How To Create The Best Lighting Solutions For Your Home

Creating the best lighting solutions for your home will not happen by accident, BUT you can easily arm yourself with a little forethought, the right information, AND a plan. You have come to the right place for everything you need to know to achieve the best lighting solutions for your entire home.

vertical "string" chandelier several stories long — A stunning lighting solution of unforgettable beauty…

Be it ever so humble…

A great lighting plan will make your home feel more comfortable, be more efficient and look TERRIFIC.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but an “ugly” room almost always turns out to be poorly lighted.

Don’t make these bad lighting decisions

Most of us, for lack of a better experience, under-light our homes with too few light sources

or worse…

Over-light our rooms with the same too few light sources at very high wattage. Yes, this will no doubt give you more light. It’s the standard default fix to create brightness in a room.

Unfortunately, this solution is akin to shooting yourself in the foot.
Very bright lighting is very unpleasant.

This isn’t to say high wattage bulbs don’t have a place or use. Outdoor patios come to mind. Or, you might have a task that requires the brightest light possible to discern all the details. Hopefully you won’t need the light on high alert for very long.

The main point is that high wattage bulbs aren’t a universally great solution for your lighting needs. Along with the already referenced problem of too few light sources, you can’t create a great lighting plan that functions for efficiency and beauty with this solution. There are much better options.

How much lighting do you need?

Notice the emphasis made on “too few light sources”. The key to creating a wonderful home is to ask what you would need to improve any area in terms of comfort, utility and beauty. The actual number of additional fixtures needed for a better lighting experience is well worth the investment. This is a case where less is definitely not more.

Another common (default?) assumption that just one light source, usually an overhead light, is sufficient for lighting any room. Sooooo not true! The very best lighting solutions are based on layering different lighting types.

Neither a strong harsh light anywhere NOR nearly dark corners in any room is EVER going to feel like HOME.

Bath and bed loft with several lighting sources — Bedroom and bathroom in a loft with great lighting and smart lighting solutions

How to create well balanced lighting solutions

Some types of lighting are typical in certain rooms for a reason. They are the tried, true and best solutions for the function and aesthetics of those rooms.

For the most beautiful AND efficient lighting plan, think in terms of layering different categories of lighting. Some of the categories overlap by definition, but all things considered, don’t be “skimpy” with your lighting opportunities. The most comfortable homes have a feeling of generosity about them.

Types of lighting sources can be broken down to three main categories

Ambient lighting is general or background lighting. It could come from overhead lights, standing floor lamps, table lamps, wall lights or indirectly from behind a valance, torchieres or screens. Consider it as a foundational layer of illumination to ensure against dark corners or dim empty spaces.
Task lighting is what it sounds like. The table lamps for reading, counter lights in the kitchen or spotlights above work surfaces are good examples. Task lighting should be sufficient for the job at hand. It contributes to the general ambient lighting in the room BUT won’t lend the overall glow you’ll love, except in the task area.
Accent or decorative lighting calls attention to possessions or vignettes. It adds a touch of drama too. This category includes wall washers, spotlights, track lights, up-lights, down-lights, picture lights, candlelight and even firelight. These types of fixtures can sometimes be used to create interesting pools of light and shadow elsewhere in the room.

*For unexpected interest and delight, use small canister lights in hidden places. Try placing one on the floor behind a big indoor tree. The play of shadows on the wall is wonderful and interesting.

These categories are general. Used in the same room, lighting sources are automatically multipurpose.

A rule of thumb for background lighting

It should be strong enough to avoid a huge contrast between it and bright task lighting. You don’t want an effect similar to a street lamp on a dark night.

Keep the overhead lights to a minimum. Use only what you need to do the intended job.

By the way, nobody looks great under strong ceiling light.
Too many shadows on your face is never a good look.

If you have ceiling fixtures

They are best used to provide the soft, low, all over glow of ambient light as a base line only.

Let’s be honest. The standard light-bulb-with-frosted-glass fixture-in-the-middle-of-the-ceiling is utilitarian. It is rarely attractive. Convert the overheads to recessed, track and/or chandeliers where possible. You will be happier with the range of lighting options these other fixtures can provide.

By and large, the only kind of overhead lighting that actually looks good is a chandelier or a sizable pendant. These fixtures provide beautiful lighting solutions and double as specific visual statements that effortlessly contribute to the overall Wow Factor of any room.

accent lighting in dark room — Perhaps a bit *dramatic* for your home, but accent lighting is undeniably effective

track lighting is the exception

Originally designed to be used in museums, these little lights-in-a-can are unobstrusive. The style and finish selections are so extensive that you can find the perfect to fit any decor. Since each light can be pointed independently, just one light track might be employed for multiple functions. These would include specific task lighting, accent and/or decorative lighting or simply turned to a wall as a “wall washer” of light.

