How To Choose The Lighting Fixtures For Your Home – A Room-By-Room Guide

Choosing the lighting fixtures for the house is one of the details you need to plan when decorating a new space. But the decision is not easy, not even if you’re planning a simple makeover or renovation. But you have to be organized and to to take things one by one, room by room.

Entryway.

Task lighting for desk
A large floor lamp in a corner can give you the extra mood lighting this area needs

by Richard Mandelkorn.

Task lighting for desk
If you have a big entryway, then consider using more than one pendant light

by Maccaul Turner

Task lighting for desk
Chandeliers are also great and they make the space look elegant and imposing

by Jill Greer

The lighting is very important for the entry because it can make your home look very inviting. So make sure you set an appropriate mood at the front door. A large lamp or chandelier can be a nice choice. If you have artwork displayed on the walls, accent lights can help you highlight their beauty.

Living Room.

Task lighting for desk
A big chandelier can be the focal point of your living room

by Culligan Abraham Architecture

Task lighting for desk
Make sure the chandelier matches the style you’ve chosen for the room

by Roger Wade Studio

Task lighting for desk
Ceiling fans usually need extra mood lighting such as these spotlights

by Christopher Davison

Task lighting for desk
Floor or table lamps allow you to change the mood in seconds

by Ownby Design

Task lighting for desk
Sconces are great for highlighting artwork or certain accent details

by Dick Clark Architecture

It’s important to set the right balance in the living room. This is a space which is usually flexible and it used for entertainment but also as a place to relax. So consider using permanent fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lamps but also take into consideration floor lamps and sconces. A dimmer switch is, of course, a must have.

Dining Room.

Task lighting for desk
Use a low-hanging pendant light or chandelier above the dining table

by David Barrios

Task lighting for desk
Consider opting for big pieces such as this modern chandelier

by Willman Interiors

The dining room is one of the easiest rooms to light simply because the dining table is always the focal point of the room. Usually, chandeliers are chosen for this area but pendant lights are also very popular. However, you can also add a task lamp or accent lights if you wish to put the spotlight on a certain accent feature in the room.

Kitchen.

Task lighting for desk
Consider having more than just one pendant light in the kitchen

by Mark Sykes

Task lighting for desk
You can have multiple types of lighting fixtures such as this combo of a chandelier and pendant lamps

by Baker Court Interiors

Task lighting for desk
Spotlights embedded in the ceiling allow you to position the light in key areas

The kitchen needs more complex lighting because there is no single focal point in this room. So you need overhead lights for basic tasks but you also need extra lighting in areas such as over the kitchen island, over the sink or the bar. You can have pendant light in all these areas.Spotlights are also a good option.

Bedroom.

Task lighting for desk
If you want something different, have pendant lights instead of lamps
Task lighting for desk
Task lighting is very important in the bedroom because it lets you set a relaxing mood
Task lighting for desk
Accent lighting can allow you to create an eye-catching backdrop

In the case of the bedroom, the best choice would be warm light because it’s more restful and relaxing. Usually, task lighting is used on the bedside tables but you can also have sconces there. Also, consider using accent lights to highlight a photo or a work of art. Don’t forget about the dimmer switch, it will allow you to create the perfect ambiance in the room.

Bathroom.

Task lighting for desk
Task lighting is the most important type in the bathroom
Task lighting for desk
A dimmer switch on the task lighting will allow you eyes to adjust in the morning
Task lighting for desk
Above the tub you could have a chandelier or a pendant light

What’s important to know here is that sconces above a vanity mirror or beside it assure appropriate light for certain tasks but you have to place them at the right height (near face height) for the most flattering illumination. Well-placed accent lighting make the bathroom more welcoming so consider also having a chandelier, a pendant light and don’t forget the dimmer switch.

Office.

Task lighting for desk
If there’s not a lot of space on your desk then have hanging lights

by Dana Miller Photography

Task lighting for desk
Task lighting needs to be strategically placed throughout the room

By Jess Koh

Of course, a home office should focus on task lighting. It should feature lamps on the desk which are essential to reduce eyestrain but an overhead light can also be useful on cloudy days on when you’re working at night and the lamp is too powerful for the eyes. You should have a dimmer switch for the pendant light. Accent lighting is decorative and can help make the office seem more inviting.