Interior lighting is often underestimated and unappreciated in interior design. In reality though, it actually plays a huge role in aesthetics and functionality. Studies have also proven that it can even improve emotions, mood, and well-being, in general. Hence, it is important to understand why lighting should be given utmost importance. So if you’re starting a project requiring interior lighting or you’re simply curious enough, continue reading to know how to design and construct right with lights. 

First and foremost, you have to keep in mind that everything in interior lighting starts with proper layering. There are three layers of lights, namely, general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. If you want more profound information on these layers of light, read here.

For basic knowledge, general lighting, from the term itself is the overhead lighting and the overall level of light. Task lighting on the other hand is an intense and direct light that is required for detailed work. In short, it is the light that you need for certain tasks. Lastly, accent lighting is the layer of light focusing more on aesthetics or design. It can also be a secondary light complementing and augmenting general lighting.   

Image Credit: Home Reno Guru, Starry Homestead Pte Ltd. 

Now that you have a knowledge on the layers of light, you may now choose the right light for every part of your dream home.  

Right Lighting for your Living Room 

Living room is the place in your home where you will usually entertain guests, hang out, relax, watch a movie, or simply cozy up. There are lots of activities expected to take place in this part of your home so a variety of lighting just makes sense. 

You will need at least two layers of lighting for your living room. It could be a mix of general lighting and accent lighting, or general lighting and task lighting. 

Depending on the theme and style of your home, the most basic choice for general lighting are flush-mount or semi-flush-mount lighting fixtures. It will not be too glamorous but also not too dull. 

Get this look: BEATRICE Windmill Ceiling Lamp

Of course, you may still go for a chandelier if it will go well with your home’s design. 

Image Credit: Qanvast, Mr Shopper Studio

Other choices of general lighting for your living room includes ceiling fans, pendant lights, and other hanging lamps. Use warm white as color temperature of your general lighting in the living room. 

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For task lighting and accent lighting, track lights and wall lamps are a good choice. With a track light, you will be able to showcase a vase, a frame, or any other display that you want to be given emphasis on. At the same time, you may also use it to direct light onto your favorite spot if you simply like to read or relax in a chair. 

Get this here: LED Tracklight Spotlight Pack 

You may also install wall lamps if you have a focal point in your living room. This will give additional accent lighting. 

Shop this look: Carsten Dimpled Cheeks Classy Wall Lamp 

Right Light for your Dining Room 

Like the living room, the dining room also serves many purposes. Besides sharing a sumptuous meal with your family, you may also entertain guests here, or set game nights with your family here. It has to be lit accordingly.

For general lighting, hanging lamps or pendant lamps are a perfect choice. Use a hanging lamp on the center of your dining table and provide a well-lit space while also putting your room in style. Either a warm white or a daylight color temperature is acceptable for the dining room. This will now depend mostly on your preference. 

Get this here: Alvilda Cones and Barrels Hanging Lamp

Add accent lighting via two wall lamps if you have a console table or buffet table in your dining room. 

Shop this look: Ekorna Marble Sleek Slab Wall Lamp

Cove lighting is also a common go to of some interior designers for dining rooms. If you’re only starting to build your home, or at least you have a provision for cove ceiling, then this is also a good choice of lighting. 

Image Credit: Home Reno Guru, Design 4 Space

There are a lot more dining room lighting ideas that you can choose from. See here to know more. 

Right Lighting for your Kitchen 

Times have changed and a kitchen is not just a place where you cook anymore. Other activities expected to take place in this room include eating, working, cleaning, and sometimes even hanging out. The kitchen nowadays is actually one of the more “instagrammable” places in a house or apartment.

In your kitchen, plenty of general lighting is needed. It has to be complemented by some task lighting. Any ceiling fixture is good in the kitchen but a simple ceiling mounted light will suffice. 

Get this here: MALTE Maze of Light Ceiling Lamp

If you have a kitchen island, a pendant lamp can be installed. This will make your kitchen not only functional but also look nice. 

Image Credit: Renonation, Charlotte’s Carpentry 

Get this look: Gasurin Glass Round Globe Pendant Lamp

Under cabinet lighting are also good and will serve both as task lighting and accent lighting. Preparation counters are expected to be well lit with under cabinet lights and it will also beautify your kitchen at the same time. 

Image Credit: Renonation, Design 4 Space 

You may use daylight as color temperature for your ceiling fixtures and warm white for your under cabinet lights.

Right Lighting for your Bedroom 

Getting the right lighting for your bedroom is one of the most satisfying feeling if you’re DIY-ing your interior lighting. After all, the bedroom is actually the part of your home where you will be spending most of your time. You may use all three layer of lights for this part. 

In lighting the bedroom a feeling of calm should be evoked so you may be able to rest well and prepare yourself for the next day. Choose a regular ceiling lamp that will match you room’s design. Use warm white as color temperature of your light to feel more relaxed and peaceful as your sleep. 

Shop this here: Bernie Illuinating Ring Dot Ceiling Lamp

Add bedside lamps so you may be able to do tasks like reading, or browsing your phone and tablet while in bed. Mount these lamps just above the bedside table for better accessibility. You may also use pendant lamps with warm white bulbs. 

Image Credit: Qanvast, 4mation ID

If you have a study table or desk in your room, add track lights, pendant lamps, or desk lamps on that area for task lighting. This time, use daylight as color temperature so you will be able to do your work with higher productivity. 

Image Credit: Renonation, Swiss Interior Design

Choosing the right light is not a walk in the park; but it is also not rocket science. Use these tips while considering your requirements and you’ll get the right lights you deserve for your home.