How to Plan Lighting for a Home (Part 1)
Planning lighting in your home should be as important as planning the layout of each room. A well-thought-out choice of lamps as to where to hang them and what their function will be avoids the hassle while putting the finishing touches to your interior design. Placing additional electrical installation at the stage when you are finishing furniture set-up is not a comfortable situation. Also, the renovation time can increase if, during interior refurbishment, you decide to have an "electrical installation update" in order to change the location of the lighting. In the case of lighting planning, the saying "less is more" does not apply. You should rather follow the motto "Plenty is no plague ".
When designing the lighting, pay attention to the shape and size of the room, the distribution of natural light and the correlation of the rooms with each other. The layout of light switches is also important – consider whether you will use them for all the lights in the room or whether you want to divide them into groups. This is particularly important as you will use the light differently in summer and winter. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all lighting design system, but there are a few rules of thumb that can help you get it right. Once you know the layout of the furniture in the rooms, start by defining zones. A large, open-plan living room might have a dining area, a kitchenette, a lounge area in front of the TV and a place to spend time together (reading books, meeting friends, playing games with the family). This gives several different areas for lighting. Decide whether you will be switching on lighting in one area or several and divide them into groups.
Begin to arrange your lamps from the main lighting. In the living room, classic lamps in the form of ceiling-mounted lights will work well. Their main advantage is that they are mounted high – they do not take up space and do not dominate the interior, unlike suspended lamps. They are also discreet and elegant at the moment, not resembling their crude predecessors from the 1990s. The Kanlux RIFA LED is certainly worth your attention. The fabric lampshade, combined with original but subdued colours, will not only be a functional lamp but also a decoration. You can opt for suspended lamps, but these are recommended for high interiors. Check out the wooden Kanlux JASMIN or the popular "concrete" lampshades such as Kanlux ETISSA or Kanlux OGIVA.
After the main lighting, choose additional lighting.
It is difficult to imagine a modern interior without wall lamps. Elegant white wall lamps from the SEMPRA Kanlux collection available with 1, 2, 3 or 4 light sources will work well in a hallway, dressing room or by any shelves and niches. They can be ceiling-mounted, but also wall-mounted, vertically and horizontally. This is particularly useful for low interiors, where a ceiling fixture optically weighs down the room. You can also opt for the modern Kanlux TONIL LED II – a modestly shaped wall lamp with an integrated light source. Its flexible rubber arm allows the lighting to be directed in the desired direction, while you can arrange it into the desired shape.
Floor and table lamps are an additional source of light that will contribute to turning any room into a place for relaxation. Table lamps have an extra advantage – they can be rearranged. The Kanlux RAIBO model is universal. Thanks to the function of the adjustable lampshade, you can direct the light towards the spot you currently need. If the decor of the apartment is modern, Kanlux LARATA E27 lamp is also worth considering. Made of steel and with original design, the luminaire is a hit.
Finally, plan accent lighting (skirting lights, LED strips). The discreet Kanlux ERINUS LED lamps last for up to 30,000 hours and are virtually unnoticeable thanks to their very thin fixture. You can use them to illuminate the staircase or the floor, but you can also place them in niches that you want to highlight discreetly. Now you can use LED tapes in rooms that are already finished, you don't need the electrical installation for that purpose. You just need to use ready-made sets that you plug into a power outlet, e.g. Kanlux LED COB SET. This set consists of three elements: a 3m long LED COB tape, a power supply and a dimmer switch. The only limitation is the distance from the power outlet. And don't forget functional lighting such as desk lamps or lighting over work surfaces.
This category of lighting also deserves attention and mostly is selected 'on the fly', which, with lamps over kitchen worktops, may not quite work because of the need to connect them to the installation. You can opt for linear lights or under-cabinet lights. It all depends on your needs and the fit with the interior. Kanlux ZEPO under-cabinet lamps are a type of lighting designed to be mounted under cabinets, e.g. above a kitchen counter. They are available in popular colours: black, white and silver (chrome), making them adaptable to almost any type of interior. They are ideal especially when there is a shallow cupboard or open shelf above the countertop.
And finally, there are desk lamps. When choosing a desk lamp, it is worth looking for one with variable light hue and intensity. Such features are available, for example, with the Kanlux PREDA LED, which is also remarkable for its freely adjustable arm so that you can adjust the way the lamp is arranged to suit your individual needs.
Bathroom lighting is a separate issue. Take note of the protection rating first. It should be high (minimum IP44), as this prevents water and dust from entering the lamp. To match the décor, choose downlights or fixed downlights in the colour of the ceiling for the main light. They produce a lot of light and are not very visible. A lamp over the mirror, useful for morning make-up, for example, will also be important in the bathroom. The Kanlux ASTEN LED IP44 model already has built-in light sources based on SMD LEDs. They can last for up to 25,000 hours. Their simple, linear design will work particularly well with square and rectangular mirrors.
