The three layers
Ambient
General light to move around by: ceiling lights, wall lights, large floor lamps that bounce light off the ceiling.
Task
Focused light for doing things: reading lamps, under-cabinet kitchen lights, a desk lamp, mirror lights.
Accent
Small pools of light for mood and display: picture lights, lamps on shelves, candles, a lit cabinet.
Most rooms feel best with at least one source from each layer, and with light coming from several heights: high, middle and low.
Colour temperature
Bulbs are labelled in kelvin (K). Lower numbers are warmer and more yellow; higher numbers are cooler and bluer.
| Kelvin | Looks like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 2200 to 2700K | Very warm, candle-like to classic warm white | Bedrooms, lamps for evening, accent light |
| 2700 to 3000K | Warm white | Living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms |
| 3000 to 4000K | Neutral white | Kitchens, bathrooms, home offices |
| 4000K and above | Cool white | Garages, workshops, task lighting where detail matters |
Mixing very different colour temperatures in one room looks patchy. Pick one range for each room and stick to it.
Other numbers on the box
- Lumens measure brightness. Watts measure power use, which is very different between LED and older bulbs, so compare lumens.
- CRI (colour rendering index) shows how true colours look. A CRI of 90 or more makes wood, skin and fabrics look natural; worth it in kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms.
- Dimmable: not every LED bulb is. Check the bulb and the dimmer switch are compatible, or you may get flicker or buzzing.
Room by room
- Living room: two or three lamps placed in different corners, at different heights, on at the same time in the evening. Ceiling light dimmed or off.
- Bedroom: warm bedside lamps you can reach from bed; see bedroom ideas.
- Kitchen: bright, neutral task light on the worktops, where your body would otherwise cast a shadow from a ceiling light.
- Hallway: a small lamp or wall light so you are not met by a bright overhead light late at night.
- Shelves: a small lamp or a battery puck light at the back of one shelf adds depth; see shelf styling.
Lighting in a rental
You can change a lot without an electrician. Plug-in wall lights with a cord cover, lamps on timers or smart plugs, and a new shade on the existing ceiling fitting are all reversible. Anything that involves changing wiring or fixed fittings needs your landlord's permission and, in most places, a qualified electrician.
Safety basics
- Do not exceed the maximum bulb wattage marked on a lamp or fitting.
- Keep paper and fabric shades clear of hot bulbs; LEDs run much cooler.
- Do not run cables under rugs, where damage can go unnoticed.