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Good indoor lighting transforms how your home looks and feels. Here's how to choose the right indoor lights for every room.

1. Think about what each room needs

Different rooms need different lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms need bright, practical light. Living rooms and bedrooms work better with softer, layered lighting you can adjust for different moods. Hallways and staircases need safe, consistent light that's always on when you need it.

2. Choose your light type

• Ceiling lights: Main overhead lighting that brightens the whole room – essential for most spaces.
• Pendant lights: Hang down from the ceiling, perfect over kitchen islands, dining tables, or as a feature piece.
• Downlights: Recessed into the ceiling for a clean, modern look – great for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
• Wall lights: Sit on the wall to add ambient lighting, highlight artwork, or brighten hallways and staircases.
• Vanity wall lights: Mount beside or above bathroom mirrors for even, flattering light – essential for bathrooms.
• Floor lamps: Stand-alone lights that add warmth and flexibility to living rooms and bedrooms.
• Table lamps: Sit on side tables or desks for reading, working, or bedside lighting.

3. Layer your lighting

The best rooms have three types of light working together:

• Ambient: Overall lighting like ceiling lights or downlights
• Task: Focused light for cooking, reading, or working, like pendant lights or table lamps
• Accent: Decorative lighting like wall lights or floor lamps that add warmth and style

4. Pick lights that suit each room

• Kitchen: Bright downlights or ceiling lights for general light, plus pendant lights over the island or bench for task lighting.
• Bathroom: Vanity wall lights beside the mirror for even lighting, plus downlights or a ceiling light for overall brightness.
• Living room: Mix ceiling lights with floor lamps and table lamps so you can adjust the mood.
• Bedroom: Soft ceiling lights with table lamps beside the bed for reading.
• Hallways & stairs: Wall lights or staircase lights for safe, consistent lighting.

5. Set your budget

Basic ceiling lights and downlights start around $50–$150 each. Pendant lights range from $100–$400+. Floor lamps and table lamps sit between $80–$300, depending on size and design. Designer or statement pieces can cost more, but good lighting makes a huge difference to how your home feels.

Need help choosing?

Browse our full range of indoor lighting to find the perfect lights for every room in your home. Or visit our building and renovating tips blog for practical advice, real renovation examples, and the latest trends to help you design with confidence.