10-Point Bathroom Remodel Checklist for Stress-Free Success

Does your bathroom have a serene and spa-like feel, or is it the one room in your house that’s desperately in need of an update? As one of the most used and shared spaces, the design of your bathroom is highly important not only so the space promotes relaxation, but so it adds to the overall value of your home.

When starting any home remodeling project, you’ll want to begin by creating a bathroom renovation checklist. What are the things you want to improve that are already in your bathroom? What are the brand new elements that you will be adding from scratch? 

Thinking about your goals – including what you want to remove, add, or improve – will help your project scope become more tangible. From there, you can set a budget and make sure the renovation gets underway with as few surprises as possible.

Since renovating a bathroom can be time-consuming, costly, and complicated, we prepared a helpful 10-point checklist to ensure your project stays on track from day one.

1. Visualize the concept

Months before any real demolition begins, you’ll want to conceptualize what you want the final product to look like. This can be done by finding inspiration online or on social media, or by hiring an interior designer who can draw up a visual blueprint. There are also apps that allow you to imagine your space in new ways. 

During this stage, you’ll want to collect measurements and choose which colors, materials, and finishes you’ll use.

2. Take measurements

Take accurate measurements of your current bathroom space. This will be necessary for any design work and planning. If you're changing up the layout, take note of where each electrical outlet, fixture, and all the plumbing is located so you'll know if you can work with what you have or if you'll need to move things.

3. Set a working budget 

When we say “working” budget, it’s important to leave a little wiggle room in the financing of your project since things will inevitably cost more than you expect. On average, a bathroom remodel in the U.S. costs between $9,600 and $11,000, but they can be up to $50,000 for a truly lavish design. 

You’ll want to factor in costs such as materials, appliances, fixtures, flooring, labor, and inspection fees, among others.

4. Obtain permits

Check with your local authorities to see if you need any permits for the remodel. You may also need inspections during each phase of the remodel. Planning these in advance is key to staying on schedule as you will probably have to wait for inspector availability.

5. Go behind the walls

Install or update plumbing and electrical systems as needed. This is usually only a necessity if you are changing the layout of your bathroom or if components are in need of repair or replacement, such as if your home is older. 

6. Factor in lighting and electrical considerations

Though light fixtures won’t be installed until the very end, your electrician will need to know how many junction boxes to install, as well as how many switches or dimmers you’re expecting to have. 

Think outside the box with your vanity lighting; rather than a set track of lights above the mirror, it is becoming popular to see modern sconces on either side that are at eye-level. Also, electrical features like heated towel racks or even heated flooring add great resale value to homes, but again, these updates are something your electrician will need to be aware of early on.

7. Start with the basics

Before you start bringing in things like a new toilet or lighting fixtures, focus on the walls and floors of the new bathroom first. Perhaps you want your walls to be completely covered in beautiful tiles, or you want to revamp the baseboard heater covers to match the ones in your bedroom. 

Completing foundational elements first will make the rest of the additions go much more smoothly, as you won’t be working in reverse order.

8. Put down plastic sheeting 

Once the floor and walls are refreshed, you should cover the flooring and any other exposed furnishings that you’re keeping (like a bathtub or vanity) with plastic sheeting to protect them from being damaged. 

Plastic sheeting can be purchased online or at any home improvement store. Especially if you’re planning to knock out drywall or tile, plastic sheeting is an absolute necessity to ensure things like flooring, baseboards, and cabinetry aren’t damaged.

9. Install finishes

As you approach the end of your remodel, you'll be surprised by how many finishing touches there are. Apply final coats of paint, install cabinet handles, towel bars, toilet paper holders. Hang mirrors, check that all plumbing and electrical elements work as expected. And finally, clean up. 

10. Tie it all together with décor

After all major foundational updates have been completed, you’ll be free to focus on tying the new space together with classy décor and finer details. If you’re shopping online, it’s wise to purchase these types of items early on, as they might take several weeks to ship. 

Some ideas you can incorporate include updated cabinetry pulls in a cool chrome finish, handy pull-out drawers beneath your vanities for storage efficiency, new bath mats or hand towels, over-the-toilet shelving for extra organization, and new artwork or sculptures.

As your bathroom renovation gets underway, be sure to know the projects and trends that give you the best return on your investment, and those that you should avoid. 

