Every room in your home has a different function - and your lighting should reflect that. The key is to start with an assessment of each space:

• Living room: This is a multi-functional hub where you might watch TV, host guests, or curl up with a book. A combination of ceiling lighting, floor lamps, and accent lights creates flexibility.
• Kitchen: Strong task lighting is essential for cooking, but softer options for dining or evening use make the space feel more welcoming.
• Bedroom: A restful retreat needs warm, layered lighting that allows for both winding down and practical tasks like reading or getting dressed.
• Bathroom: Safety and clarity are priorities, so bright, moisture-safe fittings are crucial, with options to dim for a spa-like feel.
• Hallways and stairs: Often overlooked, these transitional spaces benefit from subtle but effective lighting to make your home feel cohesive.

Think about how you use each room at different times of the day, and note any problem areas where lighting feels inadequate or too harsh.

Once you’ve assessed each room, ask yourself:

• Where do I need strong, practical light?
• Where would softer, atmospheric light work best?
• Are there architectural features, artwork, or furnishings I want to highlight?
• Do I have dark corners or awkward spaces that could benefit from clever solutions, like wall lights or LED strips?

Common challenges include rooms with limited natural light, spaces that serve multiple functions, or open-plan layouts where you want defined zones. A well-thought-out plan ensures you tackle these challenges before you start installing fittings.

One of the golden rules of lighting design is to think in layers. There are three main types of lighting, and most rooms need a mix of all three to feel balanced:

1. Ambient Lighting

This is your main source of overall light - usually ceiling fixtures such as pendants, chandeliers, or recessed downlights. Ambient lighting creates a base level of illumination, ensuring the room feels bright and welcoming.

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting focuses on specific areas where you need clarity. In the kitchen, under-cabinet strip lights make food prep easier. On a desk, a table lamp reduces eye strain. In the bathroom, mirror lights provide clear visibility.

3. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is where the magic happens. It highlights features, adds warmth, and creates atmosphere. Think fairy lights draped over shelves, LED candles on side tables, or uplighters that bring texture to a wall.

When layered together, these three types of lighting give you flexibility and control, allowing you to set the perfect mood at any moment.

Modern lighting isn’t just about where you place your lights - it’s also about how you control them. Connectivity options have evolved, giving you greater flexibility:

• Smart lighting: Connect your lights to an app or voice assistant, adjusting brightness and colour temperature from your phone. Ideal for creating different moods at the touch of a button.
• Remote controls: Many string lights, LED candles, and outdoor lights now come with handy remotes for easy adjustments.
• Dimmers: Simple but effective, dimmer switches let you fine-tune brightness levels depending on the time of day or activity.
• Timers and sensors: Perfect for security or energy efficiency, these ensure lights only come on when needed.

By incorporating control options into your plan, you can make your scheme more versatile and future-proof.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, sustainability should be part of every home lighting plan. Luckily, it’s easy to make energy-efficient choices without compromising on style.

• LED technology: LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last significantly longer. They’re available in a wide range of styles and colour temperatures.
• Smart controls: Scheduling lights to turn off when not in use helps reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Not only will these choices reduce your carbon footprint, but they’ll also save you money in the long run.

To bring everything together, here’s a simple process for creating your home lighting plan:

1. Walk through each room and note how you use the space at different times.
2. Identify problem areas - dark corners, glare issues, or rooms that need more versatility.
3. Decide on your layers: ambient, task, and accent lighting.
4. Choose fittings that suit the style of your home while serving a clear purpose.
5. Incorporate smart or remote controls where needed.
6. Select energy-efficient options, from LED bulbs to solar-powered lights.
7. Map it all out - sketch a rough floor plan marking where each light will go.

• Relying on a single overhead light - this can make rooms feel flat and uninviting.
• Forgetting about dimmers or controls - these are crucial for flexibility.
• Ignoring hallways and transitional spaces - these set the tone for the rest of your home.
• Overlooking energy efficiency - long-term savings and sustainability are too important to skip.

A cohesive lighting plan is more than just choosing a few lamps - it’s about designing an experience for your home. By layering ambient, task, and accent lighting, integrating smart controls, and prioritising energy efficiency, you’ll create a scheme that’s both practical and beautiful.

Our full range can help you bring your plan to life. With thoughtful design and the right products, you’ll transform your house into a home!