Room by Room: Lighting Ideas for a Welcoming Home
When designing lighting for a room, the best source of inspiration and guidance is the room itself. The best place to start is answering several key questions about the space, starting with:
What Is the Room’s Function?
What goes in this space? What purpose or purposes does it serve? Getting specific about a room’s uses and empathizing with those who will use it helps identify functional lighting requirements. Some areas will call for brighter, more focused task lighting, while others will benefit from gentler ambient lighting.
What Atmosphere Do You Want to Create?
Knowing what the room is for, how should it feel? What kind of vibe should it convey? Naturally, you’ll want every room in your home to be welcoming, but should it be energetic or cozy? Conducive to concentration or to unwinding? How much will the atmosphere need to flex to suit different occasions and times of day? Knowing the desired atmosphere will inform not only what fixtures to choose but also what light temperatures and intensities will best serve your purposes.
How Much Natural Light Is There?
Take into account how many windows, glass doors, or skylights are letting in natural light. Note how much light gets in at different times of day. You’ll want your artificial light choices to complement that natural light, rather than competing with it. Letting natural light do as much of the lighting work as possible not only makes rooms feel more open, but also reduces your energy consumption.
What Is the Room’s Decor?
The furniture, paint, and decorations in a room contribute to its atmosphere and aesthetic. You’ll want your lighting choices to be cohesive with what’s already there.
What Is the Room’s Size and Layout?
Not all rooms are created equal. The specific size and layout of each room will suggest how much light is needed. Larger rooms may need multiple light sources, while smaller spaces might only call for a central fixture and supplementary task lighting.
All that might seem like a lot to think about, but you’ve found a good starting point. Read on for ideas and insights to help you choose just the right lighting for every room in your home.
Lighting Ideas by Room
Living Room
Living rooms are multifunctional spaces meant for socializing, relaxation, and entertainment. They should be conducive to hosting and good conversation, but also unwinding after a long day. It’s a space we tend to spend a lot of time in, so the atmosphere should be inviting and relaxing without being too sleepy.
To set that mood while supporting that multifunctionality, consider a layered lighting approach. Combine ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for reading and other activities, and accent lighting to highlight points of interest, such as framed photographs or art.
A large, eye-catching chandelier can serve as a focal point and a statement piece. For task lighting, place adjustable floor lamps next to the appropriate seating areas, and install dimmable recessed lighting so that you can adjust the ambience to suit various moods and occasions.
Kitchen
As the hub for cooking and eating, the kitchen is among the more task-oriented rooms in a home. That said, it’s also where a lot of socializing happens. The lighting in a kitchen should support various culinary tasks while also creating a welcoming atmosphere.
For overall illumination, use bright, energy-efficient ceiling lights. Consider under-cabinet lighting to enhance the functionality and safety of task-oriented areas. Pendant lights over the Island can provide additional task lighting, while also adding a decorative touch. Accent lighting inside cabinets can draw the eye to points of interest, like glassware or fine china.
Den
Dens serve as versatile spaces for relaxation and leisure activities, but also for hosting. This is where cozy movie nights happen, but it’s also where guests gather before or after dinner is served. The atmosphere should be relaxed and inviting, while providing enough light for guests to find their way around. Note that these rooms are often larger, and benefit from layered lighting.
Start with wall-mounted fixtures to help with general illumination while saving floor space and adding a touch of sophistication. Add adjustable floor lamps to provide task lighting where needed. Opt for soft shades to support that relaxed atmosphere. Consider table lamps to provide a layer of soft lighting around seating areas, and track lighting to highlight art pieces, framed photographs, bookshelves, or architectural features.
Bedroom
First and foremost, bedrooms are sanctuaries. We go there for privacy, intimacy, and rest. Of course we also go there to dress for the day and to focus on reading, homework, or even bedside yoga. The atmosphere should be calm and cozy, but also flexible enough to suit a variety of tasks and moods.
Consider warm-toned, dimmable ceiling lights for a cozy yet adaptable atmosphere. Layer that overall illumination with bedside table lamps for reading, or with wall sconces to free up nightstand space. Installing LED strip lights under the bed or behind the headboard can add a stylish, modern look.
Bathroom
A good bathroom exudes cleanliness and well-being. It’s both highly practical and deeply private. The lighting in these spaces should be welcoming and also functional, making it conducive to hygiene, grooming, and leaving refreshed.
For general illumination, start with flush mounts or pendants that complement the decor. Use waterproof recessed lights to provide bright and functional lighting in the shower. Install vanity lights above or alongside mirrors to reduce shadows and evenly distribute light, and LED task lighting for makeup application and shaving.
Home Office
Once less common, home offices have exploded in popularity with the rise of remote work. These work spaces call for a combination of task and ambient lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere that still provides enough light for easily reading documents and working on the computer.
Use ceiling fixtures to provide good general illumination, reducing eye strain. Add an adjustable desk lamp that offers clear and bright light for working, and consider wall sconces to provide additional light without taking up desk space.
Entryway
Although people don’t spend much time in an entryway, it’s a high-traffic area that sets the mood for the rest of the home. The lighting should be functional and inviting, with enough character to make a strong first impression.
To that end, start with a statement piece like a dramatic pendant or chandelier. Support that element with wall sconces on either side of the doorway for balanced and welcoming light. Consider a mirror with backlighting for functionality and as a decorative element, and a table lamp, making it easier to find those keys.
Guest Room
A guest room serves as a retreat for visitors, offering privacy and comfort. It’s a home away from home, and the lighting should help create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, conducive to sleeping, reading, winding down, and freshening up.
For general illumination, use a flush mount or semi-flush mount. Install adjustable wall sconces beside the bed, so that guests can tweak the lighting to suit various moods and activities. Add bedside table lamps for reading, and consider accent lighting to highlight points of interest, giving the space a welcoming and personalized touch.
Why Quality Lighting Is Worthwhile
As you explore the many ways you can use lighting to make your home more welcoming, keep in mind the many long-term benefits of investing in quality lighting products.
The right fixtures will be more durable, giving you more time to enjoy the atmosphere you’ve created. LED bulbs will reduce your energy consumption, using up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs while lasting up to 50 times longer.
What’s more, choosing thoughtfully designed fixtures will help you achieve a more timeless aesthetic that you’ll take pride in for years to come.
Ready to Start?
Visual Comfort offers an incredible range of lighting options, empowering you to give every room in your home just the right atmosphere. Start exploring here.