See Trends to Avoid

The Ultimate Cozy Color Palettes & Complementary Finishes

One of the first words that springs to mind when describing your ideal living space would probably be “cozy” or “homey.” After a long work day or weekend trip, there is nothing better than coming home and cozying up in an environment that makes you instantly relaxed. 

Of course, the furnishings or materials in your living space are a huge factor in how comfortable you can get – from the soft lighting of your lamps to the blankets or pillows on your favorite chair. But did you realize that the color combinations in your home also have a major impact on the cozy factor?

Choosing a color palette that reflects cozy colors will set the tone for your entire space, so it’s important to think about the hues that are most inviting and complement the room’s finishes. 

As you look to refresh one of your rooms and make it as warm as possible, here are some of the most undeniably cozy colors and the finishes that pair best with them.

Rustic Ruby + Champagne Bronze

If the room you’re looking to revamp has a generally neutral color palette like khaki, ivory, or taupe, you can immediately make it feel cozier by adding in a pop of color like rustic ruby. Shades of ruby or red are definitely saturated but still have a brown undertone that will keep things cozy and complement the rest of the monochromatic colors in the room. 

You can jazz up the overall palette by focusing on the room’s finishes, such as cabinet knobs or door handles, and incorporate a finish like champagne bronze. In combination, the ruby color, bronze finishes, and neutral palette will look homey and warm.

Sage Green + Italian Brass

Sage is this year’s most popular shade of green according to Google Trends. Thanks to its serene and calming effect, sage is a great choice for a cozy space and it pairs extremely well with an elegant finish like Italian brass. 

This particular color combination is perfect for a bathroom update, as it will give off the effect of a spa or even outdoor garden setting with refined, European finishes. For example, adding this premium sink faucet in Italian brass in a bathroom that’s painted sage green and is dotted with quaint house plants will make the space appear lived-in and cozy.

Deep Aqua + Polished Nickel

If you’re looking for cozy colors that evoke a beach or seaside setting, you really can’t go wrong with deep aqua and a sandy neutral. To add a bit of depth or interest to the space, integrating a gorgeous finish like polished nickel light fixtures can do the trick. 

This color combination of blue and silver might not seem like the coziest palette at first, but if you stick to a nautical theme in the furnishings and decor, you can create a space with a beach-house feel – and what’s more relaxing than imagining you’re at the beach!?

Warm Yellow + Pearl White

A final example of cozy colors that can take any space from cold and uninviting to warm and welcoming is the combination of warm yellow and pearl white. Just like a soft daisy, yellow and white give off a friendly vibe, making it a great choice for a happy, cozy space. 

In recent years, warm yellow has been a popular choice for kitchens, as it is a bright and cheery color that inspires joy and comfort. Paired with white finishes (such as white cabinetry or a white-wood table and chairs), this color palette has a clean, springtime sentiment. Depending on the yellow tone you go with, this combination of colors can feel like the start of a brand new day with the sun softly shining!

Lighting is also a huge factor in how cozy a space appears, so be sure to check out our list of top lighting products that can elevate any room in the house.

Explore Lighting

Tips for Mixing & Matching Metals in the Bathroom

Looking for a quick and easy bathroom upgrade that you can do in just one day? Instead of taking on a huge renovation project, start small with a simple task like changing up your bathroom’s cabinet knobs & handles. 

Though it may not be the first thing you notice about a bathroom, the hardware on your vanities, drawers, and cabinets can make the space feel outdated. Luckily, there’s a way to update cabinet knobs and handles that will infuse a modern, polished look to any bathroom—by mixing and matching metals.

Who said you have to stick to one metal when it comes to your bathroom’s finishes? It’s much trendier (and more fun!) to choose a few types of metals for your fixtures and hardware, so long as they complement each other and align with the rest of your home’s design.

To guide you in the process of mixing and matching metal hardware in your bathroom, here are our top tips for a seamless, well-balanced look.

Tip #1: Create Harmony, Not Competition

When choosing new cabinet knobs and handles, you’ll want to incorporate no more than three types of metals. After all, the goal of any interior design is to ensure all of the elements work together beautifully and form a balanced whole. 

This is why you should avoid choosing two metals from the same color family – like light copper and shiny brass. Oftentimes, metalware from the same color family will look similar but won’t quite match, making it seem like a mistake rather than an intentional choice. Instead, go for finishes that complement, rather than compete, with each other – like polished chrome and matte black.

