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Lighting design for homes


10 ways to illuminate every room beautifully |

(Image credit: Future)

Great lighting ideas need to provide the right illumination for all of a room’s functions, and allow changes of mood, too. But lighting is a major feature of any room design, and it’s crucial that it plays its part in the aesthetic of the space, too.

From pendants and chandeliers to wall lights, floor and table lamps, plus lights for illuminating artwork, lighting stairs and more, there is a wealth of choices that can elevate the room as well as act functionally.

Here, we’re showcasing lighting ideas for rooms around the home to inspire your interior design.

Lighting ideas

All the different lighting types – ambient, task, and feature – can be beautiful in their own right, and these lighting ideas tick 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. 'Warmth is the most important factor when lighting a living area,’ 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 spread of light to avoid any harsh contrasts. One way to do this is through an armed ceiling light or a chandelier which will rebound light across the room.'

Of course, living room lighting ideas should be carefully planned so that the effect created by the aesthetics of the light fittings in daylight is just as impactful as that of the lighting scheme itself at night.

(Image credit: Hudson Valley Lighting Group)

Kitchen lighting ideas, just like those of the living room are as much about visual impact in daylight as they are about practicality and functionality. 

Consider boldly scaled pendant lights to hang over a kitchen island. Attention-grabbing in their own right, kitchen island lighting also makes the island itself even more of a feature of the room.  

If you’re concerned the sizeable lights will block views through the room, follow this room’s example and opt for those made with clear glass. Gold detail in these designs echoes that in handles as well the legs of the stools and the faucet for a consistent use of materials. 

3. Elevate a bathroom

(Image credit: Katie Davis Design Photograph: Kerry Kirk)

Turn up the dial on decoration in your wash space with a bathroom chandelier. ‘I always tell clients to invest in lighting,’ says Katie Davis of Katie Davis Design , who created this room. ‘Bathroom lighting is a game changer. The right chandelier or pendant can give you a major design moment, and make a space feel instantly elevated.’

Generally bathroom ceiling lights don’t have to be damp-rated designs, leaving your choices wide open, but do bear in mind that some areas, like that over the shower, need lights suitable for the location. Choose lights rated for the particular area of the room, which is divided into zones for this purpose.  

4. Add living room wall lights

(Image credit: Hudson Valley Lighting Group)

Don’t neglect the potential that living room wall lighting ideas have to offer. In this room, a symmetrical pair of wall sconces on the chimney highlights this feature of the room even when the fire itself isn’t lit.

In pairs, or as single fittings, wall lights can make any part of the room inviting in this way. They’re also a great solution for smaller spaces avoiding the need to give up floor or table space to a lamp.

5. Select the right bedroom lighting positions 

(Image credit: The Design Buzz)

Bedroom ceiling light ideas should be carefully located in relation to the bed when realizing lighting ideas for the room.

‘It is best not to position any bedroom lighting over the top of the bed where your pillows are as this is too harsh when you are lying in bed,’ explains Shalini Misra, interior designer and founder of Shalini Misra and The Design Buzz . ‘Placing an interesting, statement light in the center of the ceiling provides a great focal point and design interest in the room, especially if you are keeping a muted palette in the space.’

6. Fall for kitchen wall lighting

(Image credit: Future / Carolyn Barber)

Make food preparation safe with adequate illumination for kitchen countertops. Kitchen wall lighting ideas can avoid the problem of working in a shadow, which can occur when lights are directly behind a person standing at the counter.

While linear LED lighting is an alternative, wall lights are a decorative addition to the room as well as a functional one, and industrial-style designs like this one are one of the many handsome choices on offer.

7. Illuminate bedroom storage

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

Plan a layer of bedroom lighting that will make it easier to dress. Canned lights can do some of the work, as can clever closet lighting ideas.

‘In the bedroom of this penthouse, we positioned downlights so that they wash light down the front of the closet doors,’ says Irene Gunter, founder of design agency Gunter & Co .  ‘This not only highlights the beauty of the wood, but when the doors are open, the light also helps to illuminate the interior.

‘I would also recommend strips of LED lighting mounted along drawers and shelves inside, which turn on when you open the doors.’

8. Exploit the potential of lighting materials

(Image credit: Davey Lighting)

Think materials when selecting lighting for living spaces. ‘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 with geometric bone china tiles and Charlie says, ‘Bone china is an ideal choice, bringing a lovely softness of finish and a beautifully translucent glow. This soft light is ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel instantly comfortable and relaxed.’

