Good lighting changes how a room looks and how comfortable it is to live in. The main principle used by lighting designers is simple: combine several layers of light rather than relying on one fixture in the center of the ceiling.
The three layers
- Ambient light: general illumination that lets you move around safely. Ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, or indirect light from cove lighting.
- Task light: focused light where you work: under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, a desk lamp, a reading lamp, mirror lights in the bathroom.
- Accent light: highlights art, shelves or architecture and adds atmosphere, such as picture lights, small lamps or LED strips.
Having all three, ideally on separate switches or dimmers, lets a room be bright and practical during the day and soft in the evening.
Types of light fixtures
- Flush and semi-flush mounts: close to the ceiling, ideal for low ceilings, hallways and bedrooms.
- Pendants: hang from a cord or rod, perfect over kitchen islands and dining tables. Hang them about 30 to 36 inches above a table or counter.
- Chandeliers: decorative multi-light fixtures for dining rooms, entryways and high ceilings.
- Recessed (can) lights: discreet ambient light, good in kitchens and modern spaces; place them carefully to avoid a “Swiss cheese” ceiling.
- Track and rail lighting: adjustable heads to point light where needed, useful in kitchens and to light art.
- Wall sconces: soft light at eye level for hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms (either side of the mirror is better than one above).
- Floor and table lamps: the easiest way to add light without wiring.
- Under-cabinet lighting: the best task light for kitchen counters.
Installing a new ceiling fixture is explained in how to install a new light fixture.
Color temperature
Measured in kelvin (K). Warm white (2700 to 3000 K) feels cozy and suits living rooms and bedrooms. Neutral white (3500 to 4000 K) works well in kitchens, bathrooms and workspaces. Higher values look bluish and clinical at home. Keep the same temperature within a room so it looks consistent.
Brightness
Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. Kitchens and bathrooms need more light than bedrooms. Dimmers make any room more flexible; check that both the bulbs and the fixture are dimmable. Bulb types are compared in the different types of light bulbs and their advantages.
Room-by-room tips
- Living room: several lamps around the room, plus a dimmable ceiling light.
- Kitchen: recessed or track light, under-cabinet lights, pendants over the island.
- Bedroom: bedside lamps or sconces, and warm, dimmable light.
- Bathroom: bright, even light at face level around the mirror, with fixtures rated for damp locations.
LED strips are a flexible way to add accent lighting, see can you cut LED strip lights.
