One of the fastest and most affordable ways to update an older home is to replace the lighting fixtures. Adding some light fixtures where none currently exist is also helpful when a room doesn't have any already installed in the ceiling, but please hire a licensed electrician to install more junction boxes rather than trying to do it yourself.
Matte black, oil-rubbed bronze (looks black), and brushed gold finishes are the most popular right now, so select those. If you already have existing fixtures in the same room that are in any shade of silver (chrome, brushed nickel, etc), select a black matte finish for your new fixture(s). Organic materials are also trending, such as rattan and wood.
Be sure to select a light fixture style that is compatible with the architecture of the home and--if your updating the home in preparation to sell--will appeal to your targeted buyer demographic. If you're unsure which light fixtures will be best, get a consultation from a home stager or interior designer.
RECESSED LIGHT FIXTURES
Recessed lighting has been popular for a long time now, but gone is the popularity of the recessed fixtures that expose the bulb. The recessed light fixtures shown below are now the most popular. Be sure to get ones that can be set to any kelvin range. Kelvin, not to be confused with wattage, is the color of the light (warm or cool). The kelvin will have an affect on the color of the walls, cabinetry, flooring, and furnishings. The lower the kelvin, the more yellow undertone to the light that's emitted and the warmer the color of everything in the house. The higher the kelvin, the more blue undertone to the light emitted, reflecting a cooler color tone. You want to be able to set the lighting to match the kelvin color with the rest of the lighting fixtures throughout the house so there is consistency.
FLUSH & SEMI-FLUSH MOUNT LIGHT FIXTURES
Flush-mount light fixtures are usually mounted in the center of the ceiling in places such of smaller bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pantries, hallways, etc. They are best for rooms with lower ceilings since they won't drop down very far, leaving more headspace for taller people. These are also great for over the kitchen sink.
Replace any "boob" lights in your house with something more modern and attractive like the flush-mount or semi-flush mount ones shown here.
PENDANT LIGHT FIXTURES
Pendant lighting is best for over kitchen islands, bathroom sinks (if there isn't a wall-mounted fixture over the mirror), and kitchen sinks. Sometimes, a pendant light is also nice over a small dining set, such as in the breakfast nook. These spaces are usually too small for a chandelier, so a pendant fixture is the next best thing.
CHANDELIERS
Chandelier lighting fixtures are best for entryways and foyers with vaulted ceilings, over the table in formal dining rooms, and large master bedrooms. If the master en suite bathroom is large enough and has high enough ceilings, one or two small chandeliers in this space will give go a long way toward giving that bathroom the luxurious, spa-like feel that many homeowners and home buyers want to achieve.
CHANDELIERS FOR OVER RECTANGULAR DINING TABLES OR BATHROOM VANITIES
If your dining set is rectangular, or if you want to mount a light fixture over the bathroom vanity from the ceiling instead of the wall over the mirror, long multi-bulb fixtures like the ones below will work great.
LIGHTED CEILING FANS
For warmer climates, a ceiling fan is a must in nearly every room, particularly family rooms and bedrooms. Therefore, having the ceiling mounted light fixture double as a fan is helpful.
Black mattle ceiling fans with simple, clean lines are overhelmingly the most popular style right now for nearly every type of house. Avoid any style that's ornate or "traditional" if you're goal is to update the look and feel of your home.
WALL SCONCES
Wall sconces can be used in a variety of Rancho Cucamonga: next to mirrors in bathrooms, next to or in between large pieces of art, in hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms.
Light sconces mounted on the walls next to a sofa or bed can free up surface space on nightstands and end tables. Just keep in mind that if you install hadwired sconces that you have eliminated your option to rearrange the furniture at some point in the future. Sconces that come with cords that plug into a nearly outlet might be a better choice if you think you may want to move the sofa or bed to a different location some day.
Another alternative are battery-operated light sconces. These are more decorative that functional, since you won't want them turned on all the time and constantly have to recharge them.
OUTDOOR SCONCES
Boost your curb appeal by updating the outdoor sconces on your porch, next to your garage doors, and the back door. Again, be sure to select a style that is compatible with the architectural style of the house. The style below will go with nearly every architectural style.
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