Tip #2: Alternate the Handles on Doors and Drawers

A simple technique when mixing and matching metals is to choose one type of finish for the handles on your vanity’s doors and a different finish for the vanity’s drawers. For example, your vanity might have two doors and two drawers. You can select sleek, horizontal bar pulls for the drawers, while installing round knobs to the doors. 

It may be enough to mix up only the shapes of the cabinet handles and leave the finishes the same. The fun thing is that you have endless options when it comes to alternating the styles and finishes of the metalware in your bathroom, so you can make it as unique or as monochrome as you want.

Tip #3: Experiment with Different Textures

With so many interesting textures now available in cabinet knobs & handles, why not mix and match the actual feel of your new hardware? Beyond traditional finishes like matte or polished, modern metals can also be antiqued, brushed, burnished, hammered, hard-rubbed, or oiled to add dimension to your bathroom. 

Textured hardware is a fantastic way to add a distinct sensory experience to the hardware on your vanity or cabinetry that will not only feel good to touch, but will elevate the space from simple to sophisticated.

Tip #4: Make a Statement with an Accent Metal

Again, you want your hardware choices to create harmony in your bathroom, but there’s no reason why you can’t take this opportunity to make a bold statement! Once you’ve identified a classic base metal for a certain portion of your hardware, choose a more eccentric metal that can act as an accent for your favorite drawers. 

For example, nickel handles will brighten a traditional space, while matte black knobs will amplify the elegance of a modern bathroom. Or you can choose a single color and make a statement by combining a polished finish and matte finish, such as polished brass handles with brushed brass. 

Making upgrades like mixing and matching your hardware doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are several inexpensive ways to remodel your bathroom that will give it a high-end look: 

9 Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Install a New Vanity in a Single Afternoon

A vanity is the central focus of the bathroom. A new vanity can be the breath of life your bathroom needs to feel and function completely differently. 

The best news? You can do it in an afternoon. Here’s how to install a bathroom vanity quickly and well. Ready? Set? Go!

Start with the Plumbing

Vanity projects can get messy quickly if you have to deal with water. Start by turning off water valves to the vanity sink, then turn faucets on to get rid of any remaining water. 

Next, remove the p-trap (that bend in the pipe at the bottom of the sink plumbing. You may want to have a bucket and towel on hand in case there is residual water in the pipe. 

Disconnect water lines from the sink using an adjustable wrench. These steps are pretty simple and very DIY-able but if you feel uncomfortable about it, get help from a plumber.

Disconnect the Vanity from the Wall

Your vanity is connected to the wall with screws inside the vanity and some caulk on the outside of the vanity. Cut the caulk that seals the top rim of the vanity or backsplash to the wall using a utility knife. Be careful not to damage the wall itself.

Next, unscrew the unit from walls/studs. Then simply pull the vanity away from the wall. It may be easier to remove the top of the vanity before pulling the cabinet away from the wall. If you plan to reuse the vanity top, this is a must. 

Removing an old vanity may result in a few dings. If there has been any damage to the wall, make any repairs needed before moving on. 

Choosing a New Vanity & Faucet

If you haven’t picked your new vanity yet, you’re in for a treat. DecorPlanet is the home of a wide selection of beautiful vanities from classic styling to clean-lined modern, pedestal to double vanity. You’ll find what you’re looking for here. 

Shop Vanities 

While you’re at it, think about selecting a new faucet too. Gold and Champagne colors are popular right now, but we’ve always got classics like polished chrome or brushed nickel in a variety of styles. 

Shop Faucets

Prep for the New Vanity

With the old vanity removed, it’s time to get ready to put in the new one. Measure the vanity height and width then mark that height and width on the wall. Use a stud finder to locate where the wall studs are and mark them. Removing the doors on your new vanity will make things a bit easier, but it’s not necessary to get the job done. 

If your vanity has a solid back, measure where the pipes and water lines are on the wall then mark those same measurements on the back of the vanity. Drill a pilot hole in the center of where you need to make an opening then use a hole saw to cut out the right size circle to accommodate the pipe or water line.

Rerouting Plumbing

If you need to reroute any plumbing, such as if you’re moving the sink or going from a single to a double vanity, you’ll likely need a plumber. It may seem straightforward but any plumbing problems can quickly cause irreversible water damage.

Once you have the vanity removed from the wall and when you’re ready to install the new vanity, that’s the perfect time to get all your plumbing squared away. Call your plumber in advance to get on the schedule and keep your project moving.