The buzzkill that should be mentioned anyway

In truth, now matter how beautifully designed your home has been with recessed ceiling fixtures, chandeliers and/or pendants and even track lighting too, overhead lighting isn’t designed to light more than the upper third of any room.

Anything more is low-glow ambient light, which you do want in the bigger overall lighting schemed of any room.

BUT…you can’t get a whole ROOMFUL of warm, welcoming light without table and/or floor lamps.

Classic lighting solutions for every room of your home

Good lighting design starts with identifying all the things you would like to do in any given room. What kind of lighting would add to your comfort and convenience? Consider how you might use different lights, at different times, in the same area. It’s amazing how fast you can change the mood and use of any given area with the flick of a switch.

This is where the notion of “magic in the logic of design” begins to take hold.

lighting solutions showing multiple fixtures — There are numerous light sources installed for anytime of day or night. The huge wall windows are a marvelous built-in plus.

living room lighting solutions

The term LIVING ROOM is a bit of a misnomer these days. LIVING FAMILY ROOM might be more accurate. In studios, the LIFE ROOM rings a bell. The point is, this room, whatever you call it, is where we relax, entertain, binge watch anything, eat, etc. We do the most stuff HERE.

THIS ROOM is central to the way we live. It’s a good idea to plan in advance a variety of lighting solutions that could be used in different areas for best effect.

start by Planning ambient light sources

Think of this type lighting as a nice, warm, low level, all-over-room glow.

Track or recessed lighting use throughout will insure against dark corners.
An overhead fixture is a great additional lighting solution. Using one to center your main seating area looks spectacular. Over the coffee table usually works best. Don’t hang the fixture lower than 7 ft. from the ground. Otherwise, you run the risk of someone hitting their head.

Task lighting is multipurpose

As mentioned above, task lighting contributes to ambient lighting by default. Don’t forget to notice if there will be enough “ambient lighting overflow” to minimize any dark areas and corners in your rooms.

Bonus: your rooms will have a much warmer and friendlier feeling.

fine tuning the details

Table/standing lights are task lighting and a MUST for a well lighted living room.
Is there a console, buffet or entertainment unit? Small lamps or sconces can be used to flank art work or a mirror to great effect.
Are you reading in the dark? Your favorite reading chair needs a lamp beside it. Flanking your sofa with a pair of lamps will give you a balanced look as well as better lighting.
A too high wattage bulb is unpleasant but inadequate lighting is simply pointless. Why cause eyestrain?
As a baseline, good reading light is around 60-75 watts.
When several fixtures will be used at the same time, 40 watts per lamp is sufficient.
It’s smart to put your light sources on dimmers where possible too for optimum brightness control. They are cheap and easy to install.

Accent/decorative lighting for “special anything”

“Anything special” could include possessions, vignettes, artwork, flower arrangements, etc.. A little well placed “drama” adds a lot of interest without a lot of fuss.

Highlighting your favorite things and vignettes is a wonderful way to personalize your home.

Think of it as your own “special Sauce” in high relief.

lighting solution for entry with mirror & table — A well appointed entry with console and lamp for additional lighting.

ENTRYWAY lighting solutions

Coming home, only to walk into a dark room, is not a welcoming experience. The most obvious solution is a pendant light or chandelier overhead.

Please, ditch that landlord utility ceiling fixture that was there when you moved in at your earliest convenience.

Adding additional lighting options, along with beautiful pendant or chandelier, can make your home-coming much more pleasant.

It’s very useful (assuming you have room) to use a small table or even just a bench to set down the things you carried in with you. Use a mirror or hang art over a table, with a pair of sconces or small lamps.
For extra convenience, have a place to sit and remove your boots and/or shoes.

These small gestures will add a great deal to your sense of comfort.

Modern living means that the way we use our rooms is fluid

Your dining room can be in your library.
Your office can be in the bedroom or living room.
Your office could even be in a closet.…with sufficient lighting, please.
Your living room is every room...AKA a studio apartment

Regardless of how your rooms are used, the main points about ambient, task and accent lighting still apply…with a little more focus on task lighting where needed.

multiple lighting solutions in library/dining room — So ok, this is *actually a* real Library, BUT there are multiple lighting options for dining while you work…or any other excuse to be in a great room.

