Brighten Up Every Room: Essential Lighting Tips for Your Home

Lighting is an essential aspect of interior design that can dramatically affect the ambiance and functionality of a space. One of the key techniques to achieve a well-lit, inviting, and practical environment is through layered lighting. This involves using different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—in a harmonious blend to create depth, interest, and utility. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of layered lighting in your home.

Understanding the Types of Lighting

Ambient Lighting:

Purpose:Ambient lighting is the primary source of light in a room, providing overall illumination.

Examples:  Ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, recessed lights, and wall-mounted fixtures.

Task Lighting:

Purpose: Task lighting is focused light used for specific activities such as reading, cooking, or working.

Examples: Desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant lights over kitchen islands.

Accent Lighting:

Purpose: Accent lighting is used to highlight architectural features, artwork, or other focal points within a room.

 Examples: Spotlights, track lighting, and wall sconces.

Image Source: OBNL Design via Midjourney

How many Lights do you need?

The number of lights needed in a space depends on the room’s function, size, and natural light availability. Here’s a basic formula to help you determine the total lumens needed for a room:

Total Lumens = Room Area (in sq. m.) xLumens per sq. m.

To make this relatable - a ‘standard’ LED lightbulb has an output of around 800Lumens.

Once you have the total lumens, you can decide on the number and type of fixtures. Just remember that there is no single rule for this, and the amount of light required will be influenced by things like the height of ceilings, colour scheme, types of lamps, task areas and basic user needs.

This table from integral-led.com is a great overview of the amount of lumens required per space, including both Ambient and task lighting. Accent lighting will be dependent on what you have to ‘accent’.

Image Source: www.integral-led.com

 Tips for Effective Layering.

Combine Different Light Sources: Use a mix of ceiling lights, wall lights, floor lamps, and table lamps to create a dynamic and visually interesting lighting scene.

Dimmer Switches: Install dimmer switches to adjust the intensity of ambient and accent lighting. This allows you to create different moods and settings.

Lighting Controls: Consider smart lighting controls that allow you to adjust your lighting scheme with ease, enhancing both convenience and energy efficiency. This can be done via remote controls, or via apps either on phones or remote in home systems.

Light Placement: Ensure task lights are placed where they won't cast shadows on your work areas. Accent lights should be positioned to highlight features without causing glare all while providing focal interest - there’s no point accenting a dusty corner!

Bulb Choices: Choose the right bulbs for each type of lighting. Check out my instagram post here for a list of the different bulb types and potential uses. LEDs are energy-efficient and available in various color temperatures to suit different needs.

Also make sure you consider whether to go for cool white or warm white.
Warm white are best used in rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms as it is softer and more inviting. Natural/daylight white LEDs are best suited for kitchens and bathrooms, as well as offices. Within a residential setting, Cool whites are best left for task lighting. You can mix Warm and cool whites within a space; for example, warm light can create a cosy atmosphere in a kitchen but cool white lamps might be needed over work surfaces

Image Source: Pinterest

Although layering lighting takes a bit of thought, it can enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home. By understanding and combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Remember to calculate the appropriate lumens for each space, then strategically place your lights. Use dimmers where appropriate, and where the budget allows, use a remote light system or app, so you can adjust lighting without even having to get up!

Embrace these tips to create a well-lit beautiful area in your home.