If you’re someone who loves to read, it’s only right that you create a home library. Think about it. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have your own little reading room filled with all your favorite books?
Let’s not forget the many benefits of reading. Did you know that reading reduces stress by up to 68%?
However, if you want to make your reading room complete, you’ll need the perfect library lighting. If you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll fill you in on how to light a library in your San Diego area home so it’s just right for you.
Choosing Reading Room Lighting
Traditionally, libraries have a low lit, mellow atmosphere. When you go to a public library you can always expect a calm, quiet ambiance. The good thing about creating your own little reading room is that you can customize it any way you want.
With that in mind, you should decide on the type of atmosphere you want your library to have. Here are a couple of suggestions.
Bright and Inviting
Library lighting for some home reading rooms typically have a cozy vibe. However, everybody doesn’t like that. A bright, open library creates an atmosphere that’s perfect for getting lots of work done.
If you use your library for studying or work, then a lowly lit environment might not be best for you, especially if you’re someone who falls asleep easily.
Dim and Cozy
Some people love the chill, tranquil vibe of a dim library. This is for people who enjoy snuggling up to a book while drinking coffee. It’s also for those who like to have a private area to get away, think, and concentrate on their tasks.
A dimly lit reading room is great for disconnecting from the world after a long day.
A Mixture of Both
Sometimes you never know what your mood is going to be. In that case, it’s a good idea to find library lights that can suit any frame of mind. That way, you can switch up the ambiance.
Let’s say you’re tired but you need to study for an hour. Bright lights are better for getting tasks done.
On the other hand, if it’s a rainy night and you want to read your favorite mystery novel, dim library lights are the way to go.
The best way to have both atmospheres in one reading room is to set up two separate library lights in different areas. For instance, the primary overhead lights can be bright, but you’ll also have a small reading nook in the room that has dim reading lights.
Options for Library Lights
Now that you’ve chosen the mood that you want for your reading room, it’s time to pick out the best lighting for it. Here are some options.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is perfect for a home library. Not only does it illuminate the room, but it also looks amazing. The good thing about these lights is that they brighten a targeted area while keeping the rest of the space dimly lit.
If you have a work desk in your library you can put t recessed lights over it. This will provide just the right amount of illumination without making the entire room too bright. It will give the room a nice laid-back feel.
Lighting Fixtures
You can make your reading room as decorative as you’d like. If you want a majestic home library that resembles the one in Beauty and the Beast, then lighting fixtures are the way to go.
The lighting fixture that you choose should represent your style. So you can do big and bold, or simple and elegant. That way your library will get the lighting that it needs, while also providing decoration as well.
Shelf Lighting
The best lights for a library are shelf lights. They’re a great way to showcase your book collection and make the room look more elaborate. Adding them to the ceiling next to your bookshelf is a good idea.
This option not only illuminates the books, but it also helps to shed light on the woodwork and other decorations and ornaments in the room.
Another tip is to install the library lights directly inside the bookshelf shelves. Doing so makes it easier to find book titles, and it adds a nice twist to traditional shelving.
Interior Art Lighting
Chances are if you’re putting together a home library, you’ll likely have it decorated with pictures and paintings. Using art lights provides elegance and makes the room complete.
Installing library lights isn’t just for brightening the room, it’s also about the aesthetic. When you walk into your reading room you want it to feel good. Incorporating art lighting is one of the many ways to make that happen.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights work well in any space. Not only that, but they’re decorative too. So if you want your reading room to have a modern look, installing colorful pendant lights does the trick.
Do You Need Library Lighting?
If you need to brighten your reading room, Lighting Distinctions can help. We offer a variety of LED lighting options for interior and exterior design.
It doesn’t matter if you need library lighting or landscape lighting, our expert technicians can install it for you.
If you’re in the San Diego area and you have questions for us, feel free to reach out and see what we can do. Also, contact us online for a free consultation.
We can’t wait to give your home more sparkle.
