A Quick Lighting Guide For Brighter Living
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHTING FOR YOUR SPACE
Lighting has always been one of my favorite elements of interior design. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of transforming countless spaces, and I’ve learned that lighting is more than just a functional necessity—it's a powerful tool that can completely change the atmosphere of a room. Whether it’s the soft glow of a bedside lamp or the dramatic effect of a well-placed spotlight, the right lighting can make a space feel warm, inviting, and utterly unique.
In this lighting guide, I want to share some of the insights I’ve gained from my experiences as an interior designer. By the end of this blog, I hope you’ll feel inspired to take a fresh look at the lighting in your own home and perhaps make a few changes that will brighten your life in more ways than one.
UNDERSTANDING LIGHTING TYPES
Early in my career, I learned that not all lighting is created equal. I remember one of my first projects—a small, cozy living room that felt dark and cramped. The client was frustrated, unable to pinpoint why the room felt so unwelcoming. It wasn’t until I introduced the concept of layered lighting that everything clicked into place.
AMBIENT LIGHTING
I often start with ambient lighting because it sets the stage for everything else. Imagine walking into a room bathed in a soft, even glow. That’s the magic of ambient lighting—it’s like the foundation of a house. Without it, everything feels a bit off. In that tiny living room, we installed a beautiful ceiling fixture that cast a warm, inviting light across the space, instantly making it feel more open and airy.
Examples of Ambient Lighting:
Ceiling-mounted or recessed fixtures.
Wall-mounted fixtures.
Chandeliers or pendant lights.
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TASK LIGHTING
Task lighting is where the practicality comes in. I’ve seen kitchens where the countertops are perfectly designed, yet the lack of proper lighting made them almost unusable. Task lighting is the solution. It’s all about focusing light where you need it most. In the kitchen, this might mean under-cabinet lights that illuminate your workspace, or in an office, a desk lamp that helps you concentrate during late-night work sessions.
Examples of Task Lighting:
Desk lamps or reading lamps.
Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen.
Vanity lights in the bathroom.
ACCENT LIGHTING
Accent lighting is like the cherry on top of a beautifully decorated space. It’s what I use to draw attention to the features that deserve to be showcased—like a stunning piece of art or a textured wall. One of my favorite projects involved a gallery wall in a client’s hallway. By installing a series of small spotlights, we turned that wall into a focal point, giving the entire hallway a sophisticated, gallery-like feel.
Examples of Accent Lighting:
Track lighting or spotlights.
Wall sconces.
Uplight's or directional fixtures.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIGHTING FOR EACH ROOM
Over the years, I’ve learned that each room has its own personality, and the lighting should reflect that. Let me take you through some of my go-to strategies for different spaces.
LIVING ROOM
The living room is where life happens. It’s where you unwind after a long day, entertain guests, and make memories. One of my most memorable projects was a family room that felt cold and impersonal despite the beautiful furniture. The missing ingredient? Layered lighting. We added a stunning chandelier for ambient light, then placed a few strategically positioned floor lamps to create cozy reading nooks. The result? A space that felt warm and inviting, perfect for family gatherings.
KITCHEN
In the kitchen, I always focus on function first. I recall a client who loved to cook but struggled with poor lighting. Her beautiful countertops were in shadow, and the overall effect was a dim, uninviting space. We solved this by installing bright pendant lights over the island and under-cabinet lights to illuminate the work areas. Suddenly, the kitchen became a chef’s paradise—bright, functional, and full of life.
BEDROOM
Bedrooms are personal sanctuaries, and lighting plays a huge role in setting the right mood. I once worked with a couple who wanted their bedroom to feel like a luxurious retreat. We opted for a soft, ambient light from a beautiful chandelier, supplemented by elegant bedside lamps for reading. To add a touch of romance, we installed dimmable accent lighting behind the headboard. The transformation was incredible—the room became a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
BATHROOM
Bathrooms can be tricky because they need to be both functional and relaxing. I once redesigned a bathroom that was too dim for practical use. The client was frustrated with her makeup application and grooming, and I knew we needed brighter, more focused lighting. We installed vanity lights with a cool color temperature to mimic natural daylight and added an overhead light for general illumination. The result was a bright, crisp space perfect for both morning routines and evening wind-downs.
HOME OFFICE
With the rise of remote work, the home office has become more important than ever. I remember a client who struggled with eye strain in her dimly lit office. We tackled this by installing an adjustable desk lamp with a daylight bulb, which helped her stay focused during long workdays. We also added some soft ambient lighting to balance the space, making it feel less stark and more comfortable.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING LIGHTING
Through my work, I’ve found that choosing the right lighting involves more than just picking out pretty fixtures. Here are some factors to consider, based on my experience.
Bulb Types and Color Temperature
The type of bulb you choose can dramatically affect the feel of a room. In one project, I replaced harsh fluorescent lights with warm LED bulbs, and the difference was night and day—literally. LED bulbs are not only energy-efficient, but they also come in various color temperatures. A warm white (around 2700K) is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere, while a cooler temperature (5000K) is better for workspaces where you need to stay alert and focused.
Room Size and Layout
I’ve worked in spaces both large and small, and each presents its own challenges. In a large, open-plan living area, you might need multiple sources of ambient light to avoid dark corners. In a smaller room, careful placement of task and accent lights can make the space feel larger and more welcoming. Don’t forget to consider ceiling height too—low ceilings might call for flush-mount fixtures, while high ceilings can handle more dramatic chandeliers or pendant lights.
Personal Style and Decor
Lighting is also an opportunity to express your personal style. I’ve had clients who wanted everything from minimalist, modern fixtures to ornate, vintage chandeliers. The key is to choose lighting that complements the overall decor while serving the room's functional needs. One of my favorite projects involved a blend of industrial-style pendant lights in a modern kitchen, adding a touch of character while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Sustainability is something I’m passionate about, and I always encourage clients to consider energy-efficient lighting options. In one project, we replaced every incandescent bulb with LEDs, cutting the home’s energy use significantly. Not only did this make the home eco-friendlier, but it also saved the client a considerable amount on their energy bills. If you’re looking to take it a step further, consider smart lighting systems that allow you to control and schedule your lights remotely perfect for saving energy without sacrificing convenience.
Lighting is a powerful tool in interior design—one that can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Through my years as an interior designer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right lighting can make a room feel warmer, more inviting, and perfectly tailored to the people who live there. Whether you’re looking to update a single room or your entire home, I hope these insights inspire you to think differently about lighting and how it can enhance your living space. Remember, your home deserves to shine in the best possible light.
Janet Campbell is the principal designer and creative force behind LINEN + ORCHID a design studio known for crafting personalized spaces that exude elegance and charm. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences through design, Janet brings her expertise and artistic flair to each project, transforming spaces into true reflections of her clients' visions. Her goal is to transform your house into your sanctuary within.
LINEN + ORCHID
Principal Designer
“I’m honored to help you find Your Sanctuary Within."
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