9. Use lighting to attract the eye

(Image credit: Katie Davis Design Photograph: Melissa Fitzgerald West)

Considered use of lighting can concentrate attention where you want it – this can be particularly useful for entryway lighting ideas and hallway lighting. ‘In this entry, the ceilings extend to the third floor,’ says Katie Davis of Katie Davis Design . ‘In an effort to make the area feel like a singular space, even though it was three stories high, we installed downlighting on the art. It encourages visitors to keep focused at eye level versus looking up.’

10. Create task lighting in a home office

(Image credit: Jan Baldwin / Future)

Home office lighting ideas needn't just be functional, so don’t just think table lamps to provide light for a home office desk. A floor lamp can provide the even glow that‘s necessary to avoid eye strain and make for an elegant feature of the room, too. It can also provide a wider pool of illumination for a shared desk.

How do I get good lighting at home?

To get good lighting at home, always think about layers of light. ‘We love to layer lighting in a room,’ says Katie Davis of Katie Davis Design . ‘It’s important to me that all of the light in a space doesn’t come from the ceiling, and that there is light at different heights in the room.  

‘If you layer a floor lamp, sconce, table lamp and pendants with canned lighting, for instance, it allows a space to easily transition for the mood you are in or the event you are having, ultimately making a space more dynamic. Considering factors like wattage helps this, too.’

How can I add mood lighting to a room?

To add mood lighting to a room, use dimmable fixtures so the light levels can be adjusted easily. As well as for spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, that goes for kitchens, too, so that once food preparation and cooking is finished, a softer ambience can be created for dining or relaxing in the space.

Lights on different circuits are also helpful, allowing perimeter lights, for example, to be switched off independently from central lighting for a more intimate feel.

Pay attention to color temperature, too. It’s measured in Kelvins, and for warm light, opt for lower numbers of 2,700 to 3,000K; at 3,100K and up light will appear cooler.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

67 stylish lighting ideas to brighten your home

67 stylish lighting ideas to brighten your home | loveproperty.com

67 stylish lighting ideas to brighten your home

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Bright ideas and new trends to light your home

An essential element of any room, the right lighting can take a scheme from dark and dingy to cosy and welcoming with the flick of a switch. From glamorous Art Deco lamps to neon signs and whimsical moon lamps, we've rounded up the best ideas and new trends to bring light into your home. Click or scroll on for plenty of illuminating ideas...

Install bedroom pendant lights

Industville / davidgilesphototgraphy / @lifeofaninteriorstylist

At present, you can't flick over to a bedroom makeover page in an interiors magazine that hasn't installed a fabulous pair of bedroom pendant lights on either side of the bed. The symmetrical suspended lighting option frees up space on the nightstand and creates an incredible focal statement that highlights the bed. Of course, it also means you can forgo the furniture altogether—so makes the perfect small bedroom idea. And best of all? You don’t have to get out of bed to turn them off.

Larger than life

Lightsandlamps.com

Over-blown lighting statements make interesting focal points in rooms without structural features to show off. Super-sized ceiling drums, dominating floor lamps or decorative wall lights are set to be the centre of attention in living rooms and large open-plan living spaces. 

Make it monochrome

Monochrome decorating schemes that wrap rooms in one colour or tone create a stylish and contemporary vibe. Blending lighting into the scheme adds a three-dimensional element without upsetting the balance. We love this take on the trend where a copper-toned floor lamp peeps out from Dulux's soft Dusted Heather tone of the upper walls but blends in perfectly below with a shade of Inca Orange below.

Scalloped edges

Marks and Spencer

Like the paint decorating effect, scalloped edges are going to be a hit lighting trend in 2023. Set above a dining table or kitchen island, the wave-like curves are soft and fluid, creating subtle attention to detail that's totally up to date. 

Expose the wires

@_lifeafterlockdown / Industville

If exposed lighting cables conjure up visions of dusty construction extension leads trailing across the floor—think again! Uncovered wires create bespoke looks that offer an industrial edge in modern homes. From suspended spidery chandeliers to red braided rope lamps, there is an array of choices.

Soften with smoked glass

Add a twist to popular bulb lighting with smoked glass shades and pendants that add a glamorous contrast to neutral schemes. The delicate addition adds a soft hue to create a warm traditional decorating idea that's timeless and chic.

Feature a sculptural chandlier

Danetti

Chandeliers have been a decorative luxury lighting option for centuries. But, contemporary versions with sculptural interest are making a popular warm welcome in modern schemes. These architectural chandeliers are sleek, avant-garde, and artistic.

Pop in powder coated metals

HomSense

Powdered coated metal gives classic industrial-style lights a colourful update. Pastel tones are proving more popular than ever and will introduce pretty notes into neutral schemes or add a fresh finish to contemporary, minimalist rooms.  

