Why Lighting Can Make or Break Your Room
You’ve picked the perfect paint colour. Your furniture looks great. But something still feels... off?
Nine times out of ten, it’s the lighting.
Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in interior design — yet it’s often an afterthought. The right lighting can make a space feel warm, calm, inviting, dramatic, or even bigger than it is.
Here’s a quick guide to why lighting matters — and how to transform the lighting in your home.
It’s Not Just About One Light
Most rooms need more than one light source. In fact, the best-lit spaces usually mix four types of lighting:
General – like your ceiling light, to light the whole room
Task – focused light for things like reading or cooking
Accent – to highlight artwork, shelves or details
Decorative – lights that look beautiful and add style
Layering these creates mood, flexibility and function — especially in open-plan spaces.
Style Your Lighting Like You Style Your Furniture
Pendants, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps — these aren’t just functional. They’re part of your room’s personality.
Think of lighting as part of your design scheme, just like a piece of furniture or art. Mixing different styles, heights and positions adds character, texture, and a real sense of atmosphere.
Warm or Cool? It Really Does Matters
Lighting isn’t just about brightness — it’s about tone.
Warm light (yellowish glow) feels soft and cosy – perfect for bedrooms, living rooms and anywhere you want to relax.
Cooler light (more blue-toned) feels clean and energising – great for kitchens, bathrooms or workspaces.
Tip: When shopping for bulbs, check the box for the colour temperature (measured in Kelvins).
2700K = warm and cosy
4000K = fresh and neutral
6000K = cool and bright
Try to keep lighting temperatures consistent within a space — mixing warm and cool light can feel disjointed.
Small Tweaks, Big Impact
Want to instantly upgrade the feel of your space? Try these:
Add a table lamp to brighten up a dull corner and create instant mood
Install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting depending on time of day or activity
Avoid clashing light tones — pick a warm or cool temperature and stick with it throughout the room
Try rechargeable lighting — no wiring, no fuss. Perfect for renters or quick updates
Rechargeables are a game changer! Add wall lights, table lamps or even floor lamps anywhere without calling an electrician. One of my favourite sources for stylish rechargeable lights is Pooky.com.
Want to Get Your Lighting Just Right?
If you want to understand lighting a little better — and learn how to make a real success of it in your own home, download my free guide:
The Interior Designer’s Lighting Toolkit
It’s full of simple, practical tips you can actually use, room by room.
