Looking to create a flattering glow yet still have enough wattage to see what you’re doing? This speedy lesson in lamps, fixtures, and bulbs (plus some room-by-room tips) will illuminate the way. HGTV Spring House 2014 is packed with expert lighting ideas like a clever use of mirrors and a proper filtering of natural light. Discover how you can make your interior feel airy and sunny, too. Window treatments can have a huge impact on filtering light as long as the proper drapery liner is used. Homeowners on tight budgets can add a thermal liner to ready-made drapery panels with adhesive bonding tape and an iron. Or, for a more high-end approach, the liner can be professionally sewn to custom panels. A lampshade's coloring and material can have a tremendous effect on its lighting. To brighten a room, it's best to choose pure white lampshades made from light, airy organic fabrics such as linen or cotton. This ensures the lampshade will filter artificial light vividly, casting a more flattering glow on the space.

Rooms with abundant natural light can be elevated to new heights with the addition of mirrored furniture. Once placed in the space, the reflection from mirrored console tables, coffee tables or end tables adds instant glamour while also bouncing the light into adjacent rooms. A smart trick for passing natural light from one room to another is to replace any solid doors adjacent to the room with glass-paned doors. Here, the abundant light from the sunroom cascades into and throughout the living room thanks to the glass panes. A common problem with lighting is improper wattage. While most table lamps or ceiling fixtures are outfitted with 75-watt bulbs for practical reasons, the wattage is too high for decorative purposes. To cast more flattering illumination throughout a room, swap out 75-watt bulbs with 25- to 40-watt bulbs. Designers are adamant about installing light fixtures on dimmers to rid rooms of hot spots. This same method is applicable to table lamps with plug-in tabletop dimmers.

Homeowners illuminating their home with antique table lamps may wonder why they don't output sufficient light. This may simply require a change of the lampshade harp, the metal accessory which connects the lampshade to the lamp. If a lampshade sits crookedly and too low on the lamp, consider upgrading to a taller harp. This will allow more space below the bulb for light to peek through. Chandeliers are routinely outfitted with flame bulbs which can appear stuffy and formal. Instead, add a softer touch to traditional chandeliers with globe bulbs. These are available in two different styles, opaque white or clear. For a more diffused look, it's best to choose opaque white. Clear bulbs put out harsh light which reads more yellow, creating an unflattering effect on a living room. Rooms frequented by children and pets aren't the best fit for candlelit ambience. For the same effect without fire safety concerns, use battery-operated candles instead. Uplights are used to highlight decorative accents at night.

Small in stature, uplights plug directly into outlets and shine up and onto featured objects, dramatically putting them on display.Have you ever walked into a room and marveled at how the light was diffused? Probably not—and for good reason. When lighting is impeccable you hardly notice it. "If a room is lit the right way, everyone looks their best and feels relaxed and comfortable, but they don't know why," says Lindsey Adelman, a New York–based industrial designer who specializes in light fixtures.christmas decorations uk ideas Carefully considered bulbs and fixtures create an inviting environment that encourages people to linger. room decor ideas on a budgetOne of the biggest missteps is overly bright lighting. wall decor quotes pinterest

"You don't want guests in your home to feel like they're waiting in a hospital emergency room," says interior designer Andrew Galuppi. Here are a few tips to help strike the right balance. A common misconception is that you need to light the whole room. Try instead to incorporate multiple points of light. "The best-lit rooms have layers of light that blend well together," says architect and designer David Rockwell. diy christmas decorations tree"Choose your light source, and then determine how to diffuse it." best christmas decorations in californiaThe right lampshade can make all the difference. shop home decor wholesaleRockwell suggests bringing your low-wattage bulb to the store to try it with different shades.

For multipurpose rooms, dimmers are essential. "They allow for flexibility depending on the time of day, event, or mood, and they're a great energy saver," says Rockwell, who recommends a licensed electrician for any electrical work. Consider it a worthwhile investment, as dimmers reduce energy consumption and increase bulb life. Aesthetically, Adelman says it's nonnegotiable. She believes every overhead light should be wired for a dimmer. "If you only have one light source in the center of the room, you're looking at your shadow all day long," says Adelman. "It makes for a depressing base."Fluorescent tubes should be avoided at all costs. "They make everything look off color and can lead to fatigued eyes," says Galuppi. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are a great option, however, but you need to be careful disposing of them. Screw-in LEDs have a long life, but can be pricey. "It's good for any incandescent replacement, and I love the warmth and the shape."Consider the function of the room.

What will the space be used for: Cooking? In the dining room, an overhead chandelier with a dimmer works best. If you're using track lighting, be sure not to shine the light directly into the faces of guests around your table. Kitchen lighting is more complex. Pinpoint your work areas and light them directly. "Ideally, lights should be below your eye level," says Adelman. "Set up task lights under the stove range or cabinets to light countertops." In living rooms, use a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and down-lights (recessed or track lighting). "Here the lighting should be part of the decor," says Galuppi. Some say to go the clinical route—the brighter the better—especially at the vanity. But others prefer a softer glow from dimmable sconces. Compromise and incorporate both with the addition of candles. "Candlelight helps you unwind while you soak in the bath," says Galuppi. Master bedrooms should feature good reading lights at the bed and desk, and a task light for getting dressed.