Have fun with novelty bases

Joe Browns

From brass monkeys hanging from ceilings clutching light bulbs to exotic bird bases propping up patterned light shades, whimsical lighting ideas that add interest to a scheme are filling up the lighting aisle shelves. We love this little pink bulldog table lamp that will sit faithfully in a retro living room with a cool, kitsch character.

Calm with Japandi charm

johnlewis.com

As the latest trends are heavily influenced by the environment and sustainability, it's no surprise that designers are looking to use eco-friendly materials in bold designs that really pack a punch. Naturally translucent, the beauty of a paper lantern is in the soft glow as the light is able to permeate through, perfect for the darker months when we're looking for comfort and cosiness rather than clear, bright task lighting. Paper is also widely used in lantern making, which ties in nicely with the ongoing love for Japandi style.

Pick up a portable lamp

Nedgis

With the threat of possible blackouts looming, it's no wonder flexible, battery-powered LED lamps are having a facelift. The Dipping Light portable lamp is a wireless splendour designed by Jordi Canudas. It delivers 20 hours of warm glow that is a far cry from those basic camping lamps we have been used to until now. 

Colour up rattan lampshades

Le Redoute

Rattan has been a popular lighting material in neutral and rustic schemes for a while, so it's refreshing to see a colour update in the mix. The Hilo colourful woven straw lighting range is handcrafted from braided straw and brings a fun, bohemian vibe to colourful schemes. 

Light up rechargeable lamps

Black-outs be gone as technology is changing the way we light our homes.  This amber resin lamp really is a jewel as it's rechargeable. With at least ten hours of dimmable charge, it can be moved into any dark corner to create an exotic glow without needing wires or sockets. 

Set up sustainable style

Furniture Village

Our need for sustainable style hasn't fallen short in the lighting industry. As well as LED and rechargeable interior components, design aesthetics are also getting an update. Despite glass saturating lighting looks right now, we love materials such as wood and natural rattan, too.

Use strip lights in an alcove

Hera / Architonic

LED strip lights have opened up a world of possibilities for the home decorator. Simply attach them with a double-sided sticky backing and you can use these long illuminated ribbons anywhere, plus they're battery-operated, so no unsightly wires. One simple way to create a glowing feature is to outline any architectural features such as alcoves, tray ceilings or wall recesses. As this project proves, curves, in particular, look stunning.

Add attention-to-detail text

Aurina

Give your Edison bulb feature lamp an extra style statement by adding a light bulb like no other. Text light bulbs are quirky and set the mood with a smile. 

Mix marble with metallics

Cult Furniture

From bedside lights to task lamps, table lighting is an essential consideration for any home interior. Pairing practicality with a sleek, modern design, this oversized gold-infused light bulb makes a glamorous statement with a marble-effect dome base. The combination of materials adds glamour to monochrome or Scandi-inspired schemes.

Choose an intriguing task lamp

A good task light is a must if you want to pursue your work or hobbies on a dim winter afternoon. An angled desk lamp is your best bet. Look for a design that diffuses a little mood lighting through the shade while focusing a stronger beam on the task in hand will give you the best of both worlds. This contemporary Kiranat Matt table lamp embraces our new love of primary colours and has a striking flat, adjustable shade designed to reflect light onto walls and objects. 

Display a cloche lamp

Dunelm

Glass plinth lamps allow the owner to add a personal touch to lighting that tells a seasonal story or matches a particular decorating scheme. Remove the clear glass cloche base from the wood stand to display a touch of greenery or an ornament within. The decorative element makes a timeless addition to classic and country looks. 

Arrange an arc lamp

Cuckooland

Following the hot trend of curvy, wavy, and arch decorating, go for a large arc floor lamp to illuminate the area you need. Position one over the sofa for reading, watching television or just chatting with friends. You can even mix up the finishes—we love this copper design, but you could go for steel or black for a more dramatic feel.

Introduce modernist silhouettes and shadows

johnlewis.com

Ceiling lights with striking and contemporary vibes are pushing the boundaries with organic shapes. This Hiko light has been created with metal threads that curve into an uneven profile. The floating-style aesthetic glows from the centre through each narrow panel casting inviting shadows on nearby walls.

Go bold with colour and pattern

Mindthegap

This season, lighting is all about bold colours and eclectic patterns, so why not combine the two to create a truly wow-factor space that is entirely your own? Forget white walls and complementary lamps, because right now it's time to throw out the rule book and get playful with interesting prints and palettes. Pay homage to art and the latest global décor trend and you're sure to create a living space you'll never want to leave.

Hang handblown glass

H&M Home

The trend for organic, rounded shapes has moved on from seating to lighting, with clear glass as the material of choice for 2023. Handblown forms play on imperfection and asymmetry, while the translucent quality means this oversized lantern feels as light and airy as a bubble.

