Decorating Tip: Change your Lighting

A huge part of a room’s ambiance comes from the way in which it’s lit. Lamps, chandeliers, pendants, track lighting, recessed lighting, up-lighting—each changes the look of a room. A central feature of any space is the overhead light fixture. Something that is hanging in the center of a room is, no doubt, going to have an effect on the overall look of the space. Changing the light fixture is a simple and often inexpensive way of changing the entire feeling of your décor.


Since the days when chandeliers really held candles, the choice of light fixtures for a room has been considered a way of making a decorative statement. Crystal chandeliers had the distinction of showing that a family held a certain station in life. Not only were these an opulent statement, but the prisms served a practical purpose in diffusing the light throughout the room. Taking a look at light fixtures throughout the ages is a fascinating study which shows the priorities and tastes of each generation.

If you want a fresh look in a room, you should browse your local home improvement and lighting stores to see what options are available. Many places will even help you install the fixture. If you find a style or a model you like, and feel that you can hang the fixture yourself, I’d recommend shopping online for the best possible price. Many online retailers offer excellent pricing on some of the most beautiful fixtures.

If you’re like me and favor antique lighting; make sure that you check the wiring (or have it checked by an electrician), before installing the fixture in your house. Over the years, wires become brittle and could crack. This can cause a potential danger. So, make sure those gorgeous antique chandeliers are up to code before hanging them.