Lighting plays a big role in how we experience a space, whether that is a cozy bedroom, a moody cocktail bar, or a zen spin studio. Think about the feeling you get in each of these spaces. Beyond offering illumination, lighting shapes the atmosphere, highlights key features, and ties together every design element.
At Interiors by Madeline, we believe lighting design shouldn’t be an afterthought. It's one of the most important steps when crafting a space that feels both beautiful and functional. Working with a designer ensures every detail is considered: from drawing a full lighting plan tailored to your space, to placing switches where they make sense, to selecting the right scale, style, and finish for every fixture.
Choosing lighting can feel overwhelming, but with expert guidance, it becomes an opportunity to transform your space and add a layer of personality. Keep reading to get an insight into my guide to selecting lighting thoughtfully, room by room.
Layered Lighting: The Foundation of Great Design
A well-designed space uses layered lighting to create depth. There are three essential layers:
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Ambient lighting: The primary light source that fills a room (such as ceiling-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, or recessed lighting).
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Task lighting: Focused lighting designed for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working (think under-cabinet lighting, table lamps, or sconces).
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Accent lighting: Decorative lighting that highlights architectural details, artwork, or styled areas, adding character (think wall-mounted picture lights, hallway sconces, or floor lamps).
When you layer your lighting, it gives you control over the mood and functionality of your space, allowing it to shift from bright and energizing to soft and cozy as needed.
Scaling Your Fixtures for Balance
When choosing lighting, scale matters just as much as style. Fixtures that are too small can feel insignificant, while oversized pieces can overwhelm the room. Here are a few general guidelines for some common areas at home:
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Dining Rooms: Center the chandelier above the table, aiming for a fixture about half to two-thirds the width of the table.
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Kitchen Island: Hang pendants 30–36 inches above an island. Choose fixtures that feel substantial but leave enough space between each pendant and surrounding surfaces. For most standard islands, you’ll need 2-3 pendants.
- Entryways: In spaces with high ceilings, opt for larger or more dramatic fixtures. For standard height ceilings, a stylish flush mount or semi-flush mount works best.
Every selection should feel intentional, fitting the scale of the room’s proportions, including ceiling height, room size, and furniture placement. When you work with us (link to contact page), we put together a reflective ceiling plan that shows the scale of the fixture and locations based on millwork and furniture layout. Keep scrolling to see what a reflective ceiling plan from Interiors by Madeline looks like. Here we show where the light fixtures are located, the type of fixtures, and which switches will operate each fixture.
Room-by-Room Lighting Guide
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and requires lighting that supports both functionality and style. Here are three types of lighting you should be thinking about when renovating a kitchen space:
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Ambient lighting: Recessed lights or flush mounts provide overall brightness.
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Task lighting: Pendant lights over the island and under-cabinet lighting are essential for prep work; plus, pendants add a personalized touch to the kitchen.
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Accent lighting: Interior cabinet lighting on cabinets with glass doors or sconces can be another area to keep things from looking cookie-cutter.
Maddie’s Tip: Choose finishes that complement your kitchen hardware and fixtures for a cohesive look. I generally try to have 1-2 dominant metal finishes.
Bathroom
Lighting in the bathroom should combine practicality and luxury.
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Task lighting: Place sconces at eye level beside or just above mirrors to avoid harsh shadows.
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Ambient lighting: Install overhead lights to evenly brighten the space.
- Accent lighting: Consider a small chandelier or elegant pendant above a freestanding tub. Or add under-cabinet lighting to your vanity for a spa-like feel.
Maddie’s Tip: Proper placement in bathrooms is key for both beauty and functionality, especially when it comes to using the mirror when you’re getting ready. You don’t want to get into your car and realize you didn’t blend your makeup in properly!
Bedroom
Soft, layered lighting creates a restful retreat.
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Ambient lighting: A simple flush mount (or semi-flush) or pendant overhead sets the foundation.
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Task lighting: Wall-mounted sconces or bedside table lamps are ideal for reading or for when you want the lighting to be a little softer.
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Accent lighting: Picture lights or small decorative lamps add a warm, inviting glow.
Maddie’s Tip: I love using dimmers when I can. The bedroom is a perfect spot for this.
Living Room
The living room is a multi-purpose space. It’s where we spend our time entertaining, lounging, working, or catching the latest sports game.
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Ambient lighting: Overhead fixtures provide general brightness. (Tip: add dimmer here!)
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Task lighting: Floor or table lamps beside seating areas or reading nooks add functionality.
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Accent lighting: Wall sconces, picture lights, or lighting inside built-ins give character and depth to the space, and highlight the beautiful decor or art you’ve curated for your home.
Maddie’s Tip: Create different lighting zones to ensure the space adapts to your daily needs.
Final Thoughts
Lighting isn't just about function; it’s the jewelry of your home. Done well, it elevates every space, enhances the flow, and invites you to experience your interiors in a whole new way.
When you collaborate with a design expert, we ensure every detail from fixture scale and placement to finishes and switch locations is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle and aesthetic vision.
Still feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices?
At Interiors by Madeline, we offer full-service design, including guiding you step by step through lighting decisions as part of our interior design process. Whether you're building from the ground up, renovating, or refreshing a space, we're here to help you bring your vision to light.
I’d love to chat and start your personalized design journey!
