting to illuminate cooking and food prep areas.

The living areas require a little more thought.

“Use accent lighting to highlight specific objects like art, sculptures and bookcases,” Murphy said. “It can also be used to highlight a textured wall, or other architectural features.”

Classic track lighting and picture lights are often used for accent lighting.

“Using dimmers with ambient lighting allows you to be in the charge of the light levels,” Murphy said. “By simply adjusting the lighting level in the room you are able to create the perfect atmosphere for any event.”

Lighting should be exciting, and with today’s abundant choices, lighting can add dimension to any room.

“Kitchens are always the most multifunctional room in the house and often the most under lit,” Murphy said. “This space serves as the adjunct office for many of us and, of course, is used for cooking and entertaining too. Knowing the function of any space allows us to provide the best possible lighting.”

All rooms and spaces, such as the oft-forgotten closet, should have three basic lighting styles.

“Ambient lighting provides overall illumination for safety and general use,” he said, such as a chandelier or recessed lighting. “Task lighting, which provides direct illumination for specific tasks like cooking, can be incorporated with pendant lights. Adding a strip of lights to your closet can be life-changing.”

LED strips are popular and can be easily installed under cabinets to provide light to shine on everyday tasks, such as chopping and prepping for meals.

“And accent lighting draws attention to those special details that have been added, like the woven tile backsplash, copper stove hood or artwork,” Murphy said. “Accent lighting can also be easily accomplished with track lighting.

“LEDs have come so far,” Murphy added. “You can put LED almost anywhere. They can be run under the kitchen cabinets, just above the floor to light up at night or inside a bathroom drawer. And one thing a lot of people haven’t thought about is the sock drawer. It’s energy-efficient, inexpensive and can illuminate spaces. You’d be surprised how fun lighting can be, once you start.”