Lighting plays a central role in the comfort, function, and style of your home. Yet it's one of the most overlooked elements during a renovation. Planning your lighting from the start ensures each space works with both natural daylight and artificial light sources, so you can enjoy a balanced, efficient, and visually pleasing environment once the work is done.
Creating the Perfect Lighting Plan for Your Renovation
Understand the Purpose of Each Room
Each room in your home serves a unique purpose, and lighting should reflect that. For example, the kitchen is a workspace that benefits from bright, focused lighting for meal prep and cooking—typically under-cabinet strips or pendant lighting above islands. In contrast, living rooms require a mix of ambient lighting and accent lights for comfort, entertainment, and reading. Adjustable wall sconces or dimmable ceiling lights are common here.
Bedrooms usually benefit from softer, layered lighting. You may want a central ceiling fixture for general lighting, bedside lamps for reading, and perhaps an LED strip behind a headboard for subtle mood lighting. By assessing these needs early, you can avoid over-lighting or under-lighting any space, which is not only uncomfortable but also energy inefficient.
Map Out Your Lighting Zones
Lighting zones help you break up larger spaces into task-oriented areas. For example, in open-plan living spaces, the dining area may require a pendant light, while the sitting area could use table lamps and downlights. Zoning your lighting allows each part of the room to function independently while maintaining a cohesive feel.
Choose Fixtures That Suit the Space
Selecting the right type of fixture not only contributes to the function of the space but also complements the overall aesthetic. Chandeliers are ideal for making a statement in entryways or above dining tables, especially in period homes with high ceilings. Flush-mounted or semi-flush lights are better suited to rooms with limited ceiling height, offering a streamlined look.
Plan Your Switches with Convenience in Mind
The location of light switches is crucial for comfort and safety. Every entrance to a room should ideally have a switch positioned near the door. In larger rooms, you may want multiple switches controlling different zones or circuits, such as one for overhead lights and another for lamps or wall lights.
Embrace Layered Lighting for Depth
A single ceiling light rarely provides the comfort or flexibility a room needs. Instead, opt for a layered lighting approach, combining general lighting (e.g., ceiling fixtures), task lighting (e.g., desk or reading lamps), and ambient or accent lighting (e.g., LED strips or picture lights).
Layering allows you to tailor the lighting to different times of day and activities. For instance, in a home office, a central pendant might be paired with a directional desk lamp and warm wall light for evening relaxation. In bathrooms, downlights can be supplemented with mirror-side lights that eliminate shadows on the face.
Include Dimmable and Smart Options
Dimmable lighting is an excellent way to transition between different light levels throughout the day. Morning routines benefit from bright, energising light, while evenings call for a gentler, more subdued tone. Smart dimmers, often compatible with apps and voice assistants, allow for custom settings and automated schedules.
Combine Practicality and Aesthetics
Lighting fixtures can be both decorative and functional. Stylish wall sconces, vintage library lights, and unique pendant lights over dining tables all add character while performing essential lighting roles. Hardwired lighting generally has a cleaner, more intentional look compared to plug-in fixtures, especially when planned as part of a renovation.
Prioritise Efficiency and Safety
Opting for LED lighting is now the standard for most UK homeowners, thanks to its longer lifespan and lower energy consumption. The Energy Saving Trust recommends switching to LEDs to cut electricity use by up to 80 percent compared to halogen bulbs. When buying fixtures, look for the lumens output rather than just wattage to ensure sufficient brightness.
To ensure safety, hire a qualified electrician for any hardwired installation. Use the correct bulb types and wattages for each fixture, and install insulation guards around recessed lighting where required. Avoid overloading circuits or running cables where heat can build up.
Planning a Renovation in Bromley or Beckenham?
Looks Lovely Limited provides lighting planning and installation that brings style and functionality to your home renovation. Whether you're upgrading one room or transforming your entire property, our team will help you achieve a tailored, efficient lighting scheme. Call us on 07939 581540 or fill out our contact form to start planning today.