Make it all about orbs

houseof

Taking inspiration from the recent Art Deco renaissance, orb lighting is an easy way to bring your interior bang up to date. Evoke the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties with a gold wire pendant shade that frames the spherical bulb to perfection. Pair with a complementary floor lamp, like this stunning design from houseof, to carry the curvaceous aesthetic throughout your living space.

Go tough luxe with industrial lighting

Skinflint

You’d have to have been living under a rock to have missed the huge trend for Edison light bulbs, but industrial lighting has so many different strings to its bow. From pipework wall lights to reused bulkheads and fluted glass pendants, this modern style has a rustic, textured finish that looks great in all types of décor. 

Pick a pleated lampshade

H&M Home

Testament to the fact that the 1990s revival shows no signs of abating, the once-iconic pleated lampshade is making an unexpected comeback. Pair it with a weighty coloured marble base, team it with a brass lamp or add mini shades to wall lights; you'll be surprised at how modern and appealing they suddenly look again.

Bring neon lights into the bedroom

The French Bedroom Company

The 1980s obsession also shows no sign of waning (thank goodness!), and one of the coolest ways to bring a little of this decade’s style into your home is through a statement neon light. Combine it with typography to nail two trends at once. Scared of fluorescent colours? Stick to a monochrome palette and use a clean, white light—it’s an absolute showstopper!

Illuminate an island with kitchen pendant lights

Kitchen Makers

Kitchen lighting usually requires three or four approaches: task lights for work areas, under lighting to highlight shadowy spots, and statement lighting to create the wow factor. A trio of pendants above an island definitely falls into the latter and the soft pools of light create a more ambient effect that's perfect for socialising. There are as many styles of pendants as there are hot dinners, from smoked glass to rustic enamelware, so pick something that complements your scheme for a trendy kitchen that won't go out of style.

Use wall lights to streamline a bedroom

The French Bedroom Company

Kill the clutter and get hotel style in one power move by incorporating two wall lights into your bedroom design. Not only do these provide the perfect reading light, they also free up space on a bedside table for more important things, like tea.

Illuminate shelves

Gera / Architonic

What better way to display your favourite objects than on this cool Gera illuminated shelf? Made from fine, anodised aluminium, this clever two-in-one solution is perfect for a home office, as it can double up as a reading light. We love how it adds an ombre effect to any wall, too.

Sparkle with a modern chandelier

The chandeliers of yesteryear might’ve been all about intricate layered tiers and crystal galore, but these days there’s a whole host of contemporary chandeliers more suited to the modern, minimalist home. Combining glass and brass, this sleek design wows with a fluted finish that casts a soft, warm glow. Use it to frame a dining table or illuminate a luxe living room.

Turn up the texture with a rattan lampshade

Habitat

Taking us right back to the 1970s, rattan, our favourite retro comeback kid, is taking over our home interiors all over again. Offering a wealth of texture and architectural interest, a woven pendant light is the way to go for those looking to make a serious statement. If you want to up the drama, opt for an oversized black rattan lampshade instead.

Add retro charm with Art Deco lighting

DelightFULL

The perfect addition to a period home or a new build lacking in character, 1920s-style lighting is a great way to inject instant personality into a lacklustre living space. With their warm gold hues and architectural curves, this Art Deco wall light and table lamp add a stunning vintage finish to this monochrome scheme.

Find your zen with a Himalayan salt lamp

inewsfoto / Shutterstock

Believed by some to boost your mood and improve your sleep, Himalayan salt lamps are the next big thing in zen lighting. With a soft pink pigment, these unusual lights emit a warming glow that’s perfect for cosying up a coffee table or adding a peaceful ambience to a bedroom. They’re available both as a rough-hewn rock or in a carved, polished design for a more refined finish.

Go for glass pendant lighting

For an elegant and sophisticated scheme, you can’t beat a sleek glass light fitting. There’s no shortage of styles out there, from atmospheric smoked glass pendant lights to vibrant coloured shades. For a modern country scheme, this cowbell design, complete with industrial chain fitting, adds plenty of charm to a rustic-inspired space.

Create a spectacle with a sputnik light

Johnlewis.com

Mid-century modern fans rejoice—the sputnik chandelier is back. The perfect way to make a dazzling statement in a living area, this gold and green design from John Lewis oozes glitz and glamour. For a sophisticated dining room, pair with metallic accessories and jewel-toned tableware for a show-stopping space to entertain.

Round up a mirror light

Inbani / Architonic / Baumann Fotografie

We love this statement design by Inbani, which will give any bathroom the feel of a luxury hotel. With its on-trend round shape, bevelled edge, and backlight, it has a minimalist style while fulfilling multiple functions. Mirror lights are great for smaller rooms, freeing up wall and ceiling space, and creating an optical illusion of extra inches. Plus, they are great for doing your make-up.

