Design Lesson
How to Choose the Right Lighting for Every Room
Photography, @differ.design, Instagram
Design Lesson
How to Choose the Right Lighting for Every Room
Lighting plays a critical role in creating the right ambiance and functionality in every room of your home. Proper lighting can transform spaces, making them more inviting and practical.
Here are some tips for picking the right lighting for each room in your home.
1. Living Room
The living room is a multifunctional space where you entertain guests, watch TV, read and relax. You’ll need versatile lighting that can cater to different activities.
Lighting Tips:
- Ambient Lighting: Use ceiling fixtures like chandeliers or ceiling-mounted lights to provide overall illumination. Consider dimmable options to adjust the brightness according to the occasion.
- Task Lighting: Add floor lamps or table lamps near reading areas or next to seating to offer focused light for reading or other activities.
- Accent Lighting: Use wall sconces, track lighting or LED strips to highlight artwork, architectural features or decorative elements.
2. Kitchen
The kitchen is a highly functional space where proper lighting is crucial for cooking, cleaning and dining. Go for bright, clear lighting to ensure safety and efficiency.
Lighting Tips:
- Ambient Lighting: Recessed ceiling lights or a central ceiling fixture can provide general illumination.
- Task Lighting: Install under-cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops and workspaces. Pendant lights above the kitchen island or dining area can also provide focused task lighting.
- Accent Lighting: Use accent lights inside cabinets with glass doors or under the kickboards to add a touch of style and depth.
3. Dining Room
This is where all of our meals and social gatherings happen, so the lighting should create a warm, inviting atmosphere while also providing adequate illumination.
Lighting Tips:
- Ambient Lighting: A chandelier or pendant light above the dining table can serve as a focal point and provide general lighting. Ensure it is dimmable to set the right mood for different occasions.
- Accent Lighting: Wall sconces or buffet lamps can add a layer of soft, ambient light and enhance the room's decor.
4. Bedroom
You already know how important lighting is for rest and relaxation. You’ll want to create a calming environment while also offering functionality for activities like reading or dressing.
Lighting Tips:
- Ambient Lighting: A central ceiling fixture, like a flush-mount or semi-flush-mount light, provides general illumination.
- Task Lighting: Bedside table lamps or wall-mounted reading lights offer focused lighting for reading in bed. Consider adjustable fixtures for flexibility.
- Accent Lighting: Add a touch of luxury with cove lighting or LED strips behind the headboard or under the bed frame for softness.
5. Bathroom
The bathroom requires bright, even lighting for grooming, makeup and other personal care tasks. However, it should also provide a relaxing atmosphere for bathing.
Lighting Tips:
- Ambient Lighting: Recessed ceiling lights or a central ceiling fixture can provide general illumination.
- Task Lighting: Vertical fixtures or sconces on either side of the mirror ensure even lighting for the face, reducing shadows. For applying makeup, consider lights with a higher CRI (Color Rendering Index) to replicate natural light.
- Accent Lighting: LED strips around the mirror or under cabinets can add a stylish touch and provide additional, soft lighting.
6. Home Office
A home office needs bright, focused lighting to facilitate productivity and reduce eye strain during work.
Lighting Tips:
- Ambient Lighting: Overhead lighting, such as recessed lights or a ceiling fixture, provides general illumination.
- Task Lighting: A desk lamp with adjustable brightness and direction is essential for focused work. Look for lamps with features like adjustable arms or necks to position the light where it's needed.
- Accent Lighting: Use accent lighting sparingly to create a pleasant ambiance without distracting from work. Consider a small table lamp or wall-mounted fixtures that provide a soft glow.
7. Hallways and Staircases
Hallways and staircases need adequate lighting for safety and navigation, but they also offer opportunities for decorative pieces.
Lighting Tips:
- Ambient Lighting: Recessed lights, flush mount ceiling fixtures, or wall sconces can provide general illumination. Ensure the lighting is even to avoid shadows and dark spots.
- Accent Lighting: Use wall sconces or small, directional lights to highlight artwork and architectural details or to add interest to the space.
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