Lighting Design Basics and Best Practices
Thoughtful lighting design starts with understanding how different types of lighting work together to shape the feel and functionality of your space. The best home lighting incorporates a layered mix of task, accent, and ambient light to support how you live and move through your rooms.
Task Lighting
Task lighting supports focused activities like reading, working, or prepping meals. Think desk lamps, bedside lighting, or directional sconces that bring function to form. Some designs include adjustable shades or articulating arms so you can direct light where you need it most. Explore our full lamp collection to find beautiful options that double as design moments.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting adds visual interest, highlighting architectural details, artwork, or styling elements. A well-placed sconce or directional spotlight can create depth and draw attention where you want it. See our wall lighting collection for examples that blend mood-setting glow with sculptural detail.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and sets the tone for the room. It includes chandeliers, flush mounts, and pendant lighting—pieces that anchor a space while enhancing its atmosphere. Our ceiling lighting collection includes statement pieces that define a room with effortless elegance.
Together, these three layers of home lighting create a cohesive foundation that works both practically and aesthetically—tailored to each room's unique role.
Lighting by Room: Tips for Every Space
Each room in your home calls for its own balance of brightness, mood, and function. Let’s take a look at how you might think about lighting by space.
Bedroom Lighting
A bedroom should feel restful and layered. Pair ambient lighting like a flush mount or soft pendant with task lighting at each bedside. Plug-in sconces are a great option for a clean look without the need for hardwiring, and dimmable fixtures allow you to adjust the mood with ease.
Living Room Lighting
The living room is your most versatile space—so your lighting design should be too. Combine overhead lighting with floor and table lamps to create zones for conversation, reading, or entertaining. A dramatic chandelier or oversized pendant can set the tone, while accent lighting adds visual interest to shelving or artwork.
Kitchen and Dining Room Lighting
In kitchens and dining areas, task lighting and ambient lighting work hand in hand. Pendant lights over an island offer functional clarity and a stylish focal point. In the dining room, a chandelier should sit low enough to define the space but high enough to allow for unobstructed views and conversation.
Entryway and Hallway Lighting
Make an impression with layered accent lighting and ceiling fixtures that introduce the tone of your home. Wall sconces can soften transitional spaces, while overhead lights provide welcome illumination. Don’t overlook the power of a single sculptural light fixture to elevate a hallway or nook.
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