How to light every room in the house

A well-designed interior is never lit by a single ceiling bulb. Every room has its own uses, and therefore its own lighting needs. Here is how to get the balance right, room by room.

The living room: layer your sources

Aim for warm light (2700 K) and three layers: a ceiling light or pendant light for general lighting, a floor lamp by the sofa, and a table lamp as an accent. A dimmer transforms the evening.

The kitchen: see what you are doing

Here, go up to 250–300 lux, with crisp lighting over the worktop (LED strip, pendant lights above the island). Keep a warm light for the dining area.

The bedroom: softness above all

Subdued light and two matching bedside lamps, ideally dimmable. Avoid a single, cold ceiling light: you want a mood that invites rest.

The bathroom: around the mirror

Light should come from either side of the mirror, not just from the ceiling, so that it does not cast hard shadows on the face. Choose a protection rating suited to humidity.

Entrance hall and hallways

100 lux is enough, but make the welcome count: a well-chosen wall light or pendant light sets the tone as soon as you step through the door.

The golden rule: several sources, warm light, and a dimmer wherever possible. That is what separates a room that is merely lit from one where you want to linger.