Decorative Lighting: Style, Function, and Placement Tips

What are Common Types of Decorative Lighting?

These are the six common types of decorative lighting:

1. Chandeliers: These are branched lighting fixtures that are used to hold multiple light sources, historically candles, but now commonly electric bulbs. Chandeliers are used as a focal point in a room that contributes to the overall style and tone of the space. They come in various materials, from modern crystal to traditional wood. A standard electrical box is able to hold 50 pounds of weight. 
2. Pendant Lights: They are used in kitchens or study rooms to ensure proper illumination and decorative effects. Pendant lights hang vertically from the ceiling, 30-36 inches above the counter or kitchen islands. This distance ensures these lights are at an optimum distance to avoid head-knocking or visual obstruction. LED pendant lights last for more than 35,000 hours, and they are energy-saving. 
3. Wall Sconces: They are attached directly to walls for balanced symmetry and flair. Sconces create an inviting and warm atmosphere in hallways, bedrooms, or living rooms. Indoor wall sconces last for 25,000-50,000 hours, while outdoor sconces are IP67/68 rated, which protects them from heat and harsh weather conditions. Glass sconces are tempered, which increases impact resistance up to 4 times compared to other materials.  
4. LED Strips: These fixtures are used to illuminate shelves, ceilings, or artwork. The modern indoor LED strips are IP20 rated, which provides protection from dust. The outdoor LED strips are IP67 or IP68-rated, which makes them resistant to brief immersion and water splashes. The silicone-coated LED strips maintain color brightness for up to 5 years, preventing yellowing. LED strips ensure better performance in cold and warm weather, as they withstand -25 °C to 50 °C temperatures.  
5. Fairy & String Lights: The fairy or string lights offer a soft ambiance in bedrooms or outdoor areas. They typically consume 0.1-0.5 watts per bulb, which makes them safe around plants and fabrics. Fairy or string lights withstand -20°C to 40°C temperatures without performance loss. 
6. Neon Signs & Novelty Lights: Neon signs utilize glass tubes, which are filled with neon or other gases to produce a glowing light effect. They are used to decorate various eye-catching displays. Novelty lights use string lights or LEDs to create an ambient look. They run on 12-24 volts and remain cool to the touch. The color brightness of the fixtures ranges from 200 to 1,500 lumens per meter. Modern neon signs use silicone tubing, which makes them dust and water-resistant. 

How to Choose the Right Decorative Lighting

Follow these steps to choose the right decorative lighting:

1. Match the Style: Identify the dominant look of your home decor, then choose the fixture with the same style and materials. Vintage is used for a classic look, and sleek modern for a contemporary space. Consider the room’s function and desired look, as kitchens and workspaces need a bright look. 
2. Consider Scale & Proportion: Scale refers to the size of the room, and proportion refers to the elements’ relation in relation to fixtures. Larger rooms with high ceilings are able to utilize large fixtures like chandeliers or pendants. Fairy lights or string lights are an ideal choice for lower ceilings and smaller rooms. 
3. Balance with Other Lighting: In order to balance various lighting types, coordinate with ambient and task lights for harmony. Natural lighting also plays a crucial role in creating a well-lit environment, which makes an area visually appealing. Accent light is also used in decorative lighting to emphasize architectural features and artwork. 
4. Evaluate Light Output: Choose bulbs that offer enough illumination. Evaluate lights based on lumens; a 60-watt bulb produces 800 lumens, while a 100-watt light produces 1600 lumens. Fixtures with color temperature around 2700K to 3000K produce a cozy feel, while cooler white color temperatures are used for workspaces.  
5. Focus on Focal Points: Consider using accent lights to highlight artwork, architectural features, or furniture. Wall sconces, track lights, or spotlights are also used to create a spectacular effect. The focal points need to be 3 times brighter than the ambient lighting to make them stand out. When highlighting the focal points, place them at eye level or slightly above, to prevent glare and harsh reflections. 
6. Prioritize Quality: Prefer using durable, high-quality fixtures for long-term use. Outdoor fixtures need to be impact-resistant and weather-resistant. LED fixtures are recommended for long-term use. Aluminium or metal materials are used for lighting due to their corrosion resistance. Tempered glass is able to withstand high temperatures of 200°C to 250 °C, which makes it stable for outdoor use. 

How to Install Decorative Lighting?

The installation of decorative lighting involves the following steps:

1. Choose Proper Location: Select a suitable location to install the fixtures. For example, wall sconces need to be installed at a specific place to avoid interference with ambient lighting or task lighting to reduce glare. This creates a balanced look while making sure the light shines exactly where it’s needed most.
2. Check Wiring Requirements: Before installing any lighting, make sure the fixture is compatible with your current electrical setup. This prevents overloading circuits, which eventually avoids costly rewiring.
3. Use Dimmers or Smart Controls: Dimmers and smart controls allow users to control the brightness level and color temperature of the fixtures easily. Using smart controls, users are able to handle the fixtures with an app or voice assistant like Google Assistant or Alexa. It also saves energy and extends bulb life.
4. Secure Mounting: Proper safety and alignment are required for heavier fixtures. Always ensure they’re level and well-supported to avoid accidents.
5. Hire Professionals: Professional installation guarantees correct wiring, alignment, and safe operation for ceiling-mounted or complex lighting setups. 

How to Maintain Decorative Lighting?

Wipe out dust and fingerprints from the light regularly to keep it bright. When replacing bulbs, handle them carefully and always use the recommended wattage and fixture type to avoid damage. Check the fixtures occasionally for signs of wear or loose parts. Avoid moisture exposure to reduce corrosion, and prefer using sealing for durability. Don’t use chemicals to clean the fixtures, as they cause yellowing and damage the fixture material.