The right lighting can make your home feel like a brighter, cozier, more liveable place to be. But it can also consume a lot of energy. If you haven’t already begun the process of sourcing eco-friendly fixtures, it’s time to think about how to illuminate your favourite spaces more sustainably. That means incorporating fixtures from recycled materials, using energy-efficient light bulbs and steering clear from over-lighting. Here are some tips on how to make sustainable lighting work in your home.  

One of the easiest and arguably most chic ways to reduce your environmental footprint is to choose fixtures made from recycled and natural materials like rattan or bamboo. Styles made from these materials vary widely – from boho to modern – which means they can integrate seamlessly into any decor. Opt for a sleek chandelier made with bamboo over your dining table and notice how the room suddenly feels warmer and more inviting.

USE TASK LIGHTING

Task lighting avoids having to rely on overhead lighting as your main source of light. Try installing a pendant over your kitchen workspace or a desk lamp made of wood to your home office space. Or, save even more energy with a sustainably-designed, low-consumption LED wall light next to your favourite chair in the living room. These are all practical and aesthetic ways of conserving energy without having to compromise on lighting quality.

FALL IN LOVE WITH LAMPS 

If you are looking to create some ambiance in a room but want to avoid using too much energy, table, and floor lamps are your best friends. As with task lighting, lamps avoid using overhead lighting but they cast a wider glow, which means you can get creative about how you want to integrate them into your space. For a more eclectic touch, choose a bamboo lamp with fun patterns and colours. If you’re in the mood for something more contemporary, a chic, dimmable floor lamp is both stylish and highly functional.  

USE ENERGY-EFFICIENT BULBS

The bottom line when it comes to conserving light energy in your home? Use energy-efficient LED light bulbs and when possible, install dimmers, so you can control the amount of lighting you need for different situations. And if you find a fixture that is made with natural materials that also uses LED bulbs, then you are already two steps ahead on sustainably lighting your home.

The beauty of sustainable lighting is that you do not have to sacrifice style for efficiency. There are fixtures available to suit every taste and decor. The key is to choose styles that source sustainable materials and to be wise about where and how you use your lighting, so you can maximize quality and minimize your energy consumption.