How to light for drama and impact: a room-by-room guide
The right lighting can totally transform a room, eliminating the need to redecorate or refurnish. Though it works in some cases, the default of a single pendant light in the centre of a ceiling tends to wash out colours and create an oppressive feel.
Layered, directional lighting customised to a room’s function will instead create a relaxed or focused, invigorating interior. Check out our room-by-room lighting guide that will help you decide what’s right for your home.
1. Step into the hallway
Hallways are your chance to make a strong first impression. Go for a warm, welcoming, and well-ordered feel. Soft lighting promotes this approachable ambience, and works well in this rare space that’s unlikely to need bright or direct lighting.
It’s a chance to pick unusual lighting fixtures like chandeliers and lanterns. Plus, you can enhance the feeling of space in what is sometimes a cramped area with large mirrors to reflect and magnify your lighting features.
2. Dining Room Delight
This hub of social entertainment needs adequate lighting above the table. Something like a pendant light or track light works well, keeping the table as the practical focus of your dining room. Wall fixtures and uplighters create a warm feel in the rest of the room, maintaining a soft lighting while preserving a relaxed ambience.
3. What’s Cooking, Good Looking?
Practical lighting is a vital component of the well-equipped kitchen. Ceiling spotlights and directed under counter fixtures throw light on your culinary efforts while creating a bright, clean feel. Using your kitchen as a dining area too? Invest in a dimmer switch to mellow the atmosphere when its time to stop cooking and start eating.
4. Lighting your living room
Adjustable, functional and easily controlled lighting is the key in this family-focused chill out room. Make the most of natural daylight here, too. For ultimate flexibility in your living space, go for a combination of ceiling pendant light, track lighting, and softer uplighters.
When placing lighting, think about where your TV is mounted and main pieces of furniture are located. Do they need a direct or diffused light? Dimmer switches are ideal for living room situations where TV screen glare is an issue.
We hope this guide is helpful – time to get lighting and get dramatic!