How to choose the right lighting: A practical guide to a well-lit home
Lighting plays a crucial role in your home. That's why it's important to consider several factors when selecting lighting fixtures, such as wattage, proportion to the room, type of fixture, color and style, as well as the originality of your choices.
Type of lighting: functional, ambient or decorative
Do you need lighting that lets you see all the details around you? Do you want to illuminate your kitchen worktop, see your face in the bathroom or read your important documents in the office? You'll need to decide which type of lighting is best suited to your particular use. Here are the 3 types of lighting to choose from:
- Functional lighting: This is the type of lighting that lets you illuminate an entire room, or a work surface, so you can see what you're doing.
- Ambient lighting: This is the type of lighting that creates atmosphere in your room. Often, the atmosphere is created by a dimmable luminaire, whether the mood is warm or cool.
- Decorative lighting: Decorative lighting usually focuses on a particular element of the décor. Whether it's to illuminate a painting or LED lighting under a shelf, it highlights a decorative element.
Lighting power
The wattage of your lighting will be determined by your choice of bulbs. Make sure you also select the right color temperature to create the desired ambience in every room of your home.
Color temperature
Color temperature is a key element in lighting. It determines the mood, brightness and decor of your room. The terms warm hue, neutral hue and cool hue are used to describe the color that will be diffused depending on the color of the bulb you choose.
Temperature is calculated in degrees Kelvin (K). The lower the degree, the warmer the light hue, and the higher the degree, the cooler or bluer the hue.
A little pro tip: Always make the final choice of paint color and materials for your decor from home. Lighting, whether natural or artificial, has a direct effect on perceived colors and can alter the colors of your interior. That's why you should always validate directly at home, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Warm white: between 2,500°K and 3,000°K
Warm white is a shade to use in rooms where you want to create a warm, soothing and comfortable atmosphere. Warm white is tinged with reddish orange, giving off a luminosity similar to a candle or incandescent bulb.
Ideal for the following rooms:
- Bedroom
- Stay
- Dining room
Neutral white: between 4,000°K and 4,500°K
Also known as daylight, this temperature level is the closest to natural light. Neutral white is the most widely used light temperature. Its light is neither too white nor too yellow. It's perfect for functional lighting since it doesn't alter ambient colors. Neutral white is energizing and gentle on the eyes. This hue can be compared to that of the sun at its zenith.
Ideal for the following rooms:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Office
- Hallway
- Staircase
Cool white: between 4600°K and 6500°K
Also known as bluish white, this level of brightness is among the most powerful. It's functional lighting that doesn't alter the true colors of objects and decor. It provides an accurate and precise overview of the colors and details of surrounding objects. Its lighting can be compared to that of a fluorescent bulb. It creates a colder atmosphere, which can sometimes be irritating to the eye, so it's not recommended for everyday rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Ideal for the following rooms:
- Basement
- Work areas (workshops, garage, etc.)
- Showrooms
- Exterior
The right light for each room
In every room of your home, the choice of light fixture is a crucial step, because it's what gives each room its character and identity!
For the bathroom, opt for fixtures that are resistant to humidity and provide uniform illumination. Vanity and ceiling fixtures are the most recommended.
In the dining room, a pendant light can add a touch of elegance, while a bedroom benefits from soft, subdued lighting.
For outdoors, opt for sturdy, waterproof fixtures.
Pendant lights
Pendant lights add a touch of elegance and ambiance to any space. Typically installed above dining tables or kitchen counters, they provide both focused and aesthetic lighting. Their varied designs, from classic to contemporary, create unique atmospheres, while their strategic positioning illuminates targeted areas with style.
Chandeliers
Chandelier-style pendant lights are ideal for large spaces such as spacious living rooms, elegant dining rooms or impressive lobbies. Their central location creates a striking focal point and adds a luxurious ambience to the space. Make sure you have plenty of space to leave ample room between your walls and the fixture in question.
Ceiling lights
Ceiling lights provide efficient, general lighting for a variety of rooms, such as hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. Their fixed position on the ceiling ensures an even distribution of light, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere throughout the space. Unlike pendant fixtures, ceiling lights are less suited to illuminating specific areas such as dining tables and countertops.
Wall lights
Wall sconces add a touch of style and functionality to any room. Installed on walls, they can provide accent lighting or general illumination. This type of fixture is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. Their versatile design allows you to create a variety of moods, while saving floor space. Unlike free-standing fixtures, wall sconces are better suited to lighting specific areas without taking up floor space.
Table and floor-mounted lamps
Floor and table lights provide general illumination in a room while adding a decorative touch. They are frequently placed in corner spaces, and are most commonly used in living rooms, offices and reading areas. To match the room, it's important to consider the color of the base of your lampshade, as well as the type of lighting you prefer (conventional bulb or LED).
Decor style
To create harmony in your decor, you'll need to determine the style you want to give your space. Then follow this idea to match your lighting fixtures to your decor. Here are a few examples:
- Industrial: raw metal, black finish, and filament bulbs.
- Seaside: Rattan, light wood and white are in the spotlight.
- Modern: Lighting fixtures with graphic lines, wired metal and unique shapes will accentuate the decor.
- Retro: The curves, gold finish and colored metal will look great in your decor.
- Classic: candlesticks, chrome or brushed nickel finish and fabric or glass shades are the elements of choice.
Match with the room's materials
Choosing the right color and style of fixture is essential to creating the perfect match you want in every room of your home. Why not harmonize the shade of your fixtures with the room's hardware or accessories?
Metallic chrome shades can normally complement any color hue, while wood finishes can better harmonize with black, white, gray or similar wood furniture. Gold fixtures, meanwhile, work well with white, black and dark wood. Also consider the color of walls and textiles for consistent visual harmony. By opting for fixtures that blend in with their surroundings, you create a fluid, livable aesthetic.
Originality is a yes!
Dare to use innovative designs and a variety of styles to add character to your interior. Whether it's an artistic pendant light, a modern ceiling fixture or original floor lamps, unleash your creativity to personalize every space in your home.
By following these tips and taking into account the specifics of each room, you'll be able to create harmonious, aesthetically pleasing lighting in your home. Don't hesitate to experiment with different types of fixtures and play with installation heights to achieve the perfect result. With a little thought and creativity, you can transform your space into a warm and welcoming place, where light is highlighted in a way that is both elegant and functional.
By applying these tips and taking into account the particularities of your space and your personal preferences, you'll be able to create lighting that will enhance your home aesthetically and make it functional. We hope these tips will help you choose the right lighting to create the right atmosphere.