Dining Room/Library lighting solutions

Using a large pendant or chandelier centered over your table is a classic solution. It should hang roughly 34″ from the top of the table.
As in the living room, use pairs of lamps or sconces for your buffet or any other case piece in the room.

bedroom showing several lighting solutions for every need. — This is an example of an excellent lighting solutions….

BEDROOM lighting solutions

Use a main, overhead light source. It can be recessed or otherwise. In here, the overhead is best as a quick full lighting option. Install a dimmer anyway for the ambient option.
Bedrooms always look and feel best with table lamps on nightstands and dressers. Standing floor lamps are great behind corner chairs.
Don’t forget to light your closet. It’s a waste of time to fumble around in the dark for that favorite shirt. You could just flip a switch.

dark office w/single light is not a great lighting solution — A better lighting solution is recommended!

Office lighting solutions

Plan your ambient lighting first. Recessed or from a main, overhead source are good options.
Use standing floor lamps as additional ambient light for dark corners as needed.
Table or floor lamps provide ambient and task lighting.
A task oriented desk lamp is the best choice in your main work area.

What about all those lighting wires and cords?

Here are a few ideas

Tape a single cord to the back or underside of a piece of furniture against a wall.
Snake the cords under area rugs where possible.
Plastic cord covers are available that can be painted the wall color.
If you have a mess of spaghetti-like cords, this is a mess you can master. Use cord-control kits.

Can you have too many lighting fixtures?

It’s not likely you would have all of the fixtures switched on at the same time. BUT…if you put the light sources in the recommended places…

You’ll be ready to…

Set the mood as you set your table.
Stage your living room for optimum comfort to watch your favorite shows.
Curl up with a good book and great reading light
Light up for a party with your friends.

These are the small layers of lighting that add up to creating a comfortable, versatile and beautiful home.

well design kitchen lighting solutions for every area — A great kitchen lighting plan with fixtures for every task and no dark corners.

Kitchens have special lighting needs

Lighting a kitchen adequately, let alone well, is complex.

Using recessed lighting where possible is a given.
Areas where you might eat, dining table or kitchen island are best served by hanging pendants or chandeliers.
Strip lighting under the cabinets are a huge help. You don’t want dark shadowed places in kitchens.
Extra lights above the sink and the stove are great additions.
Small lamps on countertops can be a charming addition too.

excellent lighting solutions for every area in a large bath — A well appointed and well lighted bathroom is spa quality luxury for the home

Bathroom lighting solutions

Recessed ceiling lighting is standard, but the fixture above the medicine cabinet is rarely great.

A better looking idea might be sconces or long lighted rectangles at the sides of the mirror. It depends on how much light you need for shaving or make-up…or both…
A light source above the tub is very nice.
It’s particularly nice to have an overhead light in the shower too. No sense soaping up in the dark!

I love small chandeliers in bathrooms. They add a little luxe along with a sense of humor.

living room setting with several lighting sources — The mirrors and reflective surfaces show where several lighting options are in place for a well designed room

A sophisticated, well-designed lighting scheme looks as if an artist painted with light.

The peaks and valleys of light and shadow give the illusion of movement which defines a real “living space”.

Great lighting solutions can be more effective than any other single factor to increase a sense of overall satisfaction in your home.

Go For It!

Over To You

I’d love to know what you think...

Was there a tip that was especially helpful? Hopefully, you found a little inspiration and maybe even resolved a long standing quandary brilliantly!

are there other topics you might be interested in?

Setting out to create the best version of beautiful home design, tailored especially for you, has a lot of potential questions built in. Please let me know. I’m here to help. You can write to me here.

All photos without specific photographer credit are courtesy of Unsplash.com, unless otherwise noted.

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Creating the best lighting solutions for your home will not happen by accident.
BUT…armed with a little information, forethought AND a plan, it’s easier than you think. You have come to the right place for everything you need to know to achieve the best lighting solutions for your entire home.

Cindy Bergersen, ASID Allied

Cindy Bergersen has been a professional home design consultant for over 30 years. She is also a published author on the broad topic of home design and all its elements. Decades of experience as a design consultant to private clients as well as retail clients for well known, high end furniture retailers has proved to be invaluable training.

She is both passionate and committed to sharing her experience and knowledge to help anyone, help themselves, to a beautiful, comfortable home, without confusion or overwhelm about where to start and how to proceed.

When not with clients or writing about home design in real terms for real life, she might be found cycling through city parks or curled up on the sofa with a good book. You’ll find more details here.