Lighting 101: Do's and Don'ts for Your Home

How to Balance Ambiance and Function for the Perfect Home Lighting Design

When it’s time to give your home a new look, a fresh lighting design can help you transform a room’s ambiance, functionality, and style. In this Lighting 101 guide, we’ll show you that whether you're designing from scratch or refreshing the look of your home, there are key do's and don'ts to help you make the most of your lighting choices. Let’s start exploring!

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Front Entryway

The outdoor entrance of your home should be welcoming to visitors and passersby. While that may be a high priority, you also want a safe front entryway that is easy to navigate. Here are some lighting design tips to give your home an elegant, warm, and inviting look.

Do: Choose warm, inviting light tones for a welcoming first impression. Install sconces or pendant fixtures with warm lighting. Ensure the walkway and stairs are evenly lit by shielded or concealed lights that don’t interfere with passage. Add a pop of interest to architectural features using spotlights.

Don’t: Use overly bright, cold light that can feel harsh and uninviting. Avoid leaving large shaded areas that can make the space feel unsafe. 

Kitchen

Function is key in the kitchen, as it’s often a place for diligent work. However, the kitchen can also be a gathering place for conversation or drinks, so consider a layered lighting look for ultimate usage.

Do: Layer your lighting. Combine ambient lighting (recessed lights or flush mounts) with task lighting (under-cabinet LEDs) and accent lighting (pendants over an island). Aim for cool, bright light for task-heavy zones.

Don’t: Rely solely on overhead lights or use too few lights. This creates shadows on work surfaces, making tasks like chopping or reading recipes more difficult.

Bedrooms

Don’t let your sleep suffer because of poorly designed lighting in a bedroom. Soften lighting in the bedroom to create the perfect ambiance for a night of rest.

Do: Opt for soft, warm light to create a relaxing atmosphere. Use dimmable bedside table lamps or wall-mounted sconces for customizable light levels.

Don’t: Use fixtures that give off harsh, bright light. Avoid general downlights and placing lights directly above the bed.

Home Office

In the home office, the goal should be to energize your work and improve focus. The right lighting can help with this.

Do: Use wall sconces to provide focused task lighting near a desk and combine with natural light from a window if possible. Consider the addition of recessed lighting strips in a bookshelf or near a desk for a light boost when needed. 

Don’t: Ignore the importance of natural light. Position your desk near a window, but avoid direct glare. Don’t rely on a single ceiling fixture—give yourself options.

It’s essential to approach lighting your home with thoughtfulness and flexibility. Consider all the different ways you’ll use a space and layer lighting to achieve multiple purposes. Thoughtful lighting can enhance both the form and function of your home. 

Contact us at Eyehear Technologies for more tips on achieving a balanced and functional home lighting design.