How to Select Lights for Your Home

Crafting a lighting scheme for a new project gets us very excited here at the studio; planning circuits, positioning fittings and selecting lights is a vast topic. In the last Expert’s Tip article I discussed layers of light , circuits and technical factors – once this is settled we then consider what type of fittings to specify and where to source the actual fittings to use for the specific zones and tasks which we designated. Lighting is more than mere illumination; it shapes mood, defines style, and enhances every facet of a room’s design.

I see lighting as a transformative tool that can enrich the beauty of a space while offering practical solutions. Choosing the right lights is not only an aestetic but also technical process. For certain applications there are surprisingly few choices as we recently discovered for interior pool wall lights (speak to us about that) . Fortunately advances in design, engineering and production have recently led to much improved choices for certain types of previously very limited lighted; IP rated bathroom lights and portable lamps. I often speak to manufacturers at trade fairs and encourage them to develop products which i see are missing in the market. Read on for my comprehensive guide to curating the selections for perfect lighting scheme, bringing depth and sophistication to any room.

By way of a quick recap, before we can start selecting and proposing fittings, we must remember our purpose and goals and parameters:

Lighting serves a different purpose in every space, and before you begin, it’s essential to ask yourself some key questions:

• How is the room used, for relaxation, work, or entertaining or a combination?
• What’s the mood, style, period or atmosphere you want to create?
• Are there any architectural details or decor features you’d like to emphasize?
• What are the limitations that could clash with your desired fittings:  curtains in the way of wall lights, cupboard doors which need to open and would hit pendant lights, ceiling heights, the need for directional adjustment of the light source?

For instance, in a living room where you’ll entertain guests, lighting should strike a balance between functional and atmospheric.

A kitchen, on the other hand, demands brighter task lighting for cooking, along with decorative fixtures to elevate the space. You might be facing very high or low ceilings so you could use pendants or spots, if you opt for shelves rather than wall units over the work surface you could install wall lights with movable arms rather then LED strips which are typically fitted under the wall units.

Make a list of the activities and vibe you envision for each room before shopping for lights. This roadmap will help you focus on what’s practical and what enhances the overall aesthetic.

The perfect fixture is one that feels made for the room. Its size, shape, and placement are as important as its design.

Fixture Size Matters

A common mistake is choosing fixtures that are either too small or too large for the space. The size of the room should guide your choice:

• Small rooms: A flush mount or semi-flush light often works best, as these fixtures provide ample illumination without feeling overwhelming.
• Larger rooms: Grand spaces can accommodate statement pieces like chandeliers or oversized pendants that add drama and focus.
• Determine your focus. Which of the light fittings should be the main feature or are none of your light sources features and you just need really good light but you almost want to hide it because the view or the furniture or architecture are to be appreciated. You dont want to clutter and confuse the space so be very clear about the goals first before settling on the fittings.

A quick trick to determine the right size for a ceiling fixture: Add the room’s dimensions (in feet) and convert the total to inches for the fixture’s ideal diameter. For example, a 12×14-foot room calls for a fixture about 26 inches wide.

Placement and Architecture

The placement of your fixtures should complement the architecture of the room. For instance:

• A series of pendants above a kitchen island creates visual separation in an open-plan space.
• In a hallway, wall sconces can provide both style and functional illumination while guiding guests through the home.
• Open plan spaces requires careful balancing so that fittings and light sources do not compete; your statement chandelier would be better placed over the dining table, leaving the reception or lounge spaces to be lit with interated LED in joinery, table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights – maybe even a few well placed downlights

I always recommend visualizing a fixture in your space before purchasing. Whether through mock-ups, tape measurements, or augmented reality apps, this step helps ensure harmony between the fixture and the room.

Your lights should work hard for you – but they should also look fabulous while doing it. This balance between practicality and design is where lighting becomes truly transformative.

Stay True to Your Style

Choose lights that align with your home’s overall aesthetic and also employ the choice of fittings to add styling, texture, colour . For example:

• A modern home would call for architectural,  sleek , geometric designs in chrome, steel, bronze or copper metal, glass or stone.
• A more traditional property or room can be elevated with classic chandeliers,  lantern-inspired fixtures, textured coloured shades, wood and raffia, gold, brass and silver metalic structures.
• If your decor lends itself to eclectic mixing (which I love) and you are brave and bold in your approach then you can mix and match period styles finishes and materials to create a curated, layered look. it is admittedly the more difficult style to pull off, so you have to aim to select high quality well made products so that the particular light fitting itself becomes a source of beauty and joy in an unexpected context.

While this article focuses on choosing individual fixtures, it’s important to think about how they’ll work together. A well-lit room relies on a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides general illumination, task lighting focuses on specific activities, and accent lighting highlights architectural features or decor.

This layering approach ensures that every corner of your home is both functional and inviting. If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, check out our previous article, How to Choose Your Lighting Scheme, which offers plenty of tips for creating the perfect blend of light sources.

Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes in lighting design can undermine the functionality and aesthetic of your home. Here I have listed some pitfalls to avoid:

• Inappropriate fixture sizes: Oversized lights can overwhelm a small space, while undersized fixtures may fail to make an impact or provide sufficient illumination. Always check dimensions carefully in your space.
• Incorrect drop heights: Chandeliers or pendants that hang too low can obstruct views and feel intrusive, while fixtures hung too high may not provide adequate lighting or look flimsy.
• Bulb and dimmer compatibility: Ensure your bulbs are compatible with dimming systems, especially in multi-way switches. Inconsistent lighting can lead to functionality issues.
• Chandelier weight: Heavy chandeliers may require additional ceiling support. Verify the ceiling’s capacity before installation.
• Durable materials: Select materials suitable for the room’s purpose, such as moisture-resistant fixtures with appropriate IP ratings for bathrooms.
• Lampshade linings: Consider how different linings affect the quality and warmth of light. Metallic linings create a reflective glow, while fabric linings diffuse light softly.
• Ensure that where required and appropraite your fittings are directionally adjustable, this can be particularly useful to illuminate artworks, writing desks, vanity tables, bookcases, kitchen work stations and more other little spaces.
• Dont forget to consider wall washers or uplights placed in the floor, steps, skirting boards, treads, window sills or reveals. if you are stripping your house back significantly and rewiring this is a very useful and effective intervention which can create stunnig visual effects.
• Inconsistent LED bulbs: Replacing just one bulb in a set may result in noticeable differences in color temperature and brightness (which you will read more about in the next paragraph). It’s best to replace all bulbs together to ensure uniformity. And as you will be using a variety of bulbs , keep a stash of each type in your DIY space so you dont have to fret when one needs to be replaced.

When it comes to choosing the right lighting for your home, it’s all about finding that perfect mix of style, functionality, and quality. I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite brands and designers who excel in creating exceptional lighting solutions. Whether you’re redesigning your kitchen, making your living room more inviting, or adding elegance to your bathroom, these trusted names offer something special for every space.

Architectural fittings: Sleek and functional
For spaces where clean lines and precision are key, Orluna is a go-to. Their architectural lighting fittings combine advanced technology with elegant designs, giving your home a sophisticated and seamless glow. Their range includes downlights, tracks, uplights and very tiny fittings which can be placed into furniture.

Bathroom lighting: Durable and stylish
Bathrooms need lighting that’s both practical and stylish, and CVL and Astro deliver on both fronts. Their collections include moisture-resistant fixtures that don’t compromise on beauty, ensuring your bathroom is well-lit and elegant.

Portable lighting: Versatile and chic
When it comes to portable lighting, the options have recently expanded vastly and we like products from Santa Cole, Pooky, and Zafferano. One challenge I found has always been that most designs are very low and short. But recently a few brands have tackled this and one of them which has brought out taller designs is Hudson Valley Lighting . Their table lamps, floor lamps, and other portable pieces add personality and flexibility to your home, blending functionality with great design.

Bespoke and high-quality design: Unique masterpieces
If you’re looking for something bespoke and truly unique, The Urban Electric Company is unmatched. Their made-to-order pieces offer exceptional craftsmanship and personalization, letting you create a space that feels uniquely yours. If you want to branch out into vintage classics which will elevate interiors, then you must also visit one of my favourite dealers in Paris, Glustin who sell vintage as well as bespoke Murano creations.

Vintage Lighting

The breath and choice of vintage lights is so vast you can really get lost in a maze, start with popular multi dealer platforms such as 1stdibs, Vinterior and Pamono. You will be amazed what bargains you can pick up. But you must remember the tips I have described above as you might not be able to return a vintage purchase.

Porta Romana: Timeless designs for every home
Porta Romana has always been a standout for me. Their designs are not just lighting; they’re art. From sculptural table lamps to elegant chandeliers, their pieces fit beautifully in a variety of interior styles. Their showroom at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for inspiration or want to see their craftsmanship up close. We even shot the front image of this article in their stunning showroom. Make time to explore it – you won’t regret it.

Choosing lights is part science, part art, and it’s worth taking the time to experiment before committing. Here are a few tips:

• Test how different fixtures interact with natural light in the room at various times of day.
• Try temporary setups or use adjustable-height fixtures to visualize how they’ll look once installed.
• Consider the shadows and highlights a fixture creates—sometimes the effect is as important as the light itself.

One thing I always do is test bulbs with the fixture before installation. It’s surprising how much a bulb can change the overall look and feel of the light.

Wired table lamps of various designs afford you to play with lamp shade sizes, textures, colours and shapes – we could write an entire article on lampshades. The opportunities to filter the light in different afford you options to play with lighting effects and personalise your space.

Portable lamps are now a wonderful addition to the lighting tool kit as you can carry them around your home and create instantaneous mood changes.

To ensure a cohesive look, visualise how the room flows as a whole and test various lighting arrangements before finalising the design. This attention to detail, whether it’s ensuring task lights are positioned for practical use or creating a focal point with a decorative fixture, contributes to a harmonious and functional space.

For the ultimate in convenience and adaptability, Smart home integration systems allow you to control brightness and colour temperature and programme scenes through combinations of circuits; even individual light settings from a phone or smart device, enabling you to adjust the room’s ambience with a single command. These can also control blinds, heating and other technical aspects. While I have installed this in my own home in certain areas and recommend it for very large , especially open plan spaces; it is not a necessary tool to achieve a beautifully and functionally lit space.

And remember, great lighting isn’t just functional – it’s your home’s way of smiling back at you. Let’s make it shine!

Stay inspired, stay sophisticated