Install the Vanity

With the proper holes cut in the back of the vanity, you’re ready to install. Line up pipes with the holes in the back of the vanity and gently slide it up against the wall. Check to see that it’s level across the width of the unit and the length of the unit. If it’s not level, use shims to adjust it. You can use a quarter round molding to finish off edges at the floor, especially if there are gaps from shims.

Using your stud marks, drill in pilot holes through the vanity and into the stud then screw it to the wall with 3-inch screws. If you don't have a stud, use a wall anchor with your screw. If you are screwing into alternative surfaces like tile or plaster, use the drill bits and wall anchors suitable for that type of surface.

Top it Off

If your vanity doesn't come with a top, install it next by adding a bead of adhesive to the top edge of the vanity all the way around then place the top. You may want to ask for a little help placing a heavy vanity top to ensure you get it straight.

Caulk anywhere the vanity touches a wall to seal it up and stop water from leaking behind the vanity. Install the faucet using manufacturer instructions.

Finish with Plumbing

You’ll end where you began, with the plumbing. Reinstall the p-trap, reattach water lines (be sure to use teflon tape to decrease leaks), tighten down everything then turn the water back on. Test for leaks at every connection by turning the faucet on and letting the water run for a few minutes. 

Changing up the entire feel of the bathroom design can be as easy as installing a new vanity. It’s a simple project you can do in an afternoon but has a huge impact. If you ever need assistance, get in contact with your local plumber or talk with our customer service team.

Need a little bathroom design advice? Check out the latest trends. 

Get the Latest Bathroom Trends

4 Fatal Bathroom Trends That Will Slash Your Home’s Resale Value

Bathrooms are not cheap to renovate, but they are one of the most important rooms in the house that can immediately attract or repel potential buyers. Nobody wants to walk into a bathroom that has dirt in the grout or cracks in the bathtub; in essence, a bathroom that looks and feels a little too lived-in is going to turn buyers off. 

But beyond an unclean bathroom, there are actually quite a few bathroom design trends that will instantly slash your home’s resale value. Though they might’ve been popular at one stage, the following list of design mistakes can make your home seem outdated and really decrease interest in your home. 

1. Carpeted Floors

That’s right – people are still putting carpet in the bathroom, and buyers are still absolutely hating it. While this design mistake was most popular in the 1970’s, the comfort it may give your bare feet when hopping out of the tub or shower is not enough to outweigh how much a carpeted bathroom will hinder your home’s resale value. In a room that’s humid and regularly wet, carpet will only stimulate mold growth and mildew – a fact that will definitely make buyers’ skin crawl.

Try this instead: Depending on your budget, there are plenty of bathroom flooring options that can be easily installed. If you want the nicest-looking but cheapest solution, peel-and-stick vinyl flooring is a great way to go. If you have more to spend, porcelain tile is largely considered the most pristine bathroom flooring (and is also incredibly water-resistant and durable). 

2. Hidden Plumbing

Any plumbing set up that puts your pipes behind the wall may be a red flag for potential homebuyers. When plumbing issues arise and those pipes are behind drywall, you can guarantee the repairs will be expensive and messy. 

Try this instead: So that you (and future owners) have easy access to all bathroom piping and plumbing, ensure plumbing is accessible with an opening that exposes pipes. Cover it with a door to keep out dust. Or choose fixtures that keep plumbing in the open like TOTO's Promenade. You could also go for a modern option that makes a real statement, like this funky pedestal sink by Fresca shaped like the number seven, or this Modern Glass Bathroom Pedestal Sink.

3. Extreme Colors (like avocado)

Another bathroom remodeling trend to avoid is painting the space an overly bold color. While this design mistake really applies to every room in the house, a bathroom is supposed to be serene and calming – think seafoam green or soft beige. 

Repainting your bathroom bright red or mustard yellow will only shock potential buyers – and not in a good way. Interestingly, a survey found that 62% of people deemed an avocado-colored bathroom as the biggest turn-off in a home. 

4. Badly Designed No-threshold Showers

Again, another seemingly luxurious design element that’s found in many hotel bathrooms is the no-threshold or curbless shower. While they are extremely functional for family members of all ages and easy to clean, some may feel that they deliver too-little privacy. Also, if it isn’t designed correctly, water will end up all over the bathroom each time you shower. What may seem spa-like will likely lead to messes, which buyers will probably recognize.

