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How to create a lighting plan for your home?

Lighting has the ability to create, or sometimes to destroy, any space. The way you should approach the lighting plan starts with the type of renovation – whether it’s for the entire home or just a single room.

However, regardless of the scale of the renovation project, it is important to have the right lighting plan for you, as it can make a big difference in how you feel at home.

How do you obtain a good lighting plan?

To create the atmosphere in your home, lighting is one of the fundamental elements.

We can classify the types of lighting into four major groups:

General and ambient lighting

Accent/decorative lighting is suitable when you want to create a touch of luxury. However, if your budget allows, it is definitely worth considering.

My favorite lighting plans take a layered approach to lighting with different light sources at different levels to create atmosphere and areas of interest in a room.

Focused lighting

Accent/decorative lighting

The general light source of a room. Recessed lights, chandeliers, etc.

General lighting

1

Ambient lighting

Wall sconces, LEDs, etc. (dimmer, warmer light).

2

Focused lighting

Lighting for a specific task. Light for reading, food preparation, etc.

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HOW CAN YOU CREATE A LIGHTING PLAN BY YOURSELF?

Here are a few very simple steps:

Print or sketch several copies of the room layout, prepare a ruler and some colored markers or pens.

Next, add task lighting for work areas and accent lighting, using different colors. Think carefully about the space and how you or your family will be using it. Not every room needs task or accent lighting.

Accent/decorative lighting

​​Highlights various objects or specific areas. Display cases, art, etc.

4

Start with general lighting, then ambient lighting. Draw points using one of the colors and mark next to them if it’s a pendant light, wall lamp, or spotlight. Use a mix of lights to create layers. Consult an electrician if you’re unsure about the number of spotlights you’ll need.

Next, add task lighting for work areas and accent lighting, using different colors. Think carefully about the space and how you or your family will be using it. Not every room needs task or accent lighting.

Set a budget and stick to it! A good lighting plan is also one that you can afford!

By using a combination of ceiling lights, wall lights, and pendant lights, you can create a much more interesting lighting scheme for your space. I also love to use floor lamps, as they reflect a soft light onto the ceiling, adding a unique vibe to the room.

Brighter light can make you feel more alert and focused, while dimmer light can be relaxing.
A good lighting plan supports the function of each room and consists of a selection of different lighting sources.

I also try to use lighting in such a way as to maximize the size and shape of a room—upward lighting makes a room appear larger, pendant lighting creates an illusion of height, and clusters of lights can make large rooms feel more comfortable.

Task lighting is an important part of the lighting plan, especially in the kitchen.

There’s nothing worse and more annoying than a poorly lit kitchen, and if you don’t pay attention to task lighting, you’ll end up with dark corners where ambient lighting is blocked by overhead cabinets or even by your own body while cooking in the kitchen.

Wall lamps (sconces) and pendant lights are excellent for reading areas in the bedroom, specifically at the nightstands. Not only do they look great, but you’ll have more space on the nightstand without a classic table lamp.

This type of lighting can be perfect in a space where you don’t need bright lights, but you may have some paintings or any other type of wall art that needs to be highlighted to add that extra drama.

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