How to Select the Best Light Fixtures for Your Home

Few things are more frustrating than a dimly lit kitchen or laundry room. Have you ever tried preparing dinner for your family without ample lighting? Or tried matching socks in the dark?! Without the proper lighting, those tasks are far more difficult than they need to be.

Beyond its obvious function, however, lighting is so much more than just an essential tool in your home…

It is the element of a room that is the most important for setting ambiance and mood. It’s what makes a room “feel good”. It can reinforce a particular design style, create elegance or make a dramatic statement. 

So the question is, how do you find the perfect balance of beauty and function for the light fixtures in your home? You’re in luck! I’m about to share all of the tools that you need to select lighting that not only illuminates your home, but elevates your space. Let’s jump right in…

The Role of Lighting in the Home

While every type of lighting has a function, there are applications in the home that lend themselves to utilitarian fixtures and other places that require a bit more finesse. 

Purely Functional

Recessed can lighting, under-cabinet lighting, garage lighting, and unfinished basement lighting are all purely functional. In the vast majority of situations, they serve their purpose to light the intended space, but don’t contribute to the aesthetics in any way. They lack design (and their shortage of prettiness screams function!), but they fulfill a necessary role for the home.

Decorative & Functional

Pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces, vanity lights, and even exterior lanterns provide function, but are much more decorative. Available in an endless selection of styles, colours, and finishes, these fixtures contribute to the illumination of any given room while also adding beauty and ambiance.

Bulbs Matter

Since LED bulbs have become mainstream, people often ask what Kelvin to choose for their space. (Kelvin refers to the temperature or colour of the bulb.) The higher the Kelvin, the brighter the light will be. 

For recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and hanging fixtures, I recommend 2700K - 3000K because it looks the most natural. 

For table and floor lamps, you can go a bit lower or choose a tri-light that has multiple settings. Also, choosing a frosted bulb over a clear one will soften the harsh shadows that some fixtures create. 

For task and utilitarian areas, such as garages and laundry rooms, you may want something brighter such as 4000- 5000K to help you see exactly what you are doing.

Great Places for Light Fixtures

• Over the kitchen island

• In the entryway

• Over the dining table

• Beside the bed

• Above bathroom vanities

• In the hallway

• The exterior of the front entry

• On each side of a garage door

• In stair risers, both interior and exterior

• Over covered porches or patios

• Within exterior landscaping, around flower beds or walkways

• Just about anywhere...

How I Pick the Perfect Fixture for Your Space

Depending on the room, I usually start by determining the correct size for the fixture. (Believe it or not, there are different formulas for each room.) Then I look for a style of fixture that enhances the look and feel I’m wanting to create for the intended space. Finally, I evaluate the need for different types of lighting...do we need recessed lights, hanging fixtures, wall sconces (or all 3), and how many lamps?

Bedroom Lighting

In a bedroom, I will usually add lamps with a tri-light bulb for brightness options, wall sconces with a paper shade, or pendant lighting with obscure glass at each side of the bed. Using lighting with some sort of filter softens a room and provides ambiance. 

Over the bed, depending on the ceiling height, I may opt for a chandelier, semi-flush or flush fixture. For 8 ft. (or other generally low) ceilings, the best choice is a flush or semi-flush mount fixture as to maintain plenty of headroom in the space. In some cases, I may place a ceiling fan/lighting combination feature in the center of the room if there is no central air conditioning. 

On side tables and accent surfaces, lamps add a softness to the bedroom and create a calming, moody effect. The most flattering light is at eye level and filtered, which is why you can never have enough lamps in a space. Plus, they create ambiance, and add function for things like reading in bed without the overhead lights on.

Pro Tip: Hallways with 9 ft. ceilings require the ceiling fixture to be mounted about 80” from the floor. Something to keep in mind for all hallways of the home. Hallways to, from, and within the bedroom are no exception.

Living Room

In common areas, like the living room, the goal is to light each of the four corners. I use a combination of recessed lights (I keep them to a minimum and always have them on a dimmer), a ceiling fixture, wall sconces, and lamps. 

The ceiling fixture (also on a dimmer) is always centered in the seating area over a coffee table. Wall sconces might be placed on either side of a fireplace, if there is one. 

Table and floor lamps placed throughout the room are an integral part of every great living room design. Because they can be easily moved, they are versatile, while adding a sculptural element and accent colours to a room. Paper shades and varying lamp heights work well to keep your eye moving and create pockets of interest.

Pro Tip: I recommend 66-76” above the coffee table for hanging fixtures, although you may have to raise the height if there is a TV mounted over the fireplace.

Bathroom

In a bathroom, I always specify a recessed light in the shower and toilet room for obvious reasons. Then I usually add sconces or vanity lights around the sink area(s) and a ceiling fixture for the middle of the room. 

Sconces provide the best light for applying makeup because they are usually hung at, or just above, eye level. Most of the time I have them all installed on independent switches for maximum control. 