Try this instead: There are ways to make your shower more open concept that still includes a threshold. For instance, you can create an open, inviting feel with this Frameless Hinged Tub Door, which keeps water in without compromising on style.

If you’re only wanting to make one change to your bathroom that will have a big impact on potential buyers, focus on redoing the vanity. Here are several tips to successfully update your vanity.

Learn How to Buy a Bathroom Vanity

What Are the Best Rooms to Remodel for Resale Value?

In a hot seller’s market, it’s not uncommon to wonder which remodel projects will get you the most bang for your buck. If you’re considering putting your house on the market, invest your time and money into improvements that will yield the most value. 

We turned to expert real estate agents to find out what are the best rooms to remodel for resale value. Here’s what they said. 

Bathrooms

Any kind of bathroom, from the powder room to the primary suite, increases your home’s value. It should be a top contender when you ask what the best rooms to remodel are to increase your home’s value. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, you can plan on about 54-60% ROI when you remodel bathrooms.

Standard Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel can return as much as 60% of your investment. A midrange budget will bring the biggest return. Be sure to update the floor, all fixtures, and the backsplash. A new vanity can change the entire look of the space without you having to tear out any walls. Top it off with on-trend faucets and you’ll cement your home in the minds of buyers. 

Adding a few perks to the bathroom increases buyer interest. Smart mirrors, rain shower heads, and jetted tubs make excellent additions. You could also consider converting your bathroom design to a universal/accessible layout (yields a 57% ROI). This makes your bathroom attractive to seniors who want to age in place, families with wheelchair accessibility needs, and anyone who appreciates a more modern wetroom type design.

Primary Suite Remodel

Suites are big sellers. Any bedroom with a bathroom attached can increase the selling price of your home, but the primary suite does so to the tune of a 54% return. Big sellers for the primary bath include walk-in closets, freestanding tubs and separate showers, and spa-like design. 

The primary suite can always benefit from some luxury. Put some extra attention on lighting to make the space feel special. Add a shower with body sprays. Splurge on a chromatherapy tub. Or forget the tub altogether and create more of a wetroom design with double showerheads. 

Front Door

Changing out your front door is one of the most cost effective ways to get a boost in your home’s value. It returns up to 65% on your investment. To get the most out of this update, get a 20 gauge steel door and update the jambs, stops, threshold, and locks as well.

If you feel so inclined, you can widen your front door and add a sidelight or two. Half or full glass adds some curb appeal that makes your home memorable to prospective buyers and could give the price a boost too.

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is often at the top of prospective buyers’ wish lists. It’s another top contender for the best rooms to remodel for resale value. Buyers want something that’s ready to roll and doesn’t need any updating. 

A mid-range renovation brings up to a 72% return. Today’s families appreciate open format living spaces with one great room for the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Some could even skip the dining room if the kitchen has good eat-in functionality. 

Hit the big three when updating the kitchen: floor, cabinets, and countertops for the biggest return. Look for high-quality perks like soft close doors and drawers, stone or concrete countertops, and a statement-making backsplash that’s neutral enough to welcome any style but still draws attention. 

Outdoor Improvements

With the staycation at an all time high, livable outdoor spaces are in high demand. Upgrades don’t have to be big or expensive to increase the value of your home and give you a return (up to 92%). Patios, pools, decks, and outdoor kitchens are always a hit, but even some simple landscaping and seating will do the trick. 

Improvements to the outside of the house gives a boost to your curb appeal and makes a great first impression. Siding, window, and roofing replacement all bring up to 69% return on your investment. Manufactured stone veneer brings a whopping 92% return.

Garage Door

The garage door, like the front door, is another high yield investment that’s fairly easy and cost-effective to do. It has a 93% return on investment plus adds to that curb appeal that buyers love. 

Garage doors with some detail are the best investment. Carriage house style is popular or something with small windows across the top of the door. This is mostly a cosmetic improvement so if your motor is in good shape, you can keep the old one.

Make your investments work for you by choosing the projects that bring the best returns. When you prioritize your dollars into the best rooms to remodel for giving your home’s value a boost, you’ll soon have prospective buyers rolling in.

Want more remodeling ideas? Check out these. 

9 Ways to Remodel Your Bathroom

The Ultimate Lighting Fixture Guide

Looking for new lighting fixtures and not quite sure where to start? Our lighting fixture guide will help you get off on the right foot. Whether you want to add some mood lighting to the bedroom or need to fix a too-dim kitchen, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s get started with the need-to-knows. 

