How to plan your home lighting: Room-by-room tips
Two rooms of a similar size do not necessarily need the same lighting. One may have large windows, light-coloured walls and plenty of natural light, while the other may have darker furniture and receive much less daylight.
The right lighting is therefore about more than the light fixture itself: it is worth considering the characteristics and colours of the space, as well as how you use the room.
In this article, we show you room by room what is worth considering. If you are still choosing the right type of light, brightness, colour temperature or functions, read our article “Ceiling light buying guide: what to consider before buying?” as well.
Think about these points first
Before choosing a light, take a good look at the room itself.
- How much natural light does it get? A bright room with large windows may need less artificial light during the day than a darker room with little natural light.
- Which colours dominate? Light-coloured walls and furniture reflect more light, while darker surfaces absorb more of it.
- How large is the space and what shape is it? A long corridor or a large open-plan room often needs more light points than a smaller room with a regular layout.
- What do you use it for? Relaxing, cooking, reading and getting ready all require different types of lighting.
- Where is light really needed? The centre of the room is not always the most important area: the dining table, worktop or reading corner may need special attention.
- Will the light be installed in a humid room? In a bathroom, the appropriate IP rating also needs to be considered.
Once you have thought these points through, it becomes easier to create lighting that not only looks good but also works well in everyday life.
Layered lighting in the living room
Good lighting is made up of several layers of light
The ceiling light usually provides the general base lighting, but on its own it is not enough in every situation.
Task lighting helps where you carry out a specific activity, such as a reading light, kitchen worktop lighting or mirror lighting. Ambient lighting, meanwhile, makes the space feel softer and more pleasant in the evening.
The goal is not to fill a room with as many lights as possible, but to give each light source a clearly defined role.
Living room: adapt the lighting to different situations
The living room is one of the most versatile spaces in the home: we relax, talk, read, watch films and often work here as well.
The ceiling light provides even general lighting, which you can complement with a floor lamp, wall light or reading lamp. In a living room with little natural light or darker furnishings, it is especially important to avoid leaving areas in shadow.
If there is a television in the room, avoid direct light reflecting in the screen. Side lighting or light coming from behind can feel more comfortable when watching films in the evening.
Harmonious lighting in an open-plan living space
Kitchen and dining area: add more light where you need it
In the kitchen, it is not enough for the room as a whole to be bright. You also need to see the work surface clearly.
If the ceiling light is behind you, your own shadow may fall onto the worktop while you are cooking. Separate worktop lighting helps prevent this.
With darker kitchen furniture or finishes, well-positioned supplementary lighting can be even more important.
The light above the dining table should be aligned with the table rather than the centre of the room. A pendant light also visually defines the dining area and creates a more pleasant atmosphere.
General kitchen lighting and targeted worktop lighting
Bedroom: different light for morning and evening
In the bedroom, the ceiling light provides suitable general lighting for getting dressed, putting things away or tidying up. In the evening, however, a smaller bedside or reading lamp is usually more comfortable.
Darker walls and textiles absorb more light, so even lighting deserves extra attention in this type of interior.
Separate light sources on both sides of the bed are also practical when two people use the bedroom and do not want to read or rest at the same time.
Calm, layered bedroom lighting
Entrance hall and corridor: avoid dark areas
Entrance halls and corridors often receive little natural light.
In a smaller entrance hall, one central ceiling light may be enough, while a longer corridor can benefit from several lights placed one after another for more even illumination.
If there is a mirror in the space, it is worth adding supplementary lighting. Light coming only from above can cast shadows on the face.
Even lighting in the hallway
Bathroom: good visibility and safety
The ceiling light provides the general lighting here as well, but even light around the mirror is especially important.
When shaving, applying make-up or getting ready, it is more practical if the face is not lit only from above. Lighting on both sides of the mirror, or another even mirror-lighting solution, gives a more natural result.
Light, glossy surfaces can reflect a lot of light, so it is also worth paying attention to avoiding glare.
Because of humidity and splashing water, always choose a light with an IP rating suitable for its exact location. The required level of protection may differ near the bath or shower, so it is advisable to discuss the planning and electrical connection with a qualified professional.
General and mirror lighting in the bathroom
Three common mistakes worth avoiding
- You only consider the size of the room.
Natural light, wall colours, furniture and the shape of the space all influence how bright the room feels. - You try to solve everything with a single light.
Where you cook, read or get ready, you often also need separate task lighting. - You automatically place the light in the centre of the room.
Lighting should instead follow the area where it is actually needed: the dining table, worktop or reading corner.
The goal is not the most light, but the right light
Well-planned lighting takes into account the size of the room, its natural light, colours and how the space is used.
The ceiling light provides the foundation, while task and ambient lighting add the comfort that helps the room work well in different everyday situations.
Discover the range of Rábalux indoor lights and find a lighting solution that suits your home in both function and style.