How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Space

This blog post was updated in December 2022.

The key to making sure your home is both adequately illuminated and done so in a stylish and aesthetically pleasing manner lies in choosing the right lighting for the right room.

Choosing the right lighting for the different rooms and spaces in your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little knowledge and some careful consideration, you can create a well-lit and inviting space that is perfect for your needs. Here are some tips for choosing the right lighting for each room in your home.

Kitchen Lighting

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and proper lighting is essential for this space. You'll need a mix of task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting to create a functional and welcoming space.

Task lighting is essential for tasks such as chopping and cooking, and can be provided by a combination of overhead pendants and under-cabinet lights. These lights should be bright and focused, so make sure to choose ones with high lumens and a colour temperature of around 3000K to 4000K.

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific areas of the kitchen, such as a backsplash or a piece of artwork. This can be achieved with recessed lights, track lighting, or even string lights. Choose lights with a lower colour temperature (around 2700K to 3000K) for a warm and inviting feel.

Ambient lighting is the overall lighting for the space, and can be provided by a combination of ceiling lights and wall sconces. Choose a ceiling light with a high lumens rating for a bright and airy feel, and consider using dimmers to create a softer ambiance in the evening.

Bathroom Lighting

The bathroom is another space that requires a mix of lighting types to create a functional and welcoming space. Task lighting is essential for tasks such as applying makeup and shaving, and can be provided by a combination of overhead lights and wall lights.

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific areas of the bathroom, such as a tile backsplash or a piece of artwork. This can be achieved with recessed spotlights or even string lights. Choose lights with a lower colour temperature (around 2700K to 3000K) for a warm and inviting feel.

Ambient lighting is the overall lighting for the space, and can be provided by a combination of ceiling lights and wall sconces. Choose a ceiling light with a high lumens rating for a bright and airy feel, and consider using dimmers to create a softer ambiance in the evening.

Bathroom Ventilation and Heat Lights

Good ventilation in a bathroom is essential to remove unpleasant odours and most importantly remove steam from the room while showering, otherwise mould will form on the walls and ceiling and the paintwork can be damaged by being constantly wet. While there is a number of exhaust extractions fan models available it may be worth considering a combined heating and ventilation product. A 3 in 1 bathroom heater, light & exhaust fan will be worth its weight in gold on those cold winter mornings or nights when you get out from under from a hot shower.

When selecting a ventilation product it is important to consider the size of your bathroom, a bigger bathroom will require a more powerful extraction fan, also remember you will need to allow fresh air to be able to enter the room to replace what is being removed through the bathroom exhaust.

When selecting bathroom heat lights remember to consider your ceiling height, some products offer higher powered heat lamps for higher ceiling heights.

Lounge Room Lighting

The lounge room is a space for relaxing and entertaining, so the lighting should be inviting and comfortable. You'll need a mix of task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting to create a functional and welcoming space.

Task lighting is essential for tasks such as reading and playing games, and can be provided by a combination of floor lamps and table lamps. Choose lamps with adjustable arms and shades so that you can direct the light where it's needed.

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific areas of the room, such as a fireplace or a piece of artwork. This can be achieved with recessed spotlights or track lighting. Choose lights with a lower colour temperature (around 2700K to 3000K) for a warm and inviting feel.

Ambient lighting is the overall lighting for the space, and can be provided by a combination of ceiling lights and wall mounted lights. Choose a ceiling light with a high lumens rating for a bright and airy feel, and consider using dimmers to create a softer ambiance in the evening.

Hallway or Foyer Area Lighting

The hallway or foyer in your home is the first thing you and your guests will see when walking through the front door, so chandeliers or even pendant lights are a great way of providing overhead lighting while also conveying an impression of warmth and sophistication.

When choosing the right lighting for the right room, there are many things to consider. Remember to think about your budget as well as the aesthetics and practicality of the room. For more information, or to start ordering some lights for your home, visit Discount Lighting, one of Australia's largest and most respected online lighting stores.