How To Choose The Right Lighting

When it comes to interiors, most people spend a lot of time choosing the perfect furniture, deliberating over cushions, curtains and bedding, and arranging prints and photographs on the wall – but the thing a lot of people forget to consider is lighting.

Whether it’s the bedroom where you rest or the living room where you entertain, the right lighting design can take a room from being dull, uninspiring and cold to bright, cheerful and relaxing – and it’s easier than you think.

We’ve put together this guide to choosing the right lighting for every room in the house, which will help you decide on the perfect lighting choice to allow the room to shine!

Layers Of Lighting

In this blog, we’ll discuss lighting layers. There are four main types of lighting; task, ambient, accent and decorative. Task lighting ensures there is sufficient light to complete a task, ambient lights set the tone of the room, accent lights shine the light on a particular feature and decorative lights make a style statement.

For more information on creating the perfect ambience, read our previous blog!

The Bedroom

The overriding theme in the bedroom should be one of relaxation; whether you like to finish the day getting lost in a good book, or cosying up with the latest TV series in bed, you want to be able to forget the worries of the day and feel totally at peace.

But while the bed might be comfortable, if you don’t have the right lighting, you won’t be able to relax; too bright and you won’t be able to unwind, too dull, and you won’t be able to see the print on the page.

In order to save space and create a tranquil haven to unwind, think about placing wall lights above your side tables. A duo of our Brass Cone Wall Lights are placed above these side tables; the Brass blends beautifully with the dark bedroom walls creating a serene environment, perfect for retreating to at the end of the day!

The Kitchen

On average, we spend 253 minutes a week in the kitchen. The right lighting is vital in the kitchen as we perform a variety of activities in the space, whether that’s cooking, eating, entertaining or helping kids with school projects. As the room is used for many different tasks, functional lighting is required, but there is no need to sacrifice style!

The two main types of lighting required in the kitchen are ambient and task lighting. When it comes to planning your lighting, think about the different areas in the space and which activities take place in each. Wall Lights are great for placing near appliances, such as above a splashback or either side of the cooker. In addition, it’s become increasingly popular to place Pendant Lights above a kitchen island; whether they’re in duos or trios, they illuminate the island in a seamless and stunning way. Make a statement by opting for industrial style lights which blend with any interior style! Whether you opt for Glass Lights, Pewter Cone Pendants or Kitchen Heat Lamps, find your perfect match with our range!

However, the style, shape and dimensions of your kitchen will determine the exact lighting fixtures which will suit. If you don’t have high ceilings, Pendant Lights may not be a viable option; therefore, Flush Mounts are ideal for smaller kitchens.

The Living Room

The living room is a versatile room, primarily used to relax; the lighting in this space should be adaptable. From watching TV to reading, homework and hobbies, this is the place where it all happens. Incorporate dimmer switches, which allow you to change the lighting throughout the day.

When it comes to the layers of lighting in the living room, all types are required. Pendant Lights are perfect for placing in the centre of the room, allowing light to be cascaded across the space to set the tone and mood.

Whether you opt for a classic shade like our Brooklyn Dome Pendants, available in 8-inch, 13-inch and 17-inch, and in a variety of finishes. Or an elegant Glass Pendant, our range suits any interior style!

Place Wall Lights above the sofa to provide enough illumination for completing tasks such as reading or browsing on a laptop. Our Brooklyn Cone Wall Light is placed in the cosy corner of this living room alongside a table lamp, making it the perfect place to retreat to after a long day.

The Bathroom

When it comes to the bathroom, a number of things have to be considered. Think about where they’ll be placed in relation to the sink or bath/shower, as there are regulations surrounding the zones. Ingress Protection (IP) ratings need to be thought about; we offer a range of Waterproof Lights which are IP44 and IP65 rated, making them perfect for the more difficult areas.

Place Wall Lights either side of a mirror to ensure there is sufficient light to brush your teeth, apply your makeup and shave, for example. By opting for two lights either side of the mirror, it balances out the room and ensures there is even lighting for completing these tasks.

Our Orlando Wire Cage Wall Lights in Brass look seamless in this bathroom décor. Paired with statement floor tiles, greenery and wooden elements helps create a calm and composed haven! In addition, the bathroom is a place to relax, unwind and forget about your troubles by taking a long soak. It is essential to be able to adjust the lighting, so it’s not too bright and intense. Pendants and Flush Mounts are perfectly placed in the bathroom to create a restful atmosphere, and they look beautiful too!

The Dining Room

When it comes to the dining room, the main type of lighting will be ambient lighting, as it’s essential to create the perfect atmosphere. The room tends to be used most in the evenings when it becomes dark, so there is the option to be more daring with your lighting choices!

Pendant Lights placed over a dining table are a seamless way to design the best dining experience. Our Brooklyn 5 Wire Pendants are great for making a statement in your dining room, as they put a modern twist on the classic chandelier, crafting a focal point.

Our Brooklyn Dome Pendant in Brass is placed above this glass dining table, the warmth of the Brass dome brightens up the space and integrates beautifully with the wooden table and chair legs.

The Office

The one place where the lighting matters on a practical level is the home study; if you spend a lot of time either concentrating on practical projects or staring at a computer screen, it’s important to have the right light, so you don’t damage your eyes.

Directional lights such as desk lamps or table lamps are ideal, particularly if you need to see small details. A stylish alternative is Wall Lights, a duo of our industrial style lights are placed above this home desk; they ensure the space is well lit and the Pewter and grey touches look stunning with the sage wall!

If you’d prefer general lighting to illuminate the whole room, Pendant Lights are a beautiful focal point. It is key to note; however, that task lighting is required, and in an office setting, Wall Lights and Table Lamps are the perfect options for this.

Every room of the home requires different types of lighting, from task lighting in the kitchen to ambient lighting in the living room. If you are unsure which type of lighting you require, we offer a free custom lighting design service, where we can calculate lux levels and help with lighting layout.

If you’re in need of inspiration, we upload to our Instagram and Pinterest accounts every day, giving you the vision for every room of the home!