Want to elevate your space beyond a single ceiling light? A professional lighting designer shares her top five tips for creating a layered, functional, and beautiful lighting scheme in any room.

Lighting is the unsung hero of interior design. It can make a room feel spacious and inviting, or small and clinical. You don’t always need a full renovation to make a big impact. Here are five fundamental tips we use in our professional projects that you can apply in your own home.

1. Layer Your Light.
Avoid relying on one harsh overhead light. Think of lighting in three layers:

• Ambient: General, overall illumination (e.g., downlights, ceiling fixtures).
• Task: Focused light for specific activities (e.g., under-cabinet kitchen lights, a reading lamp).
• Accent: Light that creates drama and highlights features (e.g., picture lights, wall washers for texture).

2. Choose the Right Color Temperature.
The shade of white light matters immensely for mood.

• Warm White (2700K-3000K): Feels cozy and inviting. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
• Cool White (3500K-4100K): Feels clean and energetic. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.
• Pro Tip: Stick to one color temperature within a single open-plan space to avoid a disjointed feel.

3. Dimmer Switches are Non-Negotiable.
Dimmers are the single easiest way to add flexibility and control to any room. They allow you to adjust the ambiance from bright and functional to soft and intimate, all with the slide of a switch.

4. Use Lighting to Define Spaces.
In an open-plan area, use light to create invisible “rooms.” A pendant light over a dining table or a floor lamp next to a reading chair naturally defines that zone without needing walls.

5. Don’t Forget the Exteriors.
Well-placed outdoor lighting enhances curb appeal, provides security, and extends your living space into the garden. Highlight architectural features or pathways with subtle ground lights or wall-mounted fixtures.