How to Choose the Right Lighting for Every Room

Your home should be a space where you feel comfortable, no matter what you’re doing – whether sleeping, cooking dinner, playing with kids, or staying late at your desk. It may not be obvious, but each of these spaces requires a different type of lighting. It plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.

In this article, the ServiceDeck  team shares tips on how to choose the right home lights for every room. From colour temperature to the types of lighting, every element contributes to making your home the coziest place in the world.

Let’s dive in and learn more!

Colour temperature impacts the ambiance and functionality of your spaces. Measured in Kelvin (K), color temperature ranges from warm to cool tones. Here are the main categories:

• Warm White (2700K–3000K bulbs)
• Cool White (3500K–4100K bulbs)
• Daylight (5000K–6500K bulbs)

Lighting sets the atmosphere of your home, and for the best results, it’s recommended to combine and balance both primary and secondary light in each room.

• Primary Light: This is the main light source in a room, typically coming from ceiling fixtures like chandeliers or pendant lights. It ensures visibility and should be bright enough to light up the entire space.
• Secondary Light: These are accent lights that complement the primary light, adding depth and dimension. Examples include table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces. Secondary lights highlight specific areas or objects, creating a well-balanced lighting scheme.

Now, let’s see how this knowledge can help us light up our homes!

Starting with the most personal space in everyone’s home – the bedroom. This is where we begin and end our day, so the lighting should be both functional and relaxing.

For primary light, choose chandeliers or pendant lights that match your bedroom’s style. You’ll typically use the primary light in the end of the day, so for the Colour temperature, we recommend Warm White. It creates a cozy, calming atmosphere that helps you unwind after a long day.

For secondary light, don’t be afraid to use both table and floor lamps with Daylight Colour Temperature, especially if you enjoy reading late at night or getting ready at your vanity table. Take a look at options in Canadian Tire, such as Touch Lamp or Table Lamp from Tiffany Collection.

Opposite to the bedroom, the living room is often the most lively space in the house. It’s perfect for watching the big game, hosting a party, or displaying your Christmas tree! (*Tips on choosing Christmas lights at the end of the article)

For primary light, confidently choose larger chandeliers that make the space feel bigger. You can even use two! To make the room more welcoming, go with Warm White or a combination of Warm White and Daylight Colour Temperatures.

Secondary lights like coffee table lamps or cabinet cove lights can also serve as great points of light. However, try not to be extra, as the living room usually contains many details, and too many lamps can make it feel crowded. Stores like Rona offer affordable chandeliers with modern touch. 

Creating both a functional and inviting atmosphere in the kitchen can be challenging, but ServiceDeck has some great tips!

For primary light, a minimalistic chandelier with Daylight Colour Temperature works the best. Place it above the island or dining table.

Secondary lights are essential in the kitchen. When cooking, attention to detail is crucial, and the right lighting can help. We recommend to use small under-cabinet lights with Cool White Colour Temperature. You can find practical and beautiful lamps for your kitchen in LightHouse and Crate&Barrel.

The “less is more” rule doesn’t apply here. Bathroom lighting needs to be bold and bright.

For primary light, use functional pendant lights with a combination of Cool White and Daylight Colour Temperatures. There’s also the concept of Light Point Transfer, where reflective surfaces like mirrors and light-colored walls can enhance light distribution, making the space feel bigger. This is a great trick to use in your bathroom!

Secondary lights can include cove lighting above the vanity or above the shower/bathtub. Don’t be afraid to use Cool White Colour Temperature here. Where to find Cove Lighting? Companies like Alcon Lighting offer both Led Light Bars and Led Wash Washes. 

Best Christmas Lights – low-energy Christmas lights. 

As the holiday season approaches here are some tips: 

• LED Christmas Lights: These use less energy, emit less heat, and come in various colors and styles.
• Solar-Powered Lights: A great option that won’t add to your electricity bill. They charge during the day and illuminate your home at night.
• Timers and Smart Plugs: These help manage when your Christmas lights are on, ensuring they operate during specific hours to save energy.

Low-energy lighting not only benefits the environment but also helps reduce your electricity bills. Here are some tips:

• Switch to LED bulbs, which consume up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last significantly longer.
• Use smart home lighting systems, which allow you to control your home’s lighting remotely via smartphone apps. You can schedule lights to turn off when not in use, contributing to energy savings.
• Take advantage of natural light! Maximize daylight by keeping windows clean and using sheer curtains that let in sunlight. Arrange furniture to make the most of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

By understanding how to properly place the lights and use our saving tips you can enhance the ambiance of your home while keeping your energy bills in check. Make your home bright, welcoming, and cost-effective living environment.

We at ServiceDeck  love elevating your homes! Whether you’re updating the home lights or decorating for the holidays, these tips will help you make the most of your lighting setup.