As with any room, the size and function of the space determines how many fixtures are needed. But no matter the square footage, don’t forget to add some candles...they set the tone for pure relaxation, whether you’re simply getting ready for bed or soaking in a bubble bath.

Pro Tip: Vanity sconces should be hung so the bottom of the fixture is 60-72”  from the floor. If you are building new or renovating, there is an opportunity to customize the height according to the height of the people using the space. So if the wife is 5’5” and the husband is 6’ you might compromise at 65” from the bottom of the fixture to the floor.

Kitchen

Throughout my kitchen design projects, I try to keep recessed lighting to a minimum. While useful, it isn’t nearly as cozy or beautiful, and if overused, the light feels harsh. I always put recessed lights on a dimmer so that the amount of light can be controlled, based on the time of day and occasion. 

I always recommend pendant lights over the kitchen island (I generally use the rule of three or, on occasion, will use two fixtures that are larger size). Additionally, ceiling or pendant lighting over the kitchen sink is a must, and I like to incorporate under-cabinet lighting where possible. 

Pro Tip: Kitchen island pendants should be hung 30-36” above the island surface. This is optimal to allow for proper lighting of the surface without obstructing views.

Dining Room

While some trends change over time, the concept of a chandelier over the formal dining table has remained the same for many decades. I always opt for some form of a chandelier, whether more elaborate, or simply modern, above the dining table (and always on a dimmer for ambiance). 

Depending on the size and open or closed concept of the room, I will accent the space with wall sconces and lamps, if applicable.

Pro Tip: Hang a chandelier 66” from the floor to the bottom of the light fixture for any table 30” in height. This allows good illumination of the table surface, while still allowing you to see the person across the table. 

The size of the fixture is also important, I calculate the ideal diameter by taking the width of the table and subtracting 12”. For instance, if you have a 42” table width the ideal diameter of the light fixture would be 30”. Tables that are longer than 72” will likely require multiple fixtures, but shouldn’t exceed 75%  of the table length.

My Favourite Lighting in Recent Projects

This modern chandelier in an old bronze finish was the perfect complement to the dark dining table in our Ivy Road project. The 5-light fixture, by Kichler Lighting - Canada, illuminates the space while adding artistic flair to the open concept kitchen and dining area.

This glass-drop chandelier adds elegance and beauty to our luxury House on the Hill project. Sourced from Pottery Barn, the Clarissa Crystal Drop Rectangular Chandelier boasts hundreds of glass drops suspended from an antique-silver crown, and takes an already stunning space to the next level of sophistication and opulence.

Reminiscent of crashing waves on a white sandy beach, the blues of these blown glass pendant lights pair perfectly with the coastal decor in our Remodel on Ritchie project. Each Blues Art Glass Pendant from Shades of Light is handcrafted, ensuring that no two fixtures are identical...adding a one-of-a-kind charm to these already gorgeous pendants.

5 Fixtures to Consider for Your Space

I believe that lighting, to a room, is like accessories to an outfit...it can be dressed up or down, and it can elevate a space from boring to exceptional. If you’re ready to take your home to the next level, here are five of my favourite fixtures that I’d encourage you to consider…

1. Conant 4-Light Pendant from Generation Lighting

I think this is one of the most versatile styles of pendant lighting for a kitchen or foyer. It works in traditional, transitional, modern farmhouse, and rustic/craftsman home styles.

2. Avery Linen Double Drum Pendant from Crate & Barrel

A linen drum shade is a classic that never feels trendy, but always appears stylish. It pairs well with many home styles and can be dressed up or down, based on the desired aesthetic.   

3. Cabo Small Woven Pendant by Crate & Barrel

The colour of this fixture adds a sense of warmth to modern white interiors and the texture provides interest when paired with smoother finishes, such as slab-front kitchen cabinets. This pendant looks great in outdoor spaces, too, such as a covered porch and won’t be destroyed by the wind or rain. 

4. Sussex Double Tube Sconce by Pottery Barn

For most people, a vanity light is still the most popular choice in bathrooms. This simple, classic style is less trendy than other fixtures and won’t go out of style anytime soon. Plus, bugs don’t get caught in it (like those half-dome sconces), and the frosted shade provides a filtered light, making it perfect for applying makeup.

5. Vornado LED Pendant Chandelier by WAC Lighting

This chandelier is my personal favourite right now. I saw it for the first time several months ago while driving by a lighting store. It immediately captured my imagination. I love the curvy form that seems to float in the air because the suspending cables are so thin. I can imagine it floating over a coffee table in a living room with a vaulted ceiling surrounded by tall glass windows that look out into nature and feeling a sense of calm as it illuminates the room. Peaceful and captivating, right?!

Your beautiful home deserves to be painted in its best light, and the right fixtures will help accomplish that. They will create the ambiance you desire, make a dramatic statement, and add beauty to each and every room. 

If you’d love some personalized help and advice for illuminating your space with gorgeous fixtures that complement all of the unique features of your home, please give me a call. I’d be honoured to help transform your home with lighting hand-selected for your one-of-a-kind taste and vibrant lifestyle.

Until next month,
Adrienne