Colour your home with smart lighting

Phillips Hue

No smart home would be complete without an integrated lighting system, but now Phillips Hue is making it easy for anyone to enjoy the benefits of smart lighting. All you really need is a smart LED lightbulb and the app to start customising your scheme using a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone. You can set up to 10 different lights to different settings, ranging from bright white light that's good for working to these rich colours that will create the perfect ambience according to your mood. 

Curate a photo wall

Lights4fun

String up small fairy lights on a wall and use them to peg your favourite holiday photos and snaps of friends and family. It makes a wonderful alternative to traditional photo frames while adding light and illumination to the room.

Celebrate celestial

Furniture Village

Use lighting to set the decorating scheme for a room. Here, a stylish celestial pendant has been used over the bed. Teamed with a spherical bedside lantern, it sets the stage for a starry space-inspired scheme. Using moody colours, the lights take centre stage for this look. 

Go wild with animal designs

KSL Living

Why not ditch the same old lighting options and go for something a little out of the ordinary? In children's rooms, it's especially fun to use animal-shaped designs. This blue stag head wall lamp is a great feature in this blue and red bedroom.

Lay fairy lights along a ledge

Norsu Interiors

Look around your home for areas that are lacking in light. Instead of opting for a conventional table light, ceiling pendant or floor lamp, try something a little different, such as running a length of fairy lights along a shelf.

Bring in a moon lamp

LoomisCollection / Etsy

One for stargazers and dreamers alike, this gorgeous homage to the moon makes a beautiful night light. Whether you go for an oversized orb to hang from the ceiling or a smaller lunar lamp, there are lots of options available now that these beauties have grown in popularity. Some have LED lights that change colour at a touch and others come wall-mounted with remote controls, but all have that amazing texture and shading for a lifelike appearance.

Have fun with tactile tassels

Oliver Bonas

This season there are plenty of new and exciting lighting options, including these gorgeous velvet and tassel lamps from Oliver Bonas. They come in a range of colours and are a great way to add texture to a room—we can imagine these in pride-of-place in the living room.

Mix and match shapes

Nedgis

Bring together a variety of different pendant designs and position them in a line over the dining table or above a bed. For a minimalist feel, use the same colour, or if you're feeling extra daring, mix up colours and finishes for a cool, mismatched look.

Lead the way

Astro Lighting

Create atmosphere in your home by installing low-level lights up your staircase. Ideal for safely moving between floors at night without having to switch on the main light, you could even install a handy motion sensor.

String up festoon lights

Lights4fun

Not just for the garden, festoon lights look great draped just about anywhere in the home. They're often battery-operated, making positioning much easier as you're not governed by a power socket. Try trailing them up the banister, across a headboard, along a shelf or around window frames. The trick to making them not look like Christmas lights is to go for large white bulbs for an industrial feel.

Hang a crystal pendant

Dar Lighting

A large, dramatic crystal pendant is totally worth its investment for a wow-factor centrepiece. Showing off hundreds of strands of individual crystals, this design from Dar Lighting refracts light around the room beautifully. One of the charms of lighting is playing around with shades to cast light in unusual ways, so don't be afraid to experiment.

Soothe with a baby night light

Follow the Flow / Shutterstock

Babies need colour and stimulation, so be sure to bring some light into their nursery or around their cot. An illuminated mobile hanging above the cot is ideal, but you could also add draped paper lights, a cloud-like wall lamp or a cute illuminated star. Whatever you incorporate, be sure that it's not blindingly bright or overpowering and just omits a soft glow. ​

Add a playful touch

Lime Lace

How cool is this shark-fin floor light from Lime Lace? It really adds a playful touch to whatever room you place it in. Created by German designer Moree, the fin will look great in a living room, bedroom or hallway—we can't think of a more impressive way to greet guests. It's made from high-quality plastic and can be illuminated in a range of colours and controlled by remote.

Light up your art

Nedgis

If you have a gallery wall of photographs and paintings, think creatively as to how you're going to illuminate them. Instead of the typical overhead ceiling lights or spotlights, go for a flexible wall-hung lamp that you can move around and direct to your favourite piece.

Create a cosy hallway

The right lighting is essential for a warm welcome in your hardworking hallway. Combine overhead pendants with a wall light or table lamp to layer up your lighting and create a cosy atmosphere. For extra convenience, make sure lighting can be controlled from a switch next to the front door, ideally on a different circuit to the main light so you can opt for bright, functional lighting or a soft, homely glow.

Have a light bulb moment

Making sure you have the right light bulb is essential if you want your home to feel cosy and snug. Modern LED bulbs offer a vast colour spectrum to choose from, from almost orange to cool white. If you want your bulb to emit a warm glow, pick one with a colour temperature of 2700 Kelvins or less. 

