[{"id":2441,"date":"2024-03-28T22:10:16","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T22:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/berkeleylightingblog.com\/?p=2441"},"modified":"2024-03-28T22:10:16","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T22:10:16","slug":"upgrading-your-lighting-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/berkeleylightingblog.com\/upgrading-your-lighting-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Upgrading Your Lighting on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"
All the Tips, Tricks, and Secrets You Need to Make Your House Shine on a Dime<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n If it\u2019s been a while since you redecorated, your current home decor probably isn\u2019t speaking to you anymore. When you\u2019re short on time, updating the lighting is one of the fastest ways to make your home look, well, <\/span>brighter.<\/span><\/i> But, when you\u2019re on a budget, replacing everything in the house just isn\u2019t the right call. The good news is – you don\u2019t have to! Here\u2019s a few easy, creative, and budget-friendly ways to make your home feel bigger and brighter\u2026 without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many people blame an old fixture for their lighting woes, when really it\u2019s the bulbs to blame. Try swapping out your old bulbs with a fresh set of brighter LED bulbs!<\/span><\/p>\n While <\/span>LED lights<\/span><\/a> may cost more upfront, they use at least <\/span>75% less energy<\/b> – which means they can give off more light <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>use less power. They also last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs, so they\u2019ll last for years before they need to be replaced.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The cost of lighting installation can eat away at your budget quickly, but it can reduced <\/span>if<\/span><\/i> you\u2019re willing to <\/span>do a little research and put in some work<\/b>. Installing lighting yourself can give you some extra cash to get lights you <\/span>love<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n Before tearing out any fixtures, educate yourself on the proper safety precautions! If you\u2019re unsure about doing it yourself, don\u2019t forget to budget for the professional help you\u2019ll want!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your light fixture comes with shades – whether they\u2019re glass, fabric, or metal – you might be in luck! Did you know you can <\/span>replace the shades or globes<\/b> on most fixtures that have them? A new set of shades is WAY cheaper than buying an entirely new light fixture, and it will make just about any fixture feel brand new again! With a like-new fixture, your space will match your style, leaving you (and your wallet) feeling happier.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another alternative solution to buying a new light is<\/span> changing the finish of your existing fixture<\/b>. With a little rub n\u2019 buff and a handy <\/span>youtube tutorial<\/span><\/a>, your light will look totally different! This may need some touching up down the road, but when you need a quick fix to get you by until you can invest in a higher-quality fixture, a little DIY magic can help stretch your money. A little finish can take your fixture from outdated to updated while keeping your budget happy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In our opinion, quality lighting makes the biggest difference in a home, but adding mirrors can also increase light–if they\u2019re well-placed. <\/span>Hanging a mirror near a light or window can help reflect light<\/b>, making the space look brighter and bigger. That reflected light can go a long way in lighting up a dim room!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another way to make your space look upscale is picking a more expensive light to be a focal point, while adding other less spendy lights to light up the room. The eye will be drawn to the focal point and won\u2019t notice anything else! To start, install a chandelier to draw attention away from any existing recessed lights. Throw in a floor lamp where you need some extra lighting and–<\/span>voil\u00e0<\/span><\/i>! Your eye will be drawn to the chandelier, but the room will still be beautifully lit.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When in doubt, add a lamp! They\u2019re cheaper, require little to no installation, and are a great design piece. Tabletop lamps make great decor for your tablescape and can light up a workspace. Floor lamps create a homey conversation area in a living room. Lamps are a <\/span>super <\/span><\/i>versatile, budget-friendly option to give just the touch of light you need.<\/span><\/p>\n —<\/span><\/p>\n We know that when you\u2019re on a budget, every penny you spend matters! To be sure you\u2019re spending all of them wisely, <\/span>give us a call<\/span><\/a>! We\u2019ll match you with the best lighting solution for your budget <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>save you money so that you can get lights you <\/span>love<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" All the Tips, Tricks, and Secrets You Need to Make Your House Shine on a Dime If it\u2019s been a while since you redecorated, your current home decor probably isn\u2019t speaking to you anymore. When you\u2019re short on time, updating the lighting is one of the fastest ways to make your home look, well, brighter.… <\/p>\n Did you know that a quality walk-in closet is in the<\/span> top five sought-after features<\/span><\/a> in homebuyers? An inviting walk-in includes a clean space with plenty of light and storage.<\/span><\/p>\n Lighting is a powerful design element, and it\u2019s especially important in small spaces. Average closets typically have one light source in the middle of the ceiling. Closets like this can feel smaller than they are, dated, cluttered, and even dusty. Great lighting, however, makes a closet feel inviting, up-to-date, intentional, and extravagant.<\/span><\/p>\n An impactful closet \u201clightscape\u201d doesn\u2019t necessarily require a large amount of money or professional work. Below are easy tips and tricks to making a walk-in closet feel like a million bucks on any budget.<\/span><\/p>\n When designing any space, it\u2019s a good idea to think about light in layers. Using a variety of light sources makes the space feel intentional and adds functionality. Map out the closet and think about which lighting elements would make the most impact. Remember, there\u2019s no such thing as too much light!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A few good questions to ask are:<\/span><\/p>\n A great place to start the closet upgrade is replacing the ceiling light fixture.A simple, upgraded flush-mount fixture with extra bulbs can really make a huge difference – all of that extra light will make your closet feel bigger, plus it\u2019ll be easier to find what you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Swapping out a ceiling light is a relatively simple DIY because is uses the existing wiring. Your new light will come with an installation guide to walk you through how to set it up – just make sure you turn off the breaker first!