Lighting Design 101: How to Choose Lighting For Your Home

Why is Lighting Design Important?

You will often hear interior designers saying that lighting can make or break a space – and they’re spot-on! The right lighting can elevate the mood, enhance room aesthetics, and bring your whole space to life.

Unfortunately, most people don’t worry about lighting until the end of the styling or design process, but we’re telling you it should be the FIRST thing you consider. With that said, here’s everything you need to know when choosing lighting for your home.

Understanding Lighting Types

Before you start planning out your lighting design, it’s essential to understand the core lighting types and how they work. There are three main lighting types you need to know, and ideally, all three should work together in harmony. Below, we’ve given an overview of each type and how they can added to your home.

1. Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting forms the foundation of any lighting design by illuminating your entire space with soft, diffused light. This is arguably the most important aspect of your lighting design, providing the largest amount of illumination of the three types. Typically, this is where you’ll want to start when planning your lighting setup.

Key sources of ambient lighting include:

• Pendant Lights
• Floor Lamps
• Recessed Lighting (e.g. Downlights)
• LED Strip Lights

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting does exactly what it sounds like – it provides focused, bright light for specific tasks like reading, cooking, or working. Not only does it help you see better, but it can also be a great way to add visual interest to your space- especially if you’re creative with your selections!

Here are some common task lighting sources:

• Reading Lights
• Desk Lamps
• Track & Spotlights

3. Accent Lighting

By far the most exciting part of lighting design! Accent lighting is where you get the opportunity to add character, charm, and personality to your space. It’s perfect for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or simply filling in the darker spots that ambient lighting might miss. You can essentially view this as the finishing touch to your entire lighting plan.

The best sources of accent lighting include table lamps and wall lights. Table lamps are great for placing on shelves, wardrobes, coffee tables, and worktops, whereas wall lights are amazing for rooms with limited floor space. If you feel like something is missing from your lighting design, it’s most likely your accent lighting, and it’s time to start getting creative.

Finding the Right Colour Temperature

One of the most common questions we see on the topic of interior lighting is: “What colour temperature is best for my home?”, and we totally get it – colour temperature plays a huge role in setting the right mood and functionality for different spaces. Here’s what you need to know:

Warm White (2700-3000k)

Warm white light is cosy, inviting, and perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. It’s the most common colour temperature found in homes because it feels natural and pleasant. It’s ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms where comfort and relaxation are key.

While most people use it in these spaces, don’t be afraid to use warm white in your kitchen, bathroom, or home office if you want that soft, calming vibe – it all depends on your personal preference!

Cool White (3500-4500k)

Cool white lighting offers a neutral, balanced glow that’s perfect for spaces where clarity and focus are key. Unlike warmer tones that create a cosy environment, cool white light enhances visibility, making it ideal for task-oriented areas like offices, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Whether you’re prepping meals, getting ready in the morning, or tackling work projects, this crisp illumination helps reduce eye strain and keeps you alert. It’s a great choice for modern interiors, offering a fresh, clean aesthetic whilst ensuring functionality.

Daylight White (5000-6500k)

Bright and crisp, this cool-toned lighting is designed for spaces where clarity and precision matter most. While it mimics natural daylight, it can feel a little too intense for cosy home environments – creating more of an “operating room” feel rather than a warm living space.

That’s why you’ll often find it in industrial settings, hospitals, and workspaces where maximum visibility is key. If you love a clean, ultra-modern aesthetic, use it sparingly in home offices or garages for a sharp, focused feel.

Size and Fitting

Choosing the right ceiling light isn’t just about finding a style you love – it’s also about making sure it fits your space perfectly. After all, a light fixture that’s too small can get lost in the room, while one that’s too large can overwhelm the space. Plus, you don’t want to end up bumping your head on a chandelier every time you walk through the room!

When selecting a ceiling fixture, three key factors come into play: ceiling height, room size, and the placement of objects below the light. Follow these simple guidelines to get the size and fitting right:

1. Height Recommendations – For standard 8ft ceilings, aim for at least 7ft (2.1m) of clearance between the floor and the bottom of the light fixture. For taller ceilings, add 3-6 inches (8-15cm) to the fixture drop for each additional foot of height.
2. Fixture Size – To determine the ideal diameter of your ceiling light, use this simple formula: Fixture Diameter (inches) = Room Width + Room Length (meters). E.g. A room measuring 5m x 8m would require a light fixture with a 40 inch diameter (+-10% depending on your styling preference).
3. Hanging Above Objects – When installing lighting above a table, kitchen island, or any other object, keep a 30-36 inch gap between the bottom of the fixture and the surface below. This ensures enough illumination while avoiding glare or obstruction.

By following these guidelines, you’ll achieve the perfect blend of practicality and style, ensuring your lighting enhances your space beautifully. If you’re still feeling unsure, check out our previous size and fitting guide for a more comprehensive, in-depth explanation.

Layer Your Lighting

Lighting isn’t just about being able to see – it’s about creating mood, depth, and balance. A single overhead light might technically illuminate a space, but it won’t bring the warmth, texture, or functionality that well-layered lighting can. By stacking multiple layers of light, you can transform a flat, one-dimensional room into an inviting and visually exciting space.

Think of lighting like a great outfit – you wouldn’t wear just one piece of clothing and call it a day. Instead, you layer items to create a complete look. Lighting follows the same principle. By combining different light sources, you can highlight key features, set the right mood, and make a space more functional.

To achieve a well-balanced lighting design, you’ll want to incorporate the three main types of lighting that we discussed earlier. Here’s how you can layer your lighting:

1. Ambient Lighting – Start with a statement ceiling fixture like a pendant or chandelier to provide overall illumination and set the tone for the room.
2. Task Lighting – Add in desk lamps, reading lights, or spotlights depending on the room’s function. This enhances the functionality of your lighting design whilst creating another layer of visual interest.
3. Accent Lighting – The finishing touch to add character and depth. Strategically place table lamps and wall lights in darker spots to create a final layer of style and visual appeal within your room.

By blending all three layers, you can create a space that’s both functional and visually appealing. No matter whether you need bright and energising lighting for your kitchen, or a warm feel for your living room, layered lighting makes all the difference.

Get Creative

Now that you know the basics of lighting design, it’s time to get creative! Lighting isn’t just about function – it’s a way to bring personality and atmosphere into your home. Whether you’re aiming for a warm and cosy feel, a sleek and modern look, or something totally unique, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and layouts.

Try moving your lights around to see how they change the mood of a room. A simple shift in placement can make a space feel more open, inviting, or intimate. Play with different angles, heights, and brightness to create depth and highlight your favourite features. If something doesn’t feel quite right, keep tweaking – sometimes small adjustments make the biggest difference.

If you’re unsure where to start, take inspiration from professional interior designers – they’re experts for a reason! Try incorporate different elements one step at a time to find what works best with your own style and decor. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way – it’s all about what works best for you.

The beauty of lighting design is that it’s flexible, so don’t be afraid to mix things up until you’re happy with the result.

Conclusion

Lighting is so much more than just making a space visible. It’s about creating the right atmosphere, enhancing functionality, and showcasing your unique style.

By layering ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can transform any room into a beautifully illuminated space that’s practical and stylish. Keep in mind the importance of colour temperature—warm white for relaxation, cool white for focus, and daylight white for maximum visibility.

And don’t forget size and fitting! A well-chosen fixture ensures your lighting works both functionally and aesthetically in your space.

With all the tips you’ve learned, you’re now ready to plan your perfect lighting design. Explore our full range of high-quality, stylish lighting at nationallighting.co.uk, and get 5% off your first order by subscribing to our newsletter!