Layer the lighting

Habitat

When it comes to selecting the lighting for a room, you don’t have to be stingy—layering is the key to any successful scheme. Instead of sticking to a single pendant light, build up the ambience in a living space by combining a ceiling fixture with a floor lamp for task lighting and a table lamp to create a soft glow in the evenings.

Add an antique lamp

Fritz Fryer

Take a look around antique fairs and shows to find unique lighting that you won't see anywhere else. You can buy replicas, of course, but finding a one-off can be the starting point for a whole decorating scheme. This home office looks so stylish with this old industrial lamp from Fritz Fryer who specialises in restoring antique lighting and has a bounty of beautiful pieces.

Illuminate the windowsill

H&M Home

Don’t neglect the smaller spaces in your home—after nightfall, windowsills can become dark and lifeless without the sun streaming in. Banish the evening gloom by sprucing up your sill with a statement lamp or two. Not only will it add a stylish flourish to your home by day, but it’ll also provide a welcoming beacon after dusk.

Drape fairy lights

Graham & Green

A versatile lighting choice, string lights can work in an interior all year round. From illuminating artwork to adding a cosy glow to a snug or bedroom, there's a wide array of designs out there to choose from. This latticed metal design casts a pretty pattern, elevating neutral walls and adding a welcome touch of warmth.

Fall for a floor lamp

There’s an array of stylish ways to illuminate a dingy living room with a standing light. This coastal-inspired space pairs a gold-plated design with soft white walls and pops of seafoam green and royal blue. If you’re feeling daring, you could swap out the neutral shade for something bold in a contrasting hue.

Try a trio

Delightfull

Why have a single light source when you can have three—or more—in one? A multi-arm lamp really comes into its own when the season turns grey. You could, for example, use one light for reading, one to cast a soft glow on the floor and one to create an ombre wall or curtain. 

Beat the winter blues

Care Co

If you’re one of the 29% of people in the UK who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a light therapy lamp will introduce a much-needed ray of sunshine into your home. These LED lights simulate the spectrum of natural sunlight, triggering serotonin production in the brain and boosting your mood. 

Invest in daylight bulbs

If the dark mornings are getting you down, a light-based alarm clock can help to ease you out of bed by simulating the dawn. The clock becomes gradually brighter over the course of 30 minutes, waking you up slowly and gently, just like the sun would. The Bodyclock wake-up lights by Lumie also come with an optional alarm beep, just in case. 

Light up a vanity mirror

Hollywood Mirrors

A staple of Hollywood dressing rooms, what vanity station is complete without a mirror studded with light bulbs? A must-have for carrying out morning ablutions, the right lighting is key for a flawless look. This circular design includes a handy mirrored pedestal to make getting ready a breeze.

Install a dimmer switch

If your living spaces feel cool and clinical, consider opting for lighting with dimmer switches to add warmth to your interior. An easy way to create ambience, they can be easily adjusted to suit the occasion, from offering a soft glow on a cosy evening in, to injecting drama and atmosphere during a dinner party.

Create a cluster overhead

Rocco Borghese

Sometimes more is more! Clustering lights together can transform even the simplest fittings into a striking installation, creating an irresistible glow. Group your lights in odd numbers to create visual interest and make sure they’re fitted to a dimmer switch so you can adjust them depending on the mood.

Add a bathroom glow

C.P. Hart

It’s easy to overlook bathroom lighting, but treating yourself to layers of soft light is a luxury you won’t regret when you're enjoying a soak in the tub on a chilly night. Tiled rooms tend to feel colder, especially if you don’t have underfloor heating, but a bit of carefully-placed uplighting, downlighting, and recessed lighting using warm-spectrum bulbs will make even the coolest white bathroom feel cosy.

Display oversized light-up letters

Graham & Green

Letter lights make a bold decorative statement and are a fun way to brighten up a dark corner. Go for an evergreen word or phrase that will withstand the seasons—if you're opting for larger letters, stick to four or five-letter words for maximum impact.

Play with different shapes

Lights4fun

Add a whimsical touch to your lighting scheme with fun shaped designs. These sparkling stars feature strings of white LED lights wrapped around a metal frame. You could try mounting them on a wall or attaching them to a base to create freestanding table lighting.

Loved this? Take inspiration from more gorgeous DIY and decorating ideas

07 December 2022

Interiors

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The concept of "light design" is much more complex and multifaceted than it might seem at first glance. He should put in a favorable light the dignity of the room and hide its shortcomings, make it cozy and comfortable, emphasize the individuality of the owner. nine0003

Lighting design is usually divided into three components, each of which plays a special role in creating a stylish and harmonious interior lighting.

