Homemade Spotlights

Types of Spotlights

• Unlike regular light bulbs, spotlights are designed to emanate a cone shape of light. This allows the light to fall on the subject it’s pointing toward. The size of the spotlight determines the size of the conic output of light. There are four main classifications of spotlights; they are 12-volt, rechargeable, halogen and LED. LED and halogen are the lights most commonly used in household lighting. All are quite pricey to replace.

Spotlight Fixtures

• Before deciding where you will put your homemade spotlights, determine what they will be used for primarily. Task lighting fixtures allows you to move the lights around to point at whatever you need. Flush lighting fixtures are placed in ceilings and cannot be moved. These lights are generally put on a dimmer switch, which allows you to create different lighting moods throughout the day.

Spotlight Locations

• Spotlight are also placed outdoors. According to the Spotlights website, having a well-lit entrance gives your visitors and guests an inviting feel. Outside, spotlights are placed on either side of the front door, either on the walls facing in toward the door or along the sidewalk facing up then in toward the sidewalk.

  Indoor spotlights are used to provide light and to set a certain mood in the room. Mood lighting is created by having the spotlights strategically placed and put on a dimmer switch to control the harshness or softness of the light. Spotlights for mood lighting are placed in ceiling fixtures in the living room, bedroom or hallways. Fixtures with moveable light sockets are normally used for task lighting in the office, kitchen or bathroom.

Benefits of Spotlights

• Unlike traditional ceiling lights, which are normally placed in the center of the room, spotlights can be aimed at various areas in a room at once. This ensures light enters each area of the room, eliminating dark corners. You can also purchase energy-saving spotlight LED bulbs, which use 10 percent of the energy that other lights use, according to the Better Generation website. This helps to light your house efficiently while also saving you money.