Skip to main content

Store Location & Hours

Rated 5* by Over 3,000 Happy Customers

Up to 4 Years to Pay

Lighting Buying Guide

Choosing the right lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your home. From creating a warm and inviting atmosphere to providing practical task lighting, the right combination of lights can make every room feel more considered and comfortable.

With so many styles, sizes and finishes to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide will help you understand the different types of lighting available, where to use them and how to choose the right lighting for your space.

Start With Your Space

Before choosing a light, think about how you use the room and what you want your lighting to achieve.

Consider:

  • The size and layout of the room
  • How much natural light the space receives
  • What areas need practical task lighting
  • Where you want to create a softer, more atmospheric feel
  • The existing furniture, colours and finishes in the room
  • The height of your ceilings

Rather than relying on one central light, combining different types of lighting can create a more balanced and inviting room.

Choosing the Right Lighting for Every Room

 

Hallway & Entrance

Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to lighting, but the right fitting can make a strong first impression.

  • Ceiling lights or flush fittings work well in areas with lower ceilings.
  • Pendant lights can make a statement in taller entrances.
  • Wall lights can add character while providing useful illumination.
  • Use lighting to highlight artwork, mirrors or architectural details.

A well-lit hallway can make the rest of your home feel brighter and more welcoming.

 

Dining Room   Lighting can help create the perfect setting for everything from everyday family meals to entertaining guests. A pendant light positioned above the dining table can create a natural focal point.   Make sure the size of the fitting is proportionate to the table and room.   Consider a dimmable light so you can adjust the atmosphere.   Multiple pendants can work well above longer dining tables.   Choose a design that complements your dining furniture and overall interior style.   A statement pendant can also help visually define the dining area within an open-plan space.

Dining Room

 

Lighting can help create the perfect setting for everything from everyday family meals to entertaining guests.

  • A pendant light positioned above the dining table can create a natural focal point.

 

  • Make sure the size of the fitting is proportionate to the table and room.

 

  • Consider a dimmable light so you can adjust the atmosphere.

 

  • Multiple pendants can work well above longer dining tables.

 

  • Choose a design that complements your dining furniture and overall interior style.

 

A statement pendant can also help visually define the dining area within an open-plan space.

Living Room   The living room benefits from a mixture of ambient, task and accent lighting. Layering different sources allows you to change the atmosphere depending on the time of day.   Use a ceiling light or pendant as the main source of illumination.   Add a floor lamp beside a sofa or armchair for reading or relaxing.   Table lamps work beautifully on side tables, consoles and cabinets.   Use wall lights to highlight architectural features or create a softer glow.   Choose warm-toned bulbs for a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.   For larger living rooms, using several smaller sources of light can often feel more inviting than relying on one central fitting.

Living Room

 

The living room benefits from a mixture of ambient, task and accent lighting. Layering different sources allows you to change the atmosphere depending on the time of day.

 

  • Use a ceiling light or pendant as the main source of illumination.

 

  • Add a floor lamp beside a sofa or armchair for reading or relaxing.

 

  • Table lamps work beautifully on side tables, consoles and cabinets.

 

  • Use wall lights to highlight architectural features or create a softer glow.

 

  • Choose warm-toned bulbs for a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

 

For larger living rooms, using several smaller sources of light can often feel more inviting than relying on one central fitting.

Bedroom   Bedroom lighting should feel calm, warm and relaxing while still providing enough light for practical tasks.   Use bedside table lamps for reading and softer evening lighting.   Wall lights are a useful option where bedside table space is limited.   Consider a pendant or ceiling light as the main source of illumination.   Floor lamps can add another layer of light to larger bedrooms.   Choose warm, softer bulbs to create a relaxing environment.   Pairing matching bedside lamps can create symmetry, while mismatched designs can give a more relaxed and eclectic feel.

Bedroom

 

Bedroom lighting should feel calm, warm and relaxing while still providing enough light for practical tasks.

 

  • Use bedside table lamps for reading and softer evening lighting.

 

  • Wall lights are a useful option where bedside table space is limited.

 

  • Consider a pendant or ceiling light as the main source of illumination.

 

  • Floor lamps can add another layer of light to larger bedrooms.

 

  • Choose warm, softer bulbs to create a relaxing environment.

 

Pairing matching bedside lamps can create symmetry, while mismatched designs can give a more relaxed and eclectic feel.

Types of Lighting

Ceiling Lights
Table Lamps
Lampshades
Floor Lights
Wall Lights

Choosing the Right Size

Getting the proportions right is just as important as choosing a style you love.

A light that is too small can feel lost within a room, while an oversized fitting can overwhelm the space.

Before purchasing, consider:

  • The dimensions of the room
  • Ceiling height
  • The size of nearby furniture
  • The available floor or table space
  • How much visual impact you want the light to have

For pendants positioned above dining tables or kitchen islands, consider the length and width of the surface so the fitting feels balanced rather than crowded.

Always check the product dimensions before purchasing and measure the available space carefully.

Choosing a Finish & Style

Lighting is both functional and decorative, so consider how the finish works with the rest of your room.

Popular finishes include:

  • Brass and antique brass
  • Chrome and polished nickel
  • Matt black
  • Glass
  • Crystal
  • Ceramic
  • Wood
  • Rattan and natural materials

For a coordinated look, pick out finishes already used elsewhere in the room. Alternatively, mixing metals and materials can create a more layered and characterful interior.

Think about the overall style of your home too. Traditional rooms may suit classic chandeliers, glass shades and antique finishes, while contemporary spaces can work beautifully with sculptural shapes, clean lines and modern metallics.

Caring For Your Lighting

Looking after your lighting will help keep it looking its best and working effectively for years to come.

Dust Regularly

Use a soft, dry cloth to gently remove dust from shades, bases and fittings.

Clean Carefully

Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Switch off and unplug lamps before cleaning, and allow bulbs and fittings to cool completely.

Look After Lampshades

Fabric shades can be gently dusted using a soft brush or appropriate attachment. Avoid using excessive moisture unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.

Check Bulbs

Replace bulbs when required and make sure replacement bulbs are the correct type and wattage for your fitting.

Safety First

Always follow the manufacturer's installation and safety instructions. For fixed electrical fittings, use a qualified electrician where required.

Find Your Perfect Lighting

Whether you're looking to create a cosy living room, a welcoming hallway, a relaxing bedroom or a beautifully styled dining space, the right lighting can bring your interior together.

Explore the Roomes lighting collection to discover ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps and lampshades in a range of styles and finishes.

For further help choosing lighting for your home, the Roomes Interior Design Service can also provide guidance on creating a considered scheme that works with your furniture, layout and style.