Illuminating tiny homes and apartments can be challenging, and most consider it an afterthought. However, that should not be the case! In such a compact space, careful planning must be done to guarantee that all the lighting fixtures will fit and work. In addition, you need to ensure that the area is not too dark or else you’ll really feel the narrowness of your living space.
Modern lighting solutions can help maximise the functionality and aesthetics of your tiny abode. You only need to find the most suitable ones for your home and avoid the unnecessary fittings that will only clutter the area. So, how do you choose the best fixtures for your tiny house?
Lighting Design for Small Spaces
Planning is the most crucial lighting design stage, especially for small spaces. You don’t need to purchase the most expensive fixtures or get the latest models. Design your lighting with functionality and efficiency in mind. Remember, you are limited when it comes to tiny homes. You don’t want to restrict yourself further by purchasing the wrong fixtures due to bad planning!
Having the most appropriate lighting fixture for your tiny home will make the space appear more prominent. You’ll also notice that the interior is cosier and more versatile! Proper lighting will definitely make a massive impact, so spending extra time planning everything is worth it.
Assessing Your Space
To plan your lighting design, you must first assess your space. What do you need to check and consider?
Understanding the Layout
Tiny homes are made with multi-functional and versatile furnishings. Everything in the space is intentional and made with a particular purpose. When lighting a small space, you need to understand the layout. How will the flow be? Is the kitchen connected to a different room? Which areas require more illumination? Knowing the structure will give you a clearer idea of its lighting requirements.
Lighting can enhance the space in terms of visuals and practicality. It can make limited square footage perfect for various activities if you put careful consideration!
Natural Light Evaluation
Natural light is the best lighting solution for small spaces. The more that goes in, the more open your tiny home feels! Natural light can impact your choice of artificial lighting. Therefore, you need to study it. Where does the sun rise and set? Which areas are not supplied with sunlight?
When you balance nature’s gift of light and modern lighting, you’ll have the best lighting system that boosts your home’s visuals and efficiency!
Modern Lighting Solutions for Small Spaces
After evaluating your space, it’s time to determine which lighting solutions you should purchase. However, how will you know? Here are some guidelines that you can follow!
Space-Saving Fixture Types
Since there’s limited room to work with, you need to use space-saving lighting fixtures like recessed downlights and ceiling spotlight. Recessed downlights will not occupy any of your vertical clearance because they sit flush with the ceiling. To maximise the benefits that you can get from this fixture, opt for an adjustable version so you can redirect the light beams wherever you need!
As for ceiling spotlights, although they’re surface mounted, it’s not too tall that they would end up disrupting the flow of the space. Plus, it’s versatile enough to illuminate various spots, lessening the need for other fittings!
Multi-Functional Lighting
If the fitting is not that space-saving, it needs to be multi-functional at least. Since it will take a bit of space, it should be worth every square foot it occupies. Instead of adding décor, consider looking for lighting fixtures that double as one. Also, look for fittings that have more uses other than providing illumination. For example, an LED bathroom mirror! It provides task and ambient lighting, and it includes features like a shelf, QI charger, USB port, and more.
Flexible and Adjustable Lighting
Flexible and adjustable lighting provides versatility, which a tiny home needs. Aside from adjustable recessed lights and ceiling spotlights, you can incorporate swivel wall scones and retractable wall lights! These fixtures will allow you to use your lights for various tasks instead of being focused on one area.
Layered Lighting Approach
Even in ordinary homes, layered lighting brings character, dimensions, and separation to a space. You can utilise this technique to partition your living room from the kitchen and dining room. Also, it makes the area look more visually appealing and complete! However, layered lighting would require more lighting fixtures, which is not ideal for tiny homes.
The answer is simple: use multi-functional lights! Consider those that switch between colour temperatures instead of using a single-coloured LED fixture. That way, you’ll have ambient, accent and task lighting in one fitting. Also, opt for dimmable versions. Since you can control the brightness level of your lights, you’ll have more control over the room’s atmosphere!
With multi-function and adjustable fixtures, you can access different lighting layers in one fitting. Just find the right fixtures and the correct features!
Maximising Vertical Space
Vertical lighting is an excellent technique that draws people’s attention upward, creating an illusion of a taller space. Applying this method in tiny homes is game-changing because it lessens the confined feeling. Some excellent fixtures for this lighting design are pendant lights, wall-mounted fittings and built-in shelves with integrated lighting.
Conclusion
Have you decided to live in a tiny home? Are you currently preparing for the transition? If that’s the case, planning will help you start on the right foot. Ensure you have a solid lighting design to guarantee a pleasant living experience in your cosy space! If you don’t know where to start, go through our tips and tricks, and you’ll learn how to begin. To kick off your tiny home journey, visit our website, Simple Lighting! We have an extensive collection of LED lighting solutions that will illuminate the small home of your dreams and make it a space you can’t live without!
