Closet lights

Some older or smaller homes have closets with a single incandescent light bulb. You know the kind, with a simple pull chain. These bulbs give off a lot of heat when turned on and can be dangerous if the closet is littered with junk. Old papers, cotton clothing, and other flammable items could catch fire if too close to the bulb for a long period of time. Keep your closets clean and use recessed fluorescent bulbs or replace them with an energy-efficient LED bulb.

Dust

Clusters of debris can easily catch fire if near a heat source, such as an electrical outlet or floor heater. Make sure you dust on a regular basis, not just to keep your home clean, but to avoid the danger of a fire.

Animals

Household pets can easily knock over candles. Some can even turn on the stove accidentally. Be observant of your pet’s actions. You also need to watch for other destructive animals, such as rats or mice that can chew through electrical wires.

Oily rags

Think twice before tossing that oily rag in the corner of your garage after you’re done with your project. Wet oil on the rag can produce heat, so hang or lay them out so they can dry completely. Then submerge them in water and keep in a safe storage bin.

Sunlight

Though rare, if the sun hits a window, vase, jar, or other glass item at a very precise angle, the light and radiating heat can cause a fire. Avoid putting glass items on windowsills or in direct sunlight.

Laptops

Electronics can get very hot if not properly ventilated. Keep laptops on top of a desk or a mat specifically designed for computers. Try to avoid using a laptop on soft surfaces like a couch or bed for extended periods of time.

Dishwasher

Electric appliances are one of the most common causes of house fires, but most people think of ovens or stoves as the culprit, not dishwashers. They do generate heat and water can drip out onto the appliance’s wires. Always make sure the dishwasher is operating correctly and safely before use.

Toaster

Again, appliances are a common causes of fires, but crumbs and dust that collects in the bottom of a toaster is a less obvious hazard. Clean it out every once in a while by flipping it over and shaking out the crumbs and built-up dust. The heat generated every time you use the toaster can ignite those scraps and the danger only increases with every use.

Batteries

Nine-volt batteries, specifically. Their positive and negative terminals are located on the same side, so the likelihood of both terminals touching a metal object at the same time and producing heat is higher than other types of batteries. Store the nine-volts in safe containers or bags. You could also cover the terminals with duct or electrical tape.

Matches/lighters

Stuffed in a cluttered drawer, matches and lighters can easily ignite if rubbed against an object the wrong way. Store them in a safe place, away from the clutter and keep out of reach of children, who may not know any better and light one of them accidentally.

Of course you should always make sure your smoke alarms are on and working properly and batteries should be replaced twice a year.

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Proper lighting is a key element when it comes to the mood and design of your home. Get the most out of it by lighting it correctly. Not only do you want to use the appropriate lighting to complete certain tasks, but some lights and fixtures will bring a comfortable ambiance. Keep in mind what goals you may have for each room—do you need extra light to work in that room or are you looking for something more dim and cozy?

Rooms

Living Room

Try using a combination of table and floor lamps with a downward and/or upward glow. If you have overhead lighting, consider putting them on dimmers. The living room should be a relaxing space, not washed out by too much light. If you want to highlight artwork, plants, or other unique aspects of the living room, you can try spot lighting. And if you have high ceilings, you may want to consider a chandelier for elegance.

Dining Room

You should make the table the brightest spot in the room since it will be used the most. Try a chandelier or pendant light, depending on the size of the room and table. Find a fixture that’s about one-half or three-quarters the width of the table and it should hang about 36–48 inches above the table.

Kitchen

The kitchen is usually the busiest room in the house and calls for different types of lighting. On work surfaces, such as counters, use under-cabinet lights or pendant lights. You want the area to be fully illuminated so you can focus on the task at hand. You can also use higher watt bulbs in those task areas. Recessed downlights should be mounted over the sink and make sure any pendant lights clear the head of the tallest family member and doesn’t obstruct views.

Bedroom

This is where you want to create a very cozy atmosphere. Reading or table lamps should be used on either side of the bed. Make sure the bottom of the shade is just below your line of sight. You can try recessed or track lights in the bedroom, angled toward dressing areas, if you need brighter overhead lighting. For nurseries or kids’ rooms you should keep nightlights in mind or use low-light table lamps.

Bathroom

Lighting around a mirror is very important. Sidelights or sconces on either side are best to cast an even illumination across the face and avoid shadows. You can add overhead lights to fully illuminate the room for jobs like cleaning, and if you have a large bathroom, an overhead light is good to use directly over a shower.

Foyer, Hallways, Stairways

Foyers are often the first room a guest sees when he or she arrives. Choose a nice chandelier if you have a high ceiling. For foyers with low ceilings, try an elegant pendant light. Stairs and halls need good lighting for safety purposes. The stairs should be lit from top to bottom with switches at both ends. In hallways, place fixtures every 8–10 feet.

Exterior

Exterior lighting is also important for safety and security. All walkways, sidewalks, perimeter, and front entry of the home should be fully lit. But be careful not to make them too dim (a welcome call for intruders) or too bright (annoying for the neighbors). If you’re worried about trespassers, motion-activated flood lights on the exterior corners are a good choice. But exterior lighting doesn’t just have to serve a specific function, it can be decorative too. Use directional sconces to highlight architecture or other unique aspects of the home.

Types of Lights

Flush-Mount Fixtures

These closely hug the ceiling and should be used in the bathroom, kitchen, or any other room where you want full illumination. They’re also good for hallways, placed every 8–10 feet.

Semi Flush Fixtures

Semi-flush hang about a foot or so from ceiling. They add a bit of glamour but serve just about the same purpose as flush-mount lights. If you want to get away from simple, boring lights in hallways, these are a good option.

Pendant Lights

Pendants are any fixture that’s suspended from a chain or cord, such as a chandelier. They’re best over tables, counters, or in rooms with high ceilings.

Recessed Lights

Very simple fixtures embedded in the ceiling. They’re good for low ceilings because they’re inconspicuous.

Track Lights

Track lighting can serve many purposes because they’re adjustable and versatile. You can slide each light to where you want it and then angle it to hit a specific area. They’re good for highlighting collections, artwork, or other fun aspects.

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