We have described most of the rooms, so what's next? Now it is time to learn a few lighting tricks so that all the lamps really benefit your mood.
Other articles
Christmas is the time when it is worth taking care of a unique atmosphere not only at home but also outside....
Christmas is a special time full of warmth and joy. The right lighting plays a key role in creating a...
When talking about modern lighting, we think of solutions that not only illuminate a space but give it...
Lighting plays a key role in interior design. The right light source can significantly impact the atmosphere...
Lighting plays a crucial role in interior design, especially in small spaces. Rooms with limited square...
One of the key elements in the design of a baby's room is the lighting. The light should be gentle with...
When autumn comes, the days grow shorter and we are more likely to spend our evenings in the comfort...
Autumn is around the corner and it's the perfect time for long evenings with a book. Whether you're immersed...
Coworking spaces are environments where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and teams can work in a collaborative...
Good quality sleep plays a crucial role in everyday life, affecting mental and physical well-being and...
LED lighting is also a great choice for the kitchen … Why? Apart from its energy efficiency, it has...
Lighting not only impacts comfort but is also crucial for safety. Choosing the right lamps and modern...
One of the simple yet effective ways to reduce household energy consumption is to use energy-efficient...
Since LED light began to revolutionise the lighting industry, fresh, innovative applications for this...
The garden is a place where we spend more and more time. Spring and summer are conducive to relaxing...
The right lighting around the barbecue area can make evening gatherings with friends even more enjoyable....
LED lighting is increasingly popular thanks to its energy efficiency, long life and wide range of applications....
LED lighting for the garden is a solution that combines efficiency, durability and a wide range of...
Lighting plays a significant role in an energy audit. It is one of the key areas that can improve the...
Spring is often a time of change, of new beginnings. It is the ideal time to refresh interiors and introduce...
Technology is constantly evolving and environmental awareness is growing. For this reason, an increasing...
Lighting in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, or libraries plays a crucial role....
Interior design is not limited to the living room and bedroom. More and more people are beginning to...
Properly designed and adjusted lighting can have a significant impact not only on the efficiency but...
Lighting at home no longer has only a practical function but is becoming an important interior design...
Technology is constantly evolving, introducing innovations in various areas of life. One area where artificial...
Store lighting is not only a matter of product visibility, but also a key element affecting consumer...
What will be on top in the coming year 2024? What lighting trends will designers and architects focus...
Interior design is not just a question of aesthetics but also of comfort. Light is one of the key aspects...
Today, remote work has become an integral part of many of our lives. More and more people are working...
An attic is a space that tends to be unused and forgotten. With a little desire, it can become a place...
Planning lighting in your home should be as important as planning the layout of each room. A well-thought-out...
Desk lamps work well not only in offices, but also at home. They are multifunctional. They can provide...
We spend a large part of the day in the office. Work always requires focus, and well-chosen lighting...
A restaurant is not only a place where you can eat well, but also have a good time and relax. Appropriate...
Lighting hidden in the ceiling or walls works great in modern and minimalist interiors. What rooms will...
Light pollution means a situation when outdoor lighting is not properly designed. Excessive clusters...
In spring and summer, we naturally spend more time outdoors. If you have a terrace, this is definitely...
Roses, tulips, trimmed shrubs, fruit trees... The garden is the place where the most beautiful plant...
Small spaces in a flat require proper arrangement so that they can be not only cosy but also functional....
Spring is the perfect time to get your garden in order. The next few months mean long hours spent in...
In spring and summer, the garden becomes an often visited relaxation area. Find out how to choose a lighting...
You've had a hard, tiring day or maybe you've been thrown off balance at work. You overslept in the...
Active, full of energy, with a thousand ideas a minute. Belonging to a subculture or a typical individualist....
Interiors decorated in a modern style are not only very aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and...
LED (Lighting Emitting Diode) is one of the modern lighting methods. It has gained popularity through...
A smart home not only brings you comfort but also provides you with security. Kanlux SMART is an ideal...
Focus on the lighting! 2023 is the year of lamps, luminaires and... light bulbs. Light is set to be next...
Here we go again. You've checked the fuses, made sure there is no power cut notice yet the lamp still...
Lighting for house back rooms? It sounds a bit strange, but it refers to cupboards, larders, storerooms...
Have you ever forgotten to switch off the bathroom light in a hurry? Have you ever failed to notice that...
Amateur painting, construction works and cleaning up afterwards are serious challenges. How do you protect...
You certainly know that sunlight improves your mood, even if the temperature outside does not allow you...
September brings about two things that are not necessarily everyone's favourite : the start of the academic...
LED bulbs are becoming more and more popular, mainly due to their energy efficiency. They also have...
