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What are Home Lighting Trends?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Home lighting trends are the evolving ways that people choose to light their homes. Although there are some home lightning trends for lighting the exterior of a home, the most variation in lighting trends for homes has to do with lighting the interior. Over the years there have been many trends in home lighting. There are trends that go back to the beginning of the history of home lighting. Before electric lights, it was common to light large homes with open flames. Later on, it became common to light homes with the use of oil lamps, which began home lighting trends of using lovely glass shades to surround the oil-lit flame and create a glow.

In modern times, home lighting trends almost always have to do with the use of electric lights. There are some new home lightning trends that even use solar energy to light homes. Some home lighting trends in recent decades have included the use of recessed lighting. Recessed lighting is a kind of lighting in which the fixture is sunk into the ceiling instead of hung from it. This trend is still used in some homes as well as in professional and commercial spaces.

Energy efficient CFL light bulbs are increasingly common in home light fixtures.
Energy efficient CFL light bulbs are increasingly common in home light fixtures.

In addition to affecting fixtures, home lighting trends also often affect the kinds of light bulbs that are used. In recent years people have become more and more conscious about using home appliances and devices that are energy efficient. This has extended into the use of efficient light bulbs. For example, some people prefer to use full spectrum light bulbs in their homes. Full spectrum light bulbs have become a part of home lighting trends for two reasons. One reason is that the bulbs are more efficient, but the other reason is that full spectrum light bulbs are often used to treat or lessen the effects of seasonal affective disorder, which can cause depression during winter months when there are fewer hours of daylight.

Lighting trends may have to do with the shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns of table lamps.
Lighting trends may have to do with the shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns of table lamps.

Finally, home lighting trends also have to do with floor lamps, table lamps, and all varieties of lighting that are not installed in a wall or ceiling. The shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns used in lamps have a great deal to do with home lighting trends. The same is true for the kinds of materials that are used to make the bases and shades of lamps.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Energy efficient CFL light bulbs are increasingly common in home light fixtures.
      By: li_al
      Energy efficient CFL light bulbs are increasingly common in home light fixtures.
    • Lighting trends may have to do with the shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns of table lamps.
      By: iskandarov
      Lighting trends may have to do with the shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns of table lamps.
    • Recessed lighting is a common choice for decorative home lighting.
      By: Elenathewise
      Recessed lighting is a common choice for decorative home lighting.
    • Lighting sets the mood for your environment and is an important factor in design.
      By: vlorzor
      Lighting sets the mood for your environment and is an important factor in design.
    • Freestanding floor lamps are some of the most common types of home lighting.
      By: venusangel
      Freestanding floor lamps are some of the most common types of home lighting.
    • The use of full-spectrum light bulbs may help alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some individuals.
      By: Boyarkina Marina
      The use of full-spectrum light bulbs may help alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some individuals.