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While most closets have a simple low-profile ceiling light – there\u2019s no rule that says you have to do that in <\/span>your <\/span><\/i>closet! You don\u2019t have to save the fancy light fixtures for the places your guests will see! A statement light fixture can set the tone for the style in your closet, it\u2019s a great place to have a little fun! A soft and elegant chandelier? Maybe an edgy modern light fixture? Be it be colored, metallic, rustic, crystal, or anything in between, the possibilities are endless!<\/span><\/p>\n Shelf lighting adds sophistication to the space and increases the utility. LED strip or track lights are excellent for highlighting shelves. Upgrade the shelves through decluttering, updating storage containers, and sprucing up shelf decor.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n LED strips are an excellent option for dressing up the dressing room. LED strips are relatively cheap and can come in a variety of colors. Colored lights instantly transform the closet without spending time or money on paint! LED strips can be battery-powered or hardwired,\u00a0 so professional help may not be required. They have a low running temperature, so they won\u2019t burn or damage clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n Natural light can make a walk-in feel like a room instead of a closet! You just <\/span>feel <\/span><\/i>better in a room with natural light, so adding a window to the place where you get ready will definitely make your time there more enjoyable. Adding a window <\/span>does <\/span><\/i>require professional work, but you\u2019ll likely see some of that cost back with an increased home value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Struggling to find a suitable wall to add a window? Think outside the box with a skylight or a row of narrow windows at the top of the wall!<\/span><\/p>\n Hidden lights can take any ho-hum closet and make it feel like a high-end custom installation. The best part is – this closet lighting hack is so simple and affordable! Battery-powered puck lights or LED strips can be tucked under a low shelf, out of view on the top shelf, or behind built-ins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These lights may be small, but they make a big impact by reflecting light off the walls, floor, or ceiling. The reflections create an illusion of space, which will make <\/span>any <\/span><\/i>closet feel bigger and classier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a battery-free version – <\/span>give us a call<\/span><\/a> and we\u2019ll help you find what you need to create a hardwired experience that you can flip on and off with a light switch. You might need to hire an electrician to run the wiring, but you won\u2019t ever have to worry about replacing or recharging.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>quality <\/span><\/i>of the light in a room will dramatically impact the way it feels. Take at the brightness and color of the light in your closet – not all bulbs and fixtures are equal!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lumens <\/b>measure the brightness of a bulb. Bright light (around 100 lumens) allows for the true colors of clothes and accessories to shine. Dimmer bulbs are useful for mood lighting or highlights.<\/span><\/p>\n A bulb\u2019s <\/span>hue <\/b>refers to its color, most often as yellow or white light. Yellow light feels softer on the eyes and creates a romantic mood. White light helps the brain to be alert and pay attention.<\/span><\/p>\n Closets can use a mix of lumens and hues. A mirror or vanity are great places for bright, white light, where it is important to see the true color. Collectibles might look best under warmer, softer light, gently highlighting them.<\/span><\/p>\n A great way to showcase a collection of purses, shoes, or watches is by having dedicated lighting. LED strips, puck lights, or even hardwire new little lamps are effective options. Little lights give collectibles the attention they deserve and immediately customize the space. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now that your collection is out of the dark, you can enjoy it any time!<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ve talked a lot about LED strip lights (pictured here), but there are several other LED options that make for a great choice in your closet\u2019s ceiling and wall fixtures!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n No matter your aesthetic, LED bulbs are always a great choice for closets. They are energy efficient, which cuts down on the utility bill, and they last much longer than other lightbulbs. LEDs also produce very little heat, so they\u2019re a safer choice to have near your clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n The technology has come a long way on these – some bulbs are motion-sensing, making your walk-in light up at your presence. Others are smart-home enabled, so you can control them with an app and set a schedule. There are even ceiling lights that have LEDs fully integrated, so you\u2019ll never replace a bulb for the life of the fixture.<\/span><\/p>\n Closet design can be overwhelming. A lighting professional can be a great asset when planning and carrying out an upgrade! We can help you hone in on the most important elements to create the perfectly-lighted closet of your dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n Ready to get started on your dream closet? We\u2019ll connect you with the pros who can guide you through the process. <\/span>Our showroom<\/span><\/a> offers a great selection of bulbs and fixtures, and our lighting experts can help you find the best lighting solutions to make your dreams a reality.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Did you know that a quality walk-in closet is in the top five sought-after features in homebuyers? An inviting walk-in includes a clean space with plenty of light and storage. Lighting is a powerful design element, and it\u2019s especially important in small spaces. Average closets typically have one light source in the middle of the… <\/p>\n1. Swap Your Light Bulbs<\/span><\/h1>\n
2. Do it Yourself<\/span><\/h1>\n
3. New Shades, New Me<\/span><\/h1>\n
4. Refinish Your Fixture<\/span><\/h1>\n
5. Mirror, Mirror<\/span><\/h1>\n
6. Focal Point Focus<\/span><\/h1>\n
7. Add Lamps, Lamps, and more Lamps!<\/span><\/h1>\n
1. Layer Lighting<\/span><\/h2>\n
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2. Ceiling lighting<\/span><\/h2>\n
3. Shelf lighting<\/span><\/h2>\n
4. Natural Light<\/span><\/h2>\n
5. Hidden Lights\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
6. Lumens and Hue<\/span><\/h2>\n
7. Spotlights<\/span><\/h2>\n
8. Go Green<\/span><\/h2>\n
9. Get Help from the Pros<\/span><\/h2>\n