Usually a competent project includes all three elements, because only their skillful combination can create an interesting and stylish interior.

Beautiful design depends a lot on lighting

Think carefully about lighting design

Use light to highlight or hide interior elements

Contents

What is lighting like

There are several types of lighting, each of which has its own functions and implementation rules:

View

Function

Requirement

Background

Complex space lighting, background creation

Maximum coverage, minimum shadows

Local

Highlights details

Suitable light spectrum

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Working

Spot lighting for areas where light is most needed

Optimal light for human perception

Decorative

Aesthetic

Harmless

Backlight

Makes what is happening in the room inaccessible to prying eyes

Must be opaque on the outside

Properly selected lighting can change the interior beyond recognition

There are several types of lighting

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Effect of lighting on the emotional state

Not only the appearance of your apartment depends on the choice of fixtures, but also the mental and emotional state of its inhabitants. Scientists have found that the lighting that affects us has many properties that can be both beneficial and harmful. nine0003

Blue light to help you relax

Each color has its own influence on a person

Lighting can affect emotional state

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How to regulate natural light

When passing through glass and reflecting off mirrors, natural light becomes too hard and harsh. You can smooth out this light effect with the help of translucent and openwork barriers - tulle and organza. By diffusing light, they make natural lighting smooth and comfortable.

Another way to control the amount of light coming from windows is with vertical blinds. They make it less rigid, and at a certain turn they give it the necessary direction. With their help, the level of illumination of the room is regulated with just a few hand movements. nine0003

Light can highlight the desired items in the interior

In some cases natural light can be dispensed with

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Principles of artificial lighting

The illumination of any space is subject to many sanitary and hygienic requirements defined by various GOSTs and standards. You can study them for a long time and hard, but it will be more convenient to get acquainted only with the most important of them. nine0003

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1.0

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Not regulated

Indicators

Bedrooms and living rooms

Kitchens and dining rooms

Gyms

Children's rooms

Offices

Hallways

Toilets

Bathrooms

Pools

Illumination, lx

150

150

150

200

300

50

50

100

100

KEO

0. 5

0.5

0.5

0.7

Not regulated

Not regulated

Not regulated

0.5

UGR

0

0

60

0

0

0

Not regulated

60

All values ​​in this table are only the necessary minimum, no standards establish upper limit values.

Not every reader is familiar with the concepts of KEO and UGR. Let's try to figure out what it is and how they differ from each other.

In the bedroom you can do without strong light sources. A few lamps will suffice

nine0018 Lighting should be selected individually for each design

There are certain rules for lighting different rooms

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KEO

Daylight ratio is the ratio of daylight to total light. The parameter determines the proportion of natural light entering the space of the room. Let's take a simple example.

Suppose we measured the illumination in the middle of the living room, and it was 300 lux. Let's go out to the open balcony adjacent to this room, and measure the level of illumination there. Let's say it was 500 lux. Then KEO will be calculated as 300/500=0.6. Comparing this indicator with the table value, we conclude that the light corresponds to the norm. nine0003

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UGR

The Discomfort Coefficient is defined by international standards and serves as a measure of light hardness. It is measured in the range from 1 to 100 and is determined by the polarization, coherence and spectrum of the light flux.

In simple terms, this value indicates how soft and favorable the light in the room is for the human eye.

Lighting can highlight some items in the interior

If there is a lot of natural light in the room, you can do with the chandelier

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Basic Rules

Having dealt with the norms, it is worth talking about the basic rules that are no longer responsible for the absence of harm to human health, but for the harmonious aesthetic design of the interior.

  1. Lighting design must necessarily be coordinated with the color of the interior.

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  2. The flow of light visually stretches the room, lengthening it in the direction of its direction.

  3. Light rooms illuminate evenly, made in dark colors - each zone separately.

  4. In the work area, the ideal light is white.

  5. Light objects are best illuminated with colored light, and for bright details choose bright local lighting.

  6. Saturated shadows and lack of light in certain areas are best avoided. nine0003

The flow of light visually stretches the room, extending it in the direction of its direction

In the bedroom you can get by with a chandelier and a few lamps

The lighting solution must be combined with the interior of the room

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The most common type of lamps, which is used in the interior of any room and style - suspended and ceiling chandeliers. They use different types of lamps, they differ in style and design, but the most important parameter when choosing is the material from which the chandelier is made. nine0003

Material

Pluses

Cons

Metal

Glass

  • Brittleness

Wood

  • Demanding care

  • Moisture resistance

  • Exposure to light

  • Short life

Crystal

  • High cost

  • Brittleness

Plastic

Textile

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  • Originality

  • Moderate price

Chandeliers definitely look quite stylish and play with the general stylistic idea of ​​the interior, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort around them, but they also have disadvantages:

Despite their beauty, they are very difficult to install and maintain

Chandeliers always look very stylish

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Pros and cons of lamps

The latest generation of luminaires, which is very popular - LED or led-luminaires. Their success in the market is due to the many advantages of such lighting:

Regarding the cons of LED lighting, it is worth saying the following:

Luminaires can illuminate specific areas

LED lights

are very popular at the moment

Sometimes lamps are used as decorative elements

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Street lighting

Outdoor lighting of the house is carried out for decorative, security or functional purposes.

