Lighting Ideas for Every Room

Layer lighting in your kitchen using a mix of recessed cans, pendant lights, under-cabinet and track lighting. (Photo courtesy of Dover Home Remodelers)

Successful design is the sum of its parts. Think about putting together a great outfit: You start with basics and then layer on accessories to make it really pop.

To do home lighting right, that same layering approach is a must. As a designer at Dover Home Remodelers, it’s my job to help customers through the process. Let's walk through it room by room.

Popular Kitchen Lights

Can lighting: Put them on a dimmer switch to allow for adjustment. This is an essential. When we design a new kitchen and customers see the grid of can lights on the ceiling, they worry about a blinding blaze of light — but that’s not the result.

We install all kitchen lighting on dimmers so homeowners can soften the feel of the room or increase light, as needed.

Mood lighting: Pendant lights over a bar, a chandelier over the dining table, a light fixture over the kitchen island — these are all ways to add texture, color and design style to your kitchen, while providing another layer of lighting that can be used independently or in tandem with can lighting.

Task lighting: My rule of thumb is to add light over the sink, the stove and to illuminate prep areas within the kitchen. For some room designs, these might be pendant lights, and for others, it could be additional can lights or track fixtures.

Display lighting: Puck lights are an ideal and efficient solution for lighting up glass-front cabinets for displays.

Combine task and mood lighting for a well-lit kitchen that serves many functions. (Photo courtesy of Dover Home Remodelers)

Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Vanity lighting: Depending on the layout and size of the vanity, the lighting specifications could include one large light fixture over the mirror, or single fixtures over multiple mirrors; and/or wall sconces on either side of the vanity.

Adjust your bathroom lighting configuration based on how much natural light you get. (Photo courtesy of Dover Home Remodelers)

Shower lighting: Most often, the shower/fan combination is used to illuminate the shower space and provide an exhaust for moisture. Of course, these are waterproof fixtures and switches should be installed just outside the shower entrance.

Focal point lighting: We’re seeing a lot of free-standing tubs incorporated in bathrooms designs these days. It’s important to note that while the idea of a beautiful chandelier suspended over the tub sounds fabulous — it’s a hazard. It’s also a building code violation.

My suggestion is to install an additional can light, or illuminate your bathroom with track lighting that can be adjusted to highlight the tub.

Lighting the Living Room

Ambient lighting: This serves as the general light source for the room. For extra comfort, you may opt for a ceiling fan fixture that includes lights, which is easy to customize or change out with available light kits.

Flush or semi-flush mount fixtures and chandeliers can also be used as the primary source of light, but be sure to follow the layering rule: No one and done.

Task lighting: Table and floor lamps are the ideal way to add task-specific lighting for reading, games, etc. As you plan your space, be sure to factor in outlets — in the wall and/or ceiling — to give you the options you need for access.

Display lighting: Track lighting is ideal for showcasing artwork on the wall or in other display areas.

In addition to layering your lighting, keep scale and size in mind as you select fixtures. Installing a light fixture that is too large can drown out your space, and undersized lighting can throw off the room’s proportions.

My design mantra: Don’t be afraid to mix it up. When you achieve the ideal balance with your lighting, the finished effect will feel right at home.