LED strips have quickly conquered the market because they can be mounted almost anywhere and their installation...
When browsing through online inspirations, you likely often come across striking ideas for adding a bit...
Home lighting is supposed not only to brighten the rooms, but also create a certain ambience. For this...
Replacing a bulb in a lamp is nothing complicated, but it is usually an unpleasant surprise and an additional...
Outdoor lamps, to a much greater extent than indoor luminaires, attract dirt and then, to make matters...
Spring is finally here, isn't it? We can finally enjoy evenings outdoors and their unique atmosphere....
If a lamp blinks after being turned on, it is a sign that it may be time to replace the light bulb. What...
The outdoor lighting of a building's, especially the façade, requires almost as much attention as the...
The beginning of spring is the time to plan changes in the surroundings of the house and on the balcony...
Spring usually means cleaning and changes in the house and its surroundings. Find out what's worth changing...
How to light a living room? What lamps should you choose for a room that, regardless of its size, fulfills...
Trying to pick lamps for your child's room? Find out what factors you need to consider in order to make...
Which lamps do you choose for a small flat? How can you make any room appear bigger using multiple light...
All light sources need to be kept clean, as this not only affects the way they look and perform, but...
Natural sunlight makes our surroundings more comfortable. This kind of light is the healthiest light...
Electricity costs more and more, so everyone is looking for ways to reduce energy consumption levels...
When the days are shorter and the mornings are gray, it is harder to get out of bed in the morning, isn't...
It is 2022. You have been spending more time at home for two years, which is why the appearance of luminaires,...
When you sit down at a table together with your family, you want the light not only to brighten the space...
The less sunshine and warmth there is outside, the more time we spend in our kitchen. Autumn and winter...
Does shorter and shorter days make you realise you need better lighting of the entrance to your house?...
Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with lighting, either artificial or natural. In the afternoon,...
A garage is a specific place with multiple purposes, so the lighting in it must meet a variety of requirements....
Bedroom lighting should meet a few basic conditions. The most important include the warm colour of the...
The staircase, whether in a residential or office building, is an area that absolutely should be properly...
Lighting in the hall is often neglected. You spend little time there and rarely care to equip it with...
When choosing outdoor lighting for a building, you should take several factors into account - the choice...
In the last part of our series Your Home – Your Style, we want to show you ways to decorate interiors...
LED strips are the most "spectacular form of lighting". It allows you to create fancy installations....
A lamp that doesn't draw power from the mains? Perfect! That is exactly what fixtures with sources powered...
LED lighting, which was initially treated with distrust, has won the market over thanks to its customizability...
Raw concrete, steel girders and industrial windows - these are the first associations with industrial...
How much time do you spend choosing the right bulb? Paradoxically, this is very important. Light, its...
Warm spring, summer and early autumn is the time for meetings with friends under the open sky and such...
Forced by the pandemic to stay indoors, we have learned to enjoy every moment spent surrounded by nature....
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the house. That is hardly surprising, given that you spend...
how does light affect the way we feel, and why should we plan lighting in our homes? Read about it on...
The bathroom usually does not have access to natural light. Therefore, its lighting is extremely important....
Can electrical installation equipment decorate your apartment? It can now! See how we combined safety...
Are your renovating your house or apartment? Or, perhaps, you are looking to change something or freshen...
LED strips are an increasingly popular type of lighting. We often wonder whether it is complicated. We...
After recent travels round the world, deriving inspirations from nature in arrangement of flats (have...
The current situation has forced many companies to send their employees to work from homes. So what is...
Have you ever wondered what interior design style is followed by your home? Are you faithful to one style...
A desk lamp seems to be a simple thing, but we should pay attention to several things besides its colour,...
We would all like our homes to be an atmospheric place where we go back with joy after a hard day of...
This year's pleasant and snowless winter will certainly make the start of the garden season faster....
We often face the dilemma: "What to wear?", Although the wardrobe is bursting at the seams. Sometimes...
What is the color of light, or rather the color temperature of light? Which lamp color will be the best...
140 years ago, the incandescent light bulb was invented, and with it, the first safe source of light...
In-ground fixtures are used to light pavements, alleys, driveways and elements of the so-called landscape...
When decorating a house, let's try to approach it comprehensively from the very beginning, starting with...
In the first part we shared with you our ideas for interior lighting using lamps such as Kanlux LAURIN...
In fact, lighting a home is not an easy art at all, we only find this out when we begin to think about...
Just as there is no life without light, there is no home without light. The most common luminaires in...
Stairs are present in almost every house. They usually lead to a basement or bedroom located on the first...
The bathroom is our private world. Research shows that on average we spend 3 years of our lives in it....
LED strips - well known and used for years. How many of you have never decided to do it because of difficulties...