Whether you're stepping into a new home or seeking to elevate the lighting in your current space, understanding the nuances of lighting is crucial for many reasons. Good lighting doesn't just brighten a room—it enhances aesthetics, sets the mood and improves functionality.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore key factors to consider, from wattage and bulb selection to lampshades and budgeting, so you can understand the technical aspects of a well-lit, inviting environment that suits your needs and style. 

Modern living room with large overhead pendant light
Design by Murphy Maude Interiors, Photo by Caroline Sharpnack and Sarah Rossi
Wattage guidelines by room

When it comes to lighting your home, one of the first considerations is the wattage of the bulbs you choose. Wattage determines the brightness of the light emitted, so it's important to strike a balance between providing adequate illumination and creating a comfortable atmosphere. For general lighting in larger spaces, such as living rooms or kitchens, higher wattage bulbs may be necessary to ensure sufficient brightness. On the other hand, for areas where a softer, more intimate ambiance is desired, such as bedrooms or dining rooms, lower wattage bulbs can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. 

Here's a general guideline to help you understand watt’s watt:

  • Living Rooms: Living rooms are typically multifunctional spaces where varying levels of lighting are needed. A combination of ambient lighting (soft, general illumination) and task lighting (for reading or other activities) is recommended. Depending on the room size, a mix of 60-100-watt bulbs or equivalent LEDs should suffice.
  • Bedrooms: Bedrooms benefit from a softer, more relaxed ambiance. Using 40-60-watt bulbs is usually sufficient for ambient lighting. However, consider task lighting on bedside tables or reading nooks with adjustable lamps or sconces. According to TALD designer Tami Wassong of Tami Wassong Interiors, sconces are helpful to “free up the top of the nightstand.” 
  • Kitchens: Kitchens require bright, focused lighting for food preparation and cooking. Overhead fixtures with 75-100-watt bulbs are excellent for ambient light, and under-cabinet task lighting, such as LED strips, can be added for specific tasks.
  • Dining Rooms: Dining rooms thrive on mood lighting. A chandelier or pendant fixture with 40-60-watt bulbs, complemented by wall sconces or candlelight, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • Bathrooms: Bathrooms need sufficient, even lighting for grooming. A combination of overhead fixtures with 75-100-watt bulbs, supplemented by wall-mounted vanity lights on both sides of the mirror, is a solid choice.
  • Home Office: Home offices demand ample task lighting. An adjustable desk lamp with 60-75 watts or equivalent LEDs is essential for reducing eye strain.
  • Hallways: Hallways can be illuminated with lower-wattage bulbs, usually in the 40-60-watt range, to guide you safely through the space.
Large kitchen with vaulted ceiling and long pendant lights over an island
Design by Lawless Design, Photo by Joyelle West
Choosing the right light bulbs

Selecting the appropriate light bulbs will help achieve your desired lighting effects as well as energy efficiency. Your interior designer can share more details, but here are the most common types:

  • Incandescent Bulbs: These traditional bulbs provide warm, soft lighting and are available in various shapes. However, they are less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan compared to newer options.
  • LED Bulbs: LED bulbs are incredibly energy-efficient and have a long lifespan. They are available in various color temperatures, from warm to cool white, making them versatile for different settings.
  • CFL Bulbs: Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are good in terms of energy efficiency and have a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. They produce a cooler, bluish light, which may not be suitable for all rooms.
  • Halogen Bulbs: Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs but are slightly more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan. They produce a bright, white light.

When choosing bulbs, designers will consider the color temperature (measured in Kelvin), with lower values (around 2700K) producing warm, cozy light, and higher values (around 5000K) emitting cool, daylight-like light. Select bulbs that match the ambiance you want for each room.

Entryway with large gold mirror, a credenza with a white lamp and a large gold ceiling light
Design by Hattie Sparks, Photo by Laura Steffan
How lampshades can make a design difference

Speaking of ambience, lampshades are more than just aesthetic accessories. They play a crucial role in shaping the quality and direction of light. Here's what you should know — and don’t be shy, ask your designer to weigh in with their expertise, too:

  • Fabric Lampshades: These are perfect for creating soft, diffused light that adds warmth and coziness to a space. They are excellent for living rooms and bedrooms.
  • Glass or Metal Lampshades: These types of shades offer a more direct and focused light, making them suitable for task lighting in areas such as kitchens and home offices.
  • Translucent Shades: Translucent or semi-opaque lampshades let some light pass through while diffusing the rest, providing a balance between direct and ambient lighting.
  • Color Matters: The color of your lampshade can also affect the quality of light. Lighter shades allow more light to pass through, while darker shades may absorb more light.
Modern bathroom with lighting around mirrors
Design and Photo by Armina Interiors
Setting a realistic budget

Your interior or lighting designer will help determine the right lighting budget for your project. Lighting can vary significantly in cost. Here are some considerations:

  • Prioritize Rooms: Decide which rooms are the most important for your project. You might want to allocate a larger portion of your budget to key, focal-point spaces like the living room, kitchen or master bedroom.
  • Quality vs. Quantity: Avoid what TALD designer Abigail Shea of Studio Eastman calls “landlord special light fixtures.” It's often better to invest in a few high-quality fixtures that match your design vision than to scatter budget-friendly options throughout your home. Quality lighting can be a statement piece in your decor.
  • Energy Efficiency: Consider energy-efficient options, such as LED bulbs and fixtures, which may have a higher initial cost but can lead to significant long-term savings on your electricity bills.
  • Dimmer Switches: If possible, allocate some of your budget for dimmer switches. They offer flexibility in adjusting the lighting intensity and can go a long way in enhancing the ambiance of your space.

Understanding the importance of lighting is key to a great working relationship with your interior designer or your lighting designer. After all, lighting is a fundamental element of interior design, capable of transforming the atmosphere and adding to the functionality of your space. 

Seamlessly connect with a trusted interior designer for your project, no matter how big or small. Whether it's a virtual consultation you're seeking or you'd like to hire full-service, we've got a match for you. Book here. 

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