Lighting ideas: tips to illuminate every room

When it comes to lighting, it’s all too easy to overlook the planning stage and simply shop for styles we like - but it's worth taking the time to work out exactly what kind of lighting scheme will be serve your space.

Thoughtfully-placed lamps, spots, pendants, wall lights and lights specially designed for bathroom use will give rooms the combination of task, accent, mood and feature lighting they need to create just the right atmosphere.

Good lighting is always worth an investment but you can pick up some bargains when you want to add extra illumination with side lamps and pendant shades, which can be swapped for something new when you fancy a change.

Feeling inspired? Read on to discover our lighting ideas for every room!

Kitchen lighting ideas

In the kitchen, you’ll want task lighting over the work surfaces, cooker, hob, sink and any other food preparation areas or cooking stations.

This should ideally be combined with overhead spotlights or recessed lights for all-round illumination with a pendant or row of pendants over the dining table or island.

Rise and fall pendants allow you to alter the intensity of the light while dimmer switches offer flexibility at different times of the day.

For more advice on lighting your kitchen, check out our six ideas for transforming your kitchen with lighting.

Living room lighting ideas

In the living room the layered effect works particularly well.

Style a floor-standing lamp next to an armchair for a cosy corner, a cluster of lamps on side tables and sideboards and perhaps a few wall lights for when you want a gentle glow while relaxing in the evenings.

Bedroom lighting ideas

In the bedroom, it’s all about crafting a calming atmosphere, perhaps pairing an overhead pendant with a task light or two for reading.

Adjustable table lights are ideal for reading and directional clip-ons are great for headboards and shelves and can easily be retro-fitted.

Consider wall lights and pendants fitted on a dimmer so you can create a more intimate mood and look for warm bulbs rather than harsh effects. With home working becoming the new normal, make sure any desk space includes efficient task lighting to prevent eye strain.

Lighting a hallway

In hallways and on landings, it’s all about making your home warm and welcoming.

As the hall is the first impression a visitor has of your home, you want to hit the right note with a statement piece that is in keeping with your home’s character.

Bathroom lighting ideas

Not all lights are suitable for bathroom use, and those which are will be clearly marked with an IP rating, which indicates how resistant the light is to dust and water.

Bathrooms are divided into zones when it comes to lighting and each zone determines the type of lighting and IP rating that can be installed.

Bathroom zones

• Zone 0 is the space in the bath or shower itself, so any lighting here must be of low wattage and be rated at least IP67 as well as immersion-proof.
• Zone 1 is the area directly above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor. Lights in Zone 1 must have a minimum rating of IP45 but it’s generally accepted that IP65 is most suitable.
• Zone 2 stretches 60cm outside the perimeter of the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor. Here, a rating of at least IP44 is needed. The space around the basin within a 60cm radius of any tap is also Zone 2.

How to choose the right lightbulb

Baffled by the choice of bulbs available? Here’s our buyer’s guide:

• Incandescent bulbs are the most common, which you find in lighting shops, DIY stores and supermarkets. They don’t last long and use more energy than more modern designs.
• Fluorescent lamps are more complex, use less energy and can last longer but are difficult to dispose of as they contain mercury.
• Compact fluorescent lamps produce the same amount of light but with less power.
• Halogens are a better version of incandescent bulbs. They are smaller with higher luminosity.
• LEDs (light emitting diodes) are different, as they don’t have a filament that eventually burns out. Instead, they work by passing a current through a semi-conductor. This means that LEDs are much more efficient than halogens, consuming 85% less energy.
• Using LEDs will lower your electricity bills and last over 10 times longer. LEDs are more expensive but as they last longer and reduce running costs, it is an investment worth making.

Light bulb brightness

When choosing the level of brightness, look for the lumens. Bulbs aren’t measured in wattage any longer – now it’s all about the lumens.

• Lumens measure brightness while watts measure energy output.
• A 25W incandescent bulb equals 220+ lumens; 40W equals 400+; 60W is 700+; 75W is 900+ and 100W is equivalent to 1,300+.
• As a guide, if you normally buy 60W incandescent bulbs, which produce around 700-800 lumens, consider a lower energy alternative such as a 42W halogen, 12W compact fluorescent lamp or a 10W LED bulb instead.

Feeling inspired? Why not check out our guide on how to make the most of natural light in your kitchen or Abigail Ahern's advice on lamps, side lights and how to use artificial flowers. For fun lighting options, see our guide to the best cheap chandeliers you can buy today.