Good lighting starts with the room, not the fixture. A kitchen island, a reading corner and a front porch all need a different beam, brightness and mounting height. Layer three kinds of light in every space: ambient light for the whole room, task light where you work or read, and accent light to show off art, texture and architecture.
Living room
Start with a ceiling fixture or recessed downlights for ambient light, then add floor and table lamps at different heights. Wall sconces beside a fireplace or artwork add depth. Choose dimmable LED fixtures so one room can go from bright to relaxed.
Kitchen
Kitchens need bright, even task light. Recessed downlights over the counters remove shadows, and pendants hung 30–36 inches above the island add style. A color temperature of 3000K–3500K keeps food looking natural.
Dining room
Choose a chandelier about half to two-thirds the width of the table and hang it 30–34 inches above the tabletop. Add a dimmer to set the mood for dinner.
Bedroom
Use soft 2700K light, a flush mount or semi-flush ceiling fixture, and bedside lamps or swing-arm sconces for reading.
Bathroom
Mount vanity lights on both sides of the mirror or above it to avoid shadows on the face, and make sure every fixture is damp- or wet-rated.
Outdoor spaces
Pick wet-rated fixtures for porches, patios and gardens. Wall lanterns should hang about one-third of the door height on each side of the entry, and path lights every 6–8 feet keep walkways safe.
Quick sizing rule
Add the length and width of the room in feet – the total in inches is a good chandelier diameter. For example, a 12 × 14 ft room suits a fixture about 26 inches wide.