It is customary to pay special attention to functional lighting in the project, since it is she who is responsible for safe movement in the yard. The main objects are garden paths, steps and porch, and the most popular solution is small lamps with short legs. They will perfectly fit into any landscape design and will not take up much space, and in the dark they will do their job perfectly. nine0003

A tip for the most economical homeowners is to use solar-powered lamps, their choice is just as huge.

Solar lights can be used to save money

Outdoor lighting of the house is for decorative, security or functional purposes

Decorative lighting is designed to highlight the most attractive details of your garden with light. It can be installed at a fountain, pond, recreation area or garden sculpture. nine0003

Properly organized interior lighting design can work real miracles, transforming the space, changing the direction of the flow of light and having a beneficial effect on the human psyche. The main thing in the pursuit of a stylish and modern interior design is to follow the rules of lighting and not forget about your own comfort and health.

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50 photos of interior lighting design ideas:

Light design: interior lighting rules

Do you know what is an important building block in the foundation of an ideal interior? High-quality study of all light sources! However, many begin to think about chandeliers and lamps only when the repair is almost completed. As a result - disappointment, insufficient level of illumination and the impossibility of realizing the full potential of lighting design.

A professional design project involves the arrangement of various lighting fixtures in the process of forming the idea of ​​a future interior, which will allow you to develop the electrical circuit of the apartment in advance and mount the electrical wiring before the start of finishing work.

No matter how successful and thoughtful an interior project is, without the right lighting it may not only fail to reveal its full individuality, but may even seem completely inferior.

nine0018 See also the article: 10 mistakes in repair and design , reception, etc.).


What is lighting design?


Lighting design has three components: general lighting design, lighting architecture and lighting design. nine0003

General lighting is the so-called background light. When creating it, it is important to consider that the light should be comfortable. Moreover, its brightness and "temperature" of lighting depend on the purpose of a particular room. For example, in the nursery and in the office, the light may be more intense than in the bedroom or bathroom.

Light architecture - emphasizes the conceptual orientation of the design of the room, illuminates niches, work surfaces, creates the effect of a "floating ceiling". In some styles, this component cannot be dispensed with, for example, hi-tech involves highlighting certain elements with light. nine0003

Interior lighting design is a concept that characterizes lamps as a decorative element that emphasizes the individuality of their owner. The variety and availability of modern lighting products create a fertile ground for their use in interior design, following the latest fashion trends and transforming it beyond recognition.

Read also the article: Lighting in the bedroom.


Types of lighting:


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1. Background. The important thing here is the uniform distribution of light without dips and shadows.
2. Local lighting. Illumination of specific elements of the interior, taking into account the light spectrum.
3. Working lighting. Local illumination of a specific area. It is used in cases where intense bright light is required, while at the same time comfortable for the eye to perceive.
4. Decorative lighting is the illumination of the floor, ceiling, shelves, etc. It should not "cut the eyes" when performing its main function - drawing attention to the selected object. nine0003

You will also be interested in: LED lighting in the interior: ideas, benefits, installation.

Approach options:


Currently, there are two main approaches to home lighting:

- an American concept: many spotlights located in different areas of the room in order to save money and fulfill the desire to be with oneself;

- European concept: in the center of the room - a chandelier as a unifying element, and spot lighting is just its addition. In Russia, this approach is relevant, because we have preserved the tradition of gathering with family or friends at a common table. nine0003


Interior light. Basic Rules:


When organizing lighting, it is necessary to take into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room (to calculate the required illumination, a special formula is used, which, if necessary, can be easily found on the Internet). The main lamp should give enough light for a comfortable stay, which also has a strong impact on the emotional state of a person. So, for example, "cold" light adjusts to the working mood, and "warm" - to rest. This indicator, called color temperature, can be found on the packaging of the lamp, in residential areas it should be “warm”, namely 3000 K.

In addition to the general background lighting of the living space, other groups of light sources should be considered - local, work and decorative lighting. In the kitchen, for example, it is worth separately lighting the work surface of the kitchen set, and in the bedroom, creating a romantic atmosphere with the help of original sconces or LED lighting.

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