Lighting Matters: How to Choose the Right Fixtures for Every Room
Lighting isn’t just about seeing where you're going - it’s about setting the mood, enhancing functionality, and bringing your space to life. The right lighting plan can completely transform a room, making it feel larger, cozier, or more luxurious with just the flip of a switch.
Here’s how to choose lighting fixtures that are both functional and stylish, room by room.
The 3 Types of Lighting Every Room Needs
Before we break it down by space, it’s helpful to know the three main types of lighting:
Ambient Lighting: General lighting that fills the space (e.g., ceiling lights, pot lights).
Task Lighting: Focused lighting for specific tasks (e.g., under-cabinet lights, reading lamps).
Accent Lighting: Decorative or mood-setting lighting (e.g., sconces, LED strips, statement pendants).
A well-lit room typically layers all three.
Living Room
Function: Relaxation, entertaining, reading
Best Fixtures:
Recessed lighting or a central chandelier for ambient light
Floor lamps or sconces for reading and accents
Dimmable switches to adjust the mood from movie night to party time
Style Tip: Go for a bold statement light (like a sculptural pendant or oversized chandelier) to make the space feel styled and intentional.
Dining Room
Function: Gathering, dining, hosting
Best Fixtures:
Chandelier or pendant light centered over the table
Wall sconces or buffet lamps for ambiance
Dimmer switches to adjust brightness based on time of day
Style Tip: Match the size of your fixture to your table. Too small, and it gets lost; too large, and it overwhelms the space.
Kitchen
Function: Cooking, cleaning, gathering
Best Fixtures:
Recessed lighting for even ambient light
Under-cabinet lighting for tasks like chopping and reading recipes
Pendant lights over islands or breakfast bars for style and function
Style Tip: Choose finishes that complement your hardware (brass, matte black, chrome) for a cohesive look.
Bathroom
Function: Grooming, relaxing, daily routines
Best Fixtures:
Vanity lighting (preferably on either side of the mirror or an LED mirror)
Overhead ambient light for general illumination
Accent lighting like LED toe kicks or small ceiling spots for nighttime
Style Tip: Avoid placing lights above the mirror—it can cast harsh shadows. Instead, go for lighting that mimics natural light for a flattering glow.
Bedroom
Function: Rest, reading, getting dressed
Best Fixtures:
Soft ambient lighting (ceiling mount, chandelier, or flush mount)
Table lamps or wall sconces for bedside reading
Accent lighting like LED strip lights under the bed or inside closets
Style Tip: Try warm, dimmable bulbs to create a cozy atmosphere perfect for winding down.
Kids’ Rooms / Playrooms
Function: Play, sleep, learn
Best Fixtures:
Flush-mount or semi-flush ceiling lights for safety
Task lighting at desks or reading corners
Fun themed fixtures or color-changing smart bulbs for creativity
Style Tip: Use smart lighting that parents can control from an app—dim the lights at bedtime without entering the room.
Home Office
Function: Work, meetings, concentration
Best Fixtures:
Bright overhead light for clear visibility
Desk lamps with adjustable arms and brightness
Accent lights for shelves or background if you're on video calls
Style Tip: Consider glare-free lighting to reduce eye strain and look great on Zoom.
Final Tips
Use dimmers whenever possible:They let you control the mood and save energy.
Layer your lighting: Don’t rely on one fixture to do it all.
Match bulb temperature to room purpose:
Warm white (2700K–3000K) for cozy areas
Cool white (3500K–4100K) for task-focused spaces
Daylight (5000K+) for utility rooms or home offices
Need Help Choosing Lighting During Your Reno?
We work with homeowners to choose lighting that matches both their aesthetic and lifestyle. Whether you’re designing a sleek modern kitchen or a cozy farmhouse bedroom, we’ll help you get the lighting just right.