Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Basics to Know Before Your Next Reno
From pendant lights to floodlights, choosing the right lighting for your home is about more than just looks. This guide covers everything homeowners need to know before picking lighting fixtures for their next renovation.

Lighting is one of those things that can really make or break a reno. It sets the tone, helps your home function properly, and makes all the difference in how a space feels, especially when the natural light isn’t doing much heavy lifting. But choosing lighting isn’t always simple. From colour temperature to lumens, there’s a lot to wrap your head around. This guide breaks it down so you can get it right – indoors and out.
Start with the Basics: Ambient, Task and Accent Lighting
Good lighting isn’t just one big light in the middle of the ceiling. You need layers:
- Ambient lighting is your base light. Think ceiling lights and downlights – it fills the room and sets the tone.
- Task lighting is brighter and focused. You want this near your mirror, over your kitchen bench, or by your desk for specific tasks.
- Accent lighting is all about vibe. It highlights features like plants, architectural features, or textured walls and adds ambience.
The trick? Use all three. That’s how you get a room that looks good and works well for both aesthetics and functionality.

Pendant lighting is one of the best ways to create ambient lighting in the living room or kitchen.
What Lights Go Where?
Not sure what belongs in which room? Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Living Rooms: Use downlights for general light. Add table lamps and wall lights to bring warmth and softness.
- Kitchens: Go bright and focused. Use pendant lights over the island, and downlights for work areas.
- Bathrooms: Vanity wall lights on either side of the mirror reduce shadows and improve visibility.
- Hallways & Staircases: Batten fix lights work well overhead, and staircase lights help with visibility and safety.
- Outdoor Areas: Wall lights by the door, inground lights for walkways and driveways, and floodlights for security lighting and larger spaces.

Pair your vanity wall light with a beautiful bathroom mirror and bathroom vanity.
OK – What Are Lumens? And Why Should I Care?
Forget watts. That’s old school. Lumens tell you how bright a light is. More lumens = more light. If you’re lighting a small indoor space, 800 lumens is plenty. Bigger outdoor spaces? You’ll need more.
Meanwhile, colour temperature is measured in Kelvin. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Warm light (2700–3000K) = soft and relaxing, ideal for bedrooms and lounge rooms.
- Cool light (4000K+) = crisp and clean, perfect for bathrooms, kitchens and exterior lighting.
LED vs Everything Else
LED lights are the go-to for most homeowners. They’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in almost every style imaginable. From downlights and ceiling lights to outdoor floodlights and strip lighting, LEDs suit every space and design style.
Unlike traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, LED bulbs stay cool, use far less electricity, and last significantly longer, making them the most cost-effective choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces. You’ll also get plenty of flexibility with colour temperature (warm or cool tones), wattage, and brightness (measured in lumens), making it easier to match your lighting to your space’s functionality and vibe.
LEDs are also a key player in modern smart lighting systems, and thanks to their low voltage and high durability, they’re ideal for outdoor use in all kinds of weather conditions.
Can I DIY Light Installations or Do I Need an Electrician?
Here’s the rule:
- Plug-in lights like table lamps? Go ahead.
- Solar path lights and string lights? DIY friendly.
- Hardwired lights like chandeliers, spotlights, or outdoor lighting fixtures? Time to call an electrician.

No electrician needed for table lamps like this beautiful Telbix antique lamp.
Explore Buildmat’s Full Indoor/Outdoor Lighting Range
Whether you’re styling up your indoor spaces or upgrading outdoor lighting options, Buildmat has the right lighting solutions. Shop indoor/outdoor lighting, vanity wall lights, pendant lights, and more for high-quality fixtures made for real Australian homes.
Indoor and Outdoor Lighting FAQs
What are the best lighting options for outdoor spaces?
Energy-efficient LED lights with high IP ratings. Use floodlights, pathway lights, or motion sensors for security and functionality.
What lighting is best for walkways or landscape lighting?
Use low-glare inground lights. Accent lighting can also highlight landscape features like trees or architectural elements.
Should I choose incandescent bulbs for indoor spaces?
LED bulbs are better for energy efficiency, but warm-coloured LEDs can mimic the look of traditional incandescent light bulbs.
How do I create ambience with lighting?
Use layered lighting (ambient, task, accent), warm colour temperatures, and strategic placement of lighting fixtures around focal points.