How to Choose the Perfect Lighting Style for Every Room: Tips for a Cohesive Look

Choosing the right light

When it comes to ceiling lights, style plays a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetics and feel of your home. Here are some style tips that can help guide you in making the best decision when choosing your light. 

• Start by matching lighting with the room functionality. In the living room opt for statement chandeliers or large pendant lights to create a focal point. For your kitchens use pendant lights over islands for task lighting or consider recessed lighting for a clean, modern look. Your bedrooms needs a softer, dimmable ceiling lights like flush mounts or small chandeliers for a cosy ambiance. In the bathrooms consider flush or semi-flush mounts with moisture resistant finishes. Choosing the correct temperature for each room is also important. Warm Lighting (2700K-3000K) is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas to create a cosy atmosphere. Cool Lighting (4000K-5000K) is better suited for kitchens, bathrooms and workspaces where clear, bright light is needed.

• Your ceiling height is a crucial consideration when deciding on what ceiling light to buy. For a high ceiling, chandeliers or multi-tiered pendants can add drama and fill the vertical space effectively. Alternatively, for low ceilings choose flush mount is best but you can also use semi-flush mount lights as these can be adjusted to suit your room, providing adequate lighting without overwhelming it. The types of light are discussed below for you to get a better understanding of what flush mount, semi-flush, pendant light fixtures etc means. 

• In large rooms, consider multiple light sources by layering your light sources. Combine ceiling lights with other types of lighting (e.g. floor lamps, wall sconces) to create layers of light, adding depth and dimension to the room. In smaller rooms, a single fixture can provide enough light without cluttering it visually.

• Understand your style and choose items that suits that style for a coordinated it. For example modern/minimalist uses sleek, simple designs with clean lines, such as linear pendants or recessed lighting. Traditional style uses ornate fixtures like crystal chandeliers or vintage inspired lantern. Industrial leans more towards metal finishes, exposed bulbs and fixtures with a raw, utilitarian feel. Woven materials, natural textures and eclectic shapes complement a boho style. If your are unsure about your style, use this quiz to figure it out. You can also learn more about the other interior design styles here.

• Opt for a dimmer as they're compatible with most modern ceiling lights. Dimmable ceiling lights allow for flexibility in mood and functionality, making them a versatile choice for living rooms, bedroom and dining rooms.

How to mix lighting?

• Before you can choose lighting it is important to understand the three primary types of lighting and their roles.  Ambient lighting is the main source of light in a room, providing overall lighting. Examples include ceiling lights, chandeliers and recessed lighting. Task Lighting is used for specific tasks like reading, cooking or working. Examples include desk lamps, under cabinet kitchen lights and vanity lights. Finally there is accent lighting that is used to highlight specific features like artwork, architectural details or plants. Examples include wall sconces, picture lights and track lighting.

• Start with ambient lighting as the base, this will provides sufficient general lighting for the room. This could be a chandelier, a flush mount ceiling light or recessed lights. Make sure it complements the room’s overall style. Use dimmers on ambient lighting to control the brightness and to set different moods.

• Layer task lighting in areas where focused light is required, such as reading nooks, kitchen counters, work desks and bathroom mirrors.  Examples include pendant lights over a kitchen island, desk lamps in a home office or swing arm wall lamps next to a bed. 

• Incorporate accent lighting for depth and drama and to highlight key features. Wall sconces, track lighting or LED strips can highlight artwork, bookshelves or architectural details. Ensure the accent lights have adjustable angles to focus the light exactly where needed.

• Use reflective surfaces to amplify light such as mirrors, glass and metallic surfaces can reflect light and help distribute it more evenly throughout the room. This can enhance the overall effect of mixed lighting and make the room feel brighter and more spacious.

What are the types of lighting fixtures?

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are statement pieces that come in a wide range of styles from traditional crystal designs to modern geometric shapes. They provide a focal point and can add elegance, drama or even contemporary flair to your room. Suitable for living rooms, dining rooms, entryways and bedrooms.

Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Flush mount lights sit directly against the ceiling offering a sleek, unobtrusive look. They are ideal for providing ambient lighting in rooms with low ceilings or a small room. They are perfect for low ceiling areas like hallways, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms. A hot tip is to choose a fixture with a frosted or diffused shade for soft, even lighting that reduces glare.

Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Semi-flush mount lights hang slightly below the ceiling, combining the compact profile of flush mounts with a bit more decorative flair. They add interest and depth without taking up too much vertical space. Use semi-flush mounts in spaces where you want a bit of style but have moderate ceiling height (8-10 feet).  Suitable for entryways, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms.

Pendant Lights

Pendant light hang down from the ceiling on a rod or chain and come in various shapes, sizes and materials. They can be used singly or grouped together for visual impact and are perfect for task or ambient lighting. Hang pendants 30-36 inches above a kitchen island or dining table for optimal illumination and balance. Works well in kitchens (over islands), dining rooms, bathrooms (over vanities) and bedrooms. 

Recessed Lighting (Can Lights)

Recessed lights are installed directly into the ceiling for a streamlined look that provides unobtrusive ambient. They are ideal for low ceilings or when you want a clean, modern look. Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways. Use dimmers to control the intensity and create different moods.

Track Lighting

Track lighting consists of several light fixtures attached to a track, allowing them to be positioned and directed as needed. It’s great for accent lighting or highlighting specific areas or objects. Use adjustable track lights to highlight artwork in your living room or gallery, bookshelves in your home office or specific areas in the kitchen.

Drum Lights

Drum lights feature a circular shade resembling a drum, providing soft, diffused light. They offer a versatile, understated look that fits various decor styles. Drum lights with fabric shades create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while metal or glass drum lights add a contemporary edge. Use in dining rooms, bedrooms and living rooms.

Lantern Lights

Lantern lights mimic the look of old-fashioned lanterns, often featuring glass panels and metal frames. They add a rustic, vintage, or coastal charm to a space. Use lantern style ceiling lights to add a welcoming, homey feel to entryways, dining areas or outdoor areas.

Sputnik Lights

Sputnik lights are characterised by their starburst design with multiple arms extending from a central core, often with exposed bulbs. They add a bold, sculptural element to dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms. Pair a sputnik light with simple furniture and decor to let the fixture be the room's focal point.

Cage Lights

Cage lights feature exposed bulbs surrounded by a metal or wooden cage, creating a raw, industrial look. They are perfect for adding a rugged charm or a modern twist to kitchens, dining rooms, entryways and bedrooms. Use Edison bulbs in cage lights to enhance the vintage, industrial vibe.

Geometric Lights

Geometric lights feature bold, angular shapes and lines, making them a striking addition to modern or minimalist spaces. Use geometric lights in rooms with clean lines and neutral colours to add visual interest without overwhelming the room.

Linear Suspension Lights

Linear suspension lights are elongated fixtures that provide even, linear lighting, perfect for rectangular dining tables or kitchen islands. Hang them around 30-36 inches above the table or island to provide optimal task lighting without obstructing the view.

Ceiling Fans with Lights

Ceiling fans with integrated lights provide both lighting and airflow, combining functionality with style. Great for living rooms, bedrooms and covered patios. Opt for a design that complements the room’s decor—whether it's rustic, modern or traditional.

Choosing the right ceiling light style depends on the room’s function and overall design and your aesthetic preferences. Mixing different types of ceiling lights throughout your home can help create a cohesive, layered lighting plan that enhances both style and function.

Happy decorating x