Designing on a budget can be a difficult process. You want to make the biggest impact in your home while not overspending, especially in today's economy. But by finding ways to save money on the items that you buy, you can successfully fulfill your design and redecorating desires.
Budget-wise designing is a great initiative for those building a new home, redecorating old rooms, or remodeling homes. By finding ways to save on your home lighting, you can have room in your budget for other efforts in your home design, like the wood floor you've wanted, or a top-of-the-line refrigerator.
Concentrate on placement of your lighting to save energy and still direct light where it is needed. Put a table lamp in a corner instead of in the center of a room. The light will bounce off the walls for more illumination. Don't turn on ceiling lights or all of your recessed lighting if all you want to do is read or watch TV. Use task lighting in the form of table lamps, floor lamps, or swing-arm lamps so you can see what you are doing without lighting unused space unnecessarily.
Using dimmer switches is another great way to save money. Plus, a dimmer switch adds the bonus of quiet atmosphere and can set the mood of any room. Try it in the living room, the bedroom, and even the dining room.
Whenever possible, look for sales. Premium decorative lighting products are often available on sale, offered at excellent values of $100.00 and under. From the kitchen to the bathroom, bedroom, and living room, task and decorative lighting products can start at about $40.00.
Check out great mini chandeliers starting at about $45.00 to make for a more elegant dining experience at your dining room table. Countless outdoor lighting products for under $100.00 will last you a lifetime.
Speaking of outdoor lighting, put your security lights on a timer or use a motion-sensitive switch so they are only lit when needed. Use solar lighting to light pathways and driveways, and use solar accent lighting to illuminate landscaping.
Go green by purchasing environmentally friendly lighting products. Eco-friendly lighting products that are produced by sustainable means and work to save electricity when in use help save you money on your electric bill for years. It is an investment that helps you reduce electricity use, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money at the same time.
Energy efficient or energy saving light fixtures have been designed to use less electricity than your standard light fixtures without compromising function. Solar lighting is a common green lighting product, and will use the power of the sun: no electricity needed! Also try Energy Star certified products. This government certification guarantees the product uses less electricity then its conventional counterparts.
Check out Sonneman Lighting, Kichler, Liz Jordan, Quoizel, and Sea Gull Lighting for great deals on designer quality lighting products. An economic slump shouldn't compromise the opportunity to keep your home looking great.
By:JC Anderson