Lighting Basics

Knowing the best lighting fixtures starts with an understanding of how lighting works. There are three kinds of lighting. When you use the three together appropriately, you’ll be able to enjoy a well lit space in any room of the house. Here’s an overview.

Ambient

Ambient light is a general light that acts as a foundation layer on which all other lighting is built. It includes recessed lighting, track lighting, large lamps, and natural lighting.  

Task

Task lighting is more specific lighting for specific tasks and functions. It includes desk lamps/smaller lamps, pendant lights, and under cabinet lighting. 

Accent

Accent lighting is artistic or stylistic lighting that highlights a certain aspect of the room or creates a mood. It includes dimmer lights, picture lights, and colored lights.

Every room needs all three types of light to be successful. Even though it seems like accent lighting isn’t a necessity, it makes a big difference in the overall feel of the space and how you interact with it. Task lighting is also very important. No amount of ambient lighting in the living room will give your eyes enough light to read late into the night safely.

You should also take into account the size and shape of the room, ceiling height, the color scheme, traffic pattern, daylight, shadows, reflections, and energy efficiency. Each of these will affect what and how much lighting is needed. 

Larger rooms need more light. The colors and finishes in a room may produce a light absorbing or reflecting effect that will play into the overall lighting. High traffic areas need more light than less trafficked areas. Daylight takes care of many lighting needs during the day, but you still need plenty of lighting for the nighttime hours. Logistical considerations like your electrical set up and efficiency will also play a role.

Let’s take a look, room by room, at the things you should be considering as you plan for lighting and how to pick the best lighting for your home. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is the ultimate multitasking room of the house. It’s your food prep, dining, entertaining, homework, office space and the lighting has to be ready to take on any one of those situations at any time of day or night. 

Key Kitchen Lighting

Task lighting is key in the kitchen. Be sure you install lighting in all your work spaces appropriate to the task at hand. Under cabinet lighting is needed for food prep. Island lighting is needed for homework, dining, and clean up. 

Decorative lighting over the dining table or eating area makes the space usable and draws in both family and friends. 

Bathroom

The bathroom is a detail-oriented area but also can be an oasis of relaxation. It is also a room of moisture and lots of running water that warrants some safety measures when it comes to its electrical components. 

Key Bathroom Lighting

In the bathroom focus on lighting for highly-detailed tasks with a healthy dose of mood enhancing accent lighting. Light over the vanity is probably your most important area. 

Get creative with the vanity and go beyond bar lighting. Instead try sconces or even a lighted mirror to bring light right to where it’s most needed. Include a pendant light or chandelier over the bathtub to add some mood and a spa-like feel.

Bedroom

The bedroom is the only place you can get away with skimping on ambient light. It’s a space that’s meant to be dim and relaxing. That gives you a lot more room to play with mood-creating lighting.

Key Bedroom Lighting

The key for bedroom lighting is to focus on creating experiences. Examine your bedtime habits and build your lighting around that. If you like to read in bed, be sure to include a bedside lamp sufficient for reading. 

If you like a cozy feel, be sure to use lighting with the warm glow of incandescent bulbs. Like a little more mood? Try lights with colored shades or unique designs.

Living Room

The living room is where family and friends gather. It’s another multitasking room, like the kitchen, that has to meet many needs. Think carefully not only about how you use the living room but also how light changes throughout the day when planning for lighting.

Key Living Room Lighting

When it comes to living room lighting, think in zones. Your zones may be made up of where different activities happen: TV viewing, reading, games, conversation. Or your zones may be made up of natural boundaries in the space: where the couch is, where the dining area ends, where traffic patterns naturally fall. 

Create lighting for each of these zones. Lamps for reading zones, sconces for walkways, and a bit of ambient lighting for the TV viewing area.

Halls & Entries

The primary purpose of a hall or entryway is to move people from one place to another. Though practicality should be your first thought, you can also add lots of style with your lighting  choices in the halls and entryways. 

Key Hall & Entry Lighting

You want to have enough lighting in your halls and entries to ensure you can see where you’re going, but for the most part, you can focus on style with your lighting choices. 

Mid-size ceiling lights or small chandeliers in the hallway or even some large, statement making sconces transform a boring space into an interesting one. 

With a little help from our lighting fixture guide, you can get started finding all the right lighting for every space in your home. Need more lighting ideas? 

Get More Lighting Ideas