Our Lighting Guide

How to Brighten things up at home

Lighting is an easy way to refresh the mood of a space. Whether a lamp, sconce, or other fixture, these pieces add ambience while illuminating the details you love most. Learn about function, placement, and styling as we simplify selecting the just-right light.

Key Considerations for Lighting

  • 01 Function

    What practical purpose does it serve?

  • 02 Placement

    What size and spacing works best?

  • 03 Style

    What look reflects your personality?

01 Function

Lighting generally falls into one of three categories: ambient, task, and accent. Each has an important part to play in your home. Most spaces will need a variety of light sources to strike a good balance of dimension and brightness.
  • hanging light fixture with blue floral shade and brass hanging chain

    Ambient Lighting

    Acts as your foundation, blanketing the whole space evenly.

  • Table lamp with blue floral shade and brass base on a beige background

    Task Lighting

    Creates a small pool of visibility for a specific spot or activity.

  • Wall-mounted lamp with a blue floral shade and gold arm on a beige background

    Accent Lighting

    Draws attention to a particular area or display in a decorative manner.

Materials Matter: A Closer Look at Shades

  • Brass shower head and faucet on a beige background

    Opaque

    Focuses clear light where you want it.

  • Hanging white glass lighting fixture with brass pole

    Semi-Transparent

    Diffuses slightly filtered light all around.

  • Wall sconce with woven shade and brass base

    Natural

    Absorbs some light for a gentle glow.

02 Placement

Think about the room you have available and how to fill it thoughtfully. Don’t worry about following “rules” here since every home will be different. However, as a starting point, we’re sharing a couple of guidelines for size and spacing.
  • illustration of how high to hang a light fixture above a dining table
  • illustration of how high to hang a light fixture above a countertop or kitchen island
  • illustration of where to hang wall light sconces on the sides of a bed
  • illustration showing the optimal height for a lampshade above a sofa.

03 Style

Texture, shape, and color all come together to establish a sense of style. Lighting fixtures can either complement the existing aesthetic or add contrast—depending on what you believe is needed. (Trust your instincts!)
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Additional Information + Inspiration

Light Bulbs 101

  • Watts

    A measure of the amount of energy used to create light. Higher wattage means more energy. LED lights offer a practical, low-wattage option for your home.

  • Lumens

    A measure of the brightness of a bulb. We suggest 400-600 LM for multi-bulb fixtures and 800-1000 LM for recessed lighting or lamps.

  • Kelvins

    A measure of temperature, resulting in different colors. Lower kelvins appear warm and yellow; higher, cool and white. We prefer 2700-3000K for everyday spaces.

Find Bright Ideas on the Blog

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About Our Lighting Guide

Reminder: We recommend consulting a professional for hardwired lighting installation.

Our comprehensive home lighting guide makes it easy to choose the best lighting for every room. Explore expert tips on chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps while learning how ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting work together to create a balanced space. From dining room chandelier sizing and kitchen island pendant placement to bedroom and living room lighting ideas, you'll find everything you need to create a beautiful, functional home with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Lighting

What type of lighting is best for a living room?

The best living room lighting combines ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to create depth, flexibility, and warmth.

How high should a chandelier hang above a dining table?

Most chandeliers should hang 30 to 36 inches above the table surface, with adjustments made for higher ceilings.

What color temperature is best for a home?

Most interior designers recommend 2700K to 3000K warm white lighting for everyday living spaces.

How many light sources should a room have?

Most rooms benefit from 3 to 5 light sources layered across ambient, task, and accent lighting categories.

Are LED bulbs better for home lighting?

LED bulbs are energy efficient, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of brightness levels and color temperatures.