Great lighting ideas need to illuminate all the functions of a space with the right lighting and also allow for mood swings. But lighting is an important feature of any room design, and it’s crucial that it also contributes to the aesthetics of the space.
From pendant lights and chandeliers to wall sconces, floor and table lamps, as well as fixtures used to illuminate artwork, stair lighting and more, there are a plethora of options that can enhance the space and be functional.
Here we present lighting ideas for rooms around the house to inspire your interior design.
lighting ideas
All of the different types of lighting – ambient, task and function – can be beautiful in their own right, and these lighting ideas tick all the boxes for style as well as practicality.
1. Bring warmth to a living area
(Image credit: Ian Baldwin)
Prioritize the atmosphere of the living room when shortlisting lighting ideas. ‘Heat is the most important factor in lighting a living space,” says Peter Legg, lead designer at där lighting.
“This is a cozy space, so you want to feel enveloped and comforted while using it. Aim for an even distribution of light to avoid harsh contrasts. One way to do this is through an armed ceiling light or chandelier that reflects the light around the room.‘
Of course, living room lighting ideas should be carefully planned so that the aesthetics of the lights are just as effective in daylight as the lighting effects at night.
2. Choose statement tags for the kitchen
(Image credit: Hudson Valley Lighting Group)
Kitchen lighting ideas, just like living room ones, revolve around visual impact in daylight as well as practicality and functionality.
Consider boldly scaled pendant lights hanging over a kitchen island. The lighting of the kitchen island, which in itself attracts attention, also makes the island itself even more of a feature of the room.
If you’re concerned that the large lights will block your view across the room, follow this room’s lead and opt for clear glass ones. Gold detailing in these designs reflects this in the handles as well as the legs of the stools and faucet for a consistent use of materials.
3. Enhance a bathroom
(Photo Credit: Katie Davis Design Photo: Kerry Kirk)
Spice up the decor in your washroom with a bathroom chandelier. “I always advise clients to invest in lighting,” says Katie Davis of Katie Davis Design, who designed this space. “Bathroom lighting changes everything. The right chandelier or pendant can give you a big design moment and instantly elevate a room.”
In general, bathroom ceiling lights don’t have to be moisture-resistant designs, leaving your choices wide open, but remember that some areas, like that over the shower, will need lighting appropriate to the location. Choose fixtures designed for that particular area of the room, which is zoned for that purpose.
4. Add living room wall lights
(Image credit: Hudson Valley Lighting Group)
Don’t neglect the potential presented by living room wall lighting ideas. In this space, a symmetrical pair of wall sconces by the chimney accentuate this feature of the space, even when the fire itself is not lit.
In this way, wall lights can be used in pairs or as single lights to make any area of the room inviting. They’re also a great solution for smaller spaces without having to give up floor or table space for a lamp.
5. Choose the right lighting positions in the bedroom
(Image credit: The Design Buzz)
Bedroom ceiling light ideas should be carefully placed in relation to the bed when implementing lighting ideas for the room.
“It’s best not to position any bedroom lighting above the bed where your pillows are as it will be too bright when you’re in bed,” explains Shalini Misra, interior designer and founder of Shalini Misra and The Design Buzz. “Placing an interesting, meaningful light in the center of the ceiling adds great focal point and design interest to the room, especially if you keep a muted color palette in the room.”
6. Fall in love with kitchen wall lighting
(Image credit: Future/Carolyn Barber)
Make food preparation safe with proper kitchen worktop lighting. Kitchen wall lighting ideas can avoid the problem of working in the shade that can occur when lights are directly behind a person standing at the counter.
While linear LED lighting is an alternative, wall lights are both a decorative and functional addition to the space, and industrial-style designs like this one are one of the many attractive options on offer.
7. Light bedroom storage
(Image credit: Gunter & Co)
Plan bedroom lighting that makes dressing easier. Canned lights can do some of the work, as can clever closet lighting ideas.
“In the bedroom of this penthouse, we positioned downlights to flood the light down the front of the closet doors,” says Irene Gunter, founder of design agency Gunter & Co. “This not only emphasizes the beauty of the wood, but also when the doors are open.” open, the light also helps illuminate the interior.
“I would also recommend LED lighting strips attached to interior drawers and shelves that turn on when you open the doors.”
8. Exploit the potential of light sources
(Image credit: Davey Lighting)
When choosing lighting for living spaces, think about materials. “Materials are just as important as style when choosing lighting for your living room,” explains Charlie Bowles, director of Original BTC.
This design is made from geometric bone china tiles and Charlie says: “Bone china is an ideal choice as it offers a lovely soft surface and a beautiful translucent sheen. This soft light is ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere where you immediately feel comfortable and relaxed.”
9. Use lighting to attract the eye
(Image Credit: Katie Davis Design Photo: Melissa Fitzgerald West)
Thoughtful use of lighting can draw attention where you want it – this can be particularly useful for entry lighting ideas and hallway lighting. “This entryway has ceilings that extend all the way up to the third floor,” says Katie Davis of Katie Davis Design. “To make the area feel like a unique space despite being three stories high, we installed downlights on top of the art. It encourages visitors to focus at eye level instead of looking up.’
10. Create task lighting in a home office
(Photo credit: Jan Baldwin / Future)
Home office lighting ideas don’t just have to be functional, so don’t just think of table lamps to illuminate the home office desk. A floor lamp can provide the even glow necessary to avoid eye strain and also provide an elegant feature of the room. It can also provide a wider pool of lighting for a shared desk.
How do I get good light in the house?
To get good lighting at home, always think about layers of light. “We love layering the lighting in a room,” says Katie Davis of Katie Davis Design. “It is important to me that not all of the light in a room comes from the ceiling and that the light is at different heights in the room.
“For example, layering canned light on a floor lamp, wall sconce, table lamp and pendants allows a space to easily adapt to the mood you are in or the event you are having and doing a room ultimately more dynamic. It also helps to consider factors such as wattage.”
How can I add mood lighting to a room?
To add mood lighting to a room, use dimmable lights so light levels can be easily adjusted. This applies not only to spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms, but also to kitchens, so that after the meal preparation and cooking is complete, a more gentle ambience for dining or relaxing can be created in the room.
Lights with different circuits are also helpful, for example, the perimeter lights can be turned off independently of the central lights for a more intimate feel.
Also pay attention to the color temperature. It’s measured in Kelvin, and for warm light opt for lower numbers of 2,700 to 3,000K; at 3,100 K and higher, the light appears cooler.