How to choose lighting for each room
A simple guide to the amount and type of light each room needs, from the living room to the kitchen.
Good lighting is not one bright lamp in the middle of the ceiling. It is a combination of a few layers, and each room needs a different mix.
Start with general light. This is the main light that fills the room, such as a chandelier, a pendant lamp or recessed spotlights. Then add task light where you read, cook or work, for example a desk lamp or lights under kitchen cabinets. Finally add accent light, such as a wall sconce or an LED strip, to highlight a picture, a shelf or the edge of a ceiling.
Living rooms usually look best with warm general light and a few softer accents, so the room feels relaxed in the evening. Kitchens and offices need brighter, clearer light where you work. Bedrooms are best with soft light and, if possible, a dimmer. Corridors and bathrooms need even light without strong shadows.
As a rough rule, measure the room before you choose a fitting. A large chandelier in a small room feels heavy, and a tiny lamp in a big room looks lost. If you are not sure, tell us the size of the room and we will help you pick.
General information only. Ask us about any product before you buy.
