

Designer Lighting: How to Make a Statement in Every Room
Nothing transforms a room like light. From the interplay of natural daylight to the perfect fixtures, bulbs, and mood-setting wattage for your space, lighting plays a critical role in the overall design of a built environment and how we brighten our lives. With a bit of forethought and a sense of style, you can find the perfect designer lighting based on room function and your aesthetic goals.




Art that illuminates
The right fixtures for your space will enhance the beauty of your interior design, both turned on and off. Whether you’re looking for timeless classics or a modern sensibility, or drawing on cultural influences past or present, your choices make a big difference. You can hang a chandelier as a centerpiece in a room, employ sculptural pendant lights, use artistic sconces to cast dramatic shadows, or even play with interactive LED installations – they can all work in today’s homes.


Lighting our feelings
The important thing to consider is how you want to feel when you walk into a room. Are you looking to make a stunning statement? Or is ambiance more important? Studies have shown that brighter light can intensify emotions, while lower light doesn’t erase emotions, but holds them steady. Different rooms call for different effects – for instance, a living room typically benefits from an interplay of light and shadow, with accent lighting that highlights certain features such as a favorite work of art. Bedrooms are a great place for dimmers that can be adjusted up or down. Kitchens and home offices can leverage task lighting for focus on a targeted work surface, whether you’re writing a proposal or prepping dinner.




What makes designer lighting stand out?
Those feelings that are produced by great lighting come not only from how it helps you see, but also from the look and feel of the fixture itself. Do you want a statement piece that will capture the attention of anyone who walks into the room, or do you want something that blends in with the overall aesthetic? Start by looking for unique and innovative designs, limited editions, and collaborations with renowned designers. Consider how the fixture is crafted, whether it uses premium materials, and how the details will strike you both on first impression and once you’ve lived with it for a while.






Mid-century modern
One of the most popular styles today, inspired by 1950s Americana with classic design and contemporary accents to fit with nearly every interior design style




Industrial
The kitchen is where a lot of work gets done, but it also needs to be a nurturing space. It’s key to hosting on special occasions, and to keeping the household fed many times a day. Food is functional, but it’s also a form of affection. A kitchen’s atmosphere needs to support all this at once.
Start with recessed ceiling lights to evenly illuminate the entire kitchen space. Incorporate under-cabinet lighting to provide additional task lighting, and consider pendant lights to add visual interest and define specific areas.


Scandinavian
Minimalist and function-forward, often using natural materials and clean, unobstructed lines and shapes.




Art Deco
Looking for something a little more high impact? Art Deco pieces are throwbacks to the glamor of the 1920s – think flappers, stained glass, and beautiful intricate detailing.






Bauhaus
It’s all about function with lighting inspired by this German school of architecture and design. They typically feature sober, functional designs with no superfluous details.




Bohemian
Worldly, eclectic, and designed for visual impact, boho styles often use neutral tones and natural textures to create their signature style.




Rococo
Maximalist with a classic European flair, flamboyant yet formal, this style is elegant, opulent, and romantic.




Contemporary
Smooth profiles, simple lines and curves with a more minimalist style and little ornamentation. Contemporary fixtures are often found in grayscale tones, although an unexpected pop of color is sometimes on display.


How to choose designer lights that complement existing interior design themes
As you’re making choices, remember that lighting is only one element at play in a room. Be sure that your choice aligns with the style energy of the space. Is it calming? Dynamic? Best suited for work or play? One way to take this into account is by matching the architectural style of your home – traditional, modern, rustic, etc. If you’re going for a vintage look, then select a period-appropriate fixture. Also be sure to coordinate the hues and tones of the fixture with the room’s color palette, so it doesn’t clash.
Another thing to consider is the structural makeup of the room. Ceiling height makes a difference in your lighting choices, as does the square footage that you want to illuminate. Is it best to have light diffused throughout the room, or focused at key points? Do you want to be able to adjust the brightness for task areas like kitchen counters or work tables? Step back and look at the space as a whole.




How to incorporate a statement fixture without overwhelming your space
First of all, consider scale and proportion. Some rooms have space for the visual weight of an ornate chandelier, while others are better served by sconces or table lamps. Whatever scale best suits your room, you can find a statement piece that becomes a focal point.
When you’ve found a fixture you love, consider using minimalist surrounding decor so the emphasis is on the fixture itself. Once it’s installed, adjust the brightness levels to highlight the piece – brighter isn’t always better, it’s more about setting the right mood.
Maintaining your fixtures
Dust is the biggest enemy here, so we’ve engineered all of our lighting so they can be easily cleaned with a soft, dry cloth or feather duster. Do not use scouring agents, abrasive sponges, acids or vinegars as they can damage the finishes and even the glass. If polishing is necessary, we recommend particular products for chrome, nickel, silver, bronze, gunmetal and more – see our Frequently Asked Questions for details.
And don’t forget to inspect your fixture after installation, to make sure that the connections are right; it helps also to check these connections annually, to make sure that they are corrosion-free.


Energy efficiency and designer lighting
At Visual Comfort, we believe that the best way to reduce waste is not to create it – so we design and manufacture all of our products for durability, so they last for years to come. Of course, they also work with long-lasting environmentally friendly bulbs like LEDs, helping to reduce your carbon footprint and even your electricity bills.
Light up your life with our designers
We partner with design experts to bring their magic touch to your spaces. From interior architects like Lauren Rottet, with her lavish yet contemporary style, to fashion icon Kate Spade, television tastemakers Thom Felicia and Jonathan Scott, and stylish celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, we’re here to bring the best of the best to your home.
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Visual Comfort offers an extensive collection of handpicked ceiling fixtures, each designed to contribute to distinct styles and functions. When you're ready to find the perfect fixtures for your kitchen, this is a great place to start.