Lighting & Electrical

Home Lighting Ideas & Buying Guide

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With the ability to completely change the look and feel of your home, getting your interior lighting scheme right can seem like a daunting task. From choosing the right task lighting to statement chandelier styles, your lighting options need to work in harmony with one another to create the ambience you desire.

To help you out, we’ve put together this home lighting ldeas guide that’s packed with expert advice so that you can make the right lighting decisions for your home.

A note on mood lighting

When shopping for light bulbs, always check the warmth of the light that is emitted (this will usually be detailed on the packaging). When used correctly, warm, neutral or cool lighting will help to set the mood and create the perfect ambience.

Warm

Warm lighting is typically more orange in colour. It gives a natural and relaxing feel, especially in the evening. Think sunset lighting and cosy vibes.

Neutral

Standard light bulbs produce a bright white light, similarly to the sun in the middle of the day. Exactly the kind of light source you want around your dining table, neutral lighting will keep the room well-lit and the atmosphere alive.

Cool

Cool lighting has a faint blue hue and creates a strong, bright light. It’s not great for bedrooms, as bright blue light can hinder the process of winding down for the night. However, cool lighting does work well in areas where attention and focus is needed, such as in a home office or a kitchen.

Top tip: Our light bulb buying guide is packed with helpful information about choosing the right fittings for your home lighting.

Hallway lighting for a warm welcome 

A well-lit entrance will create an inviting atmosphere right from the offset. For something bright, but not too extravagant, a small flush roof light is perfect. If you have a slanted ceiling above the stairs and can’t fit a roof light, then wall lights are a better choice.

Spotlights are also a great way to brighten up your entranceway and you can angle the different lights to illuminate your chosen areas of focus, making them ideal for hallways that are a slightly unusual shape.

If you’ve got extra ceiling height to play with, opt for architectural shapes and statement lampshades. Bold is best when it comes to finding a lighting solution that doubles as a sculptural centrepiece!

Kitchen lighting perfection 

Kitchens can be tricky when it comes to interior lighting. As they are a multi-functional space, it’s best to combine various light sources to create the perfect set-up. It’s also important to work with what you’ve got, for example if your kitchen features large windows that let in a lot of natural light, take advantage of this.

Strip lights and under cabinet lights are great for illuminating your worktops, so you see more clearly when chopping and preparing food. For central lighting, a chandelier or pendant light are both stunning options to illuminate your dining table or kitchen island.

The Boston Infinity Pendant Light looks stunning above a kitchen island or dining table. For a more contemporary take on classic stylings, our Glass Easy Fit Shades will add a nostalgic retro feel to your interiors while still maintaining a playful, modern touch.

Top tip: These vintage wall lights look great in rooms with darker shades of paint.

Shine a light on the living room 

The heart of any home, it’s important to get your living room lighting right. Create interest within the room by being innovative with your lighting choices. A floor lamp creates a cosy feel whilst projecting light across the room, making it the perfect choice for rooms without much natural light. Additionally, a table lamp is a great way to light up the corner of the room and is a great way to introduce an accent colour for a little extra interior flair.

Whether you’re looking to embrace a Scandinavian, mid-century modern or country cottage-inspired aesthetic with your home interior, lighting makes an excellent finishing touch.

Mastering bedroom lighting  

When it comes to the bedroom, warm lighting is best, as lights that are too bright will offset your body clock and ruin your sleep pattern.

Assess the locations of your plug sockets. You will most likely have one on either side of the bed that is perfectly positioned for a table top lamp on your bedside table.

When it comes to overhead lights, an adjustable dimmer light switch is the best way to keep the lighting at the right brightness for the time of day.

Inspire focus with home office lighting 

Finding a task lighting solution that’s both effective and attractive is essential for creating a productive home office environment. Combining overhead and low-level light sources will allow you to stay comfortable, focused on the task at hand and can prevent unnecessary eye strain.

Opt for overhead lighting with a bold shade to keep things playful – your home office should be a space that you find inspiring! If your office gets limited natural light exposure, pair with a standing floor lamp too. The Didsbury and Edale styles offer a contemporary twist on traditional designs, and can be matched with coordinating desk lamps to complete the look. Your desk lighting is important here, as it will help you to stay focused. A downward facing desk lamp will protect your eyes from glare and keep your workspace well lit.

Brighten up your bathroom lights

With many bathrooms having limited natural light or no windows, it’s important to get your lighting right. Add an eclectic touch to downstairs bathrooms with a statement lamp – the Cole Glass Table Lamp looks beautiful if you have a little extra space to play with.

In busy family bathrooms where overhead lighting is the best option, downlights make for a modern and practical choice. Alternatively, introduce an extra design accent with a flush ceiling light.

Top tip: Explore our bathroom lighting buying guide for more helpful advice.

And those are our favourite home lighting ideas! Don’t forget to share your interior makeovers with us @Homebase_UK on Instagram. Shop our entire lighting range today or discover more interiors inspiration on our Ideas & Advice hub.



Homebase

Homebase

Writer and expert