How to Light Each Room In Your Home

A properly lit bathroom combines task lighting and ambient lighting to create a functional space. The primary area of focus in a bathroom is the vanity which requires light with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI). A high CRI is ideal for activities like makeup application and grooming that demand accurately rendered colors. The best color temperature for bathrooms is a warm or natural white light. 

Strip lights with a rating of IP64 and above are great for areas prone to moisture or direct water contact such as under vanities or under sinks. You can also install strip lights in aluminum channels that reach an IP67 rating for waterproof lighting. Flood light bulbs in the vanity ensure even, broad task lighting. Recessed downlights are perfect for general lighting in bathrooms to provide a sleek look without overwhelming the bathroom's design. A flush ceiling light offers general ambient lighting with an added stylistic element.

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) provides UL Listings that categorize bathroom locations as dry, damp, or wet. Different zones have specific safety recommendations. Zone 0, inside the bathtub or shower floor, requires IPX8-rated lights. Zone 1, which directly surrounds the shower and above the bath, needs an IPX4 or IPX5 rating. Zone 2 consists of areas around Zone 1 and above the sink requires fixtures with an IPX4 or IPX5 rating. The rest of your bathroom, or Zone 3, should have lights suitable for damp locations due to possible condensation. Learn more about rating for different bathroom zones and general bathroom lighting tips here.

Your bedroom is one of the best places in your house where you can show off your personality, and lighting can help accomplish this. You can deck your room out with colorful strip lights or fun addressable light fixtures to create an aesthetic room design. Or, you can create a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for winding down after a long day. For ambient lighting fixtures like overhead fixtures or lamps, use bulbs with a warm white color temperature which is less stimulating and more comfortable. 

LED light bulbs are perfect to replace outdated incandescent bulbs in ceiling fans or lamps. Installing multiple recessed downlights is a great choice for large bedrooms where a single overhead light would not provide enough lighting. Additionally, decorative fixtures can reflect your personality and add character to the space. Attach a dimmer to these lights to give you control of the overall room brightness.

The dining room is an important part of your house where you should have sufficient lighting for eating, entertaining, and working. Overhead lighting centered over the dining table is essential to illuminate meals and the variety of tasks the table may host. A chandelier can serve as a statement piece, adding elegance and providing ample light. Candelabra light bulbs complement such fixtures and add an elegant and classic look to your room. For those seeking a more minimalist or modern look, recessed downlights or flush mount fixtures are a great option. Given the multifunctional nature of dining rooms, connecting a dimmer switch to these fixtures can be beneficial.

Proper garage lighting is essential for accessibility and functionality in your garage. Most garages do not receive sufficient natural lighting, so it is important to choose lights that can cast overhead lighting to all corners of your garage. Plug-in pull chain lights require no extra wiring into your home’s electrical system. Other popular fixtures include linear, wraparound, and vapor-tight shop lights which are great for overhead lighting in garages with a low ceiling.

Home theaters require carefully thought-out lighting so as to not distract from the action on-screen. Dimmable strip lights, sconce cylinder lights, and recessed downlights are all excellent choices that can provide bright lights before and after the movie, but can dim down to a comfortable brightness during the show.

Kitchens require clear and focused lighting over counters, stovetops, and sinks. However, you must also take into consideration that design elements, like shiny glass counters, can reflect light and potentially cause glare. It's essential to position lights strategically to minimize reflections or use diffused lenses to ensure even light distribution. 

There are a variety of lights that are suitable for kitchen use. Spotlight bulbs offer directed light, making them great for highlighting specific areas of your counter. Under-cabinet light bars and strip lights provide focused lighting for under-cabinet counter space. Strip lights can also highlight the contents of glass cabinets to add a decorative touch to your kitchen. Recessed downlights, flush-mount ceiling lights, and pendant lights are popular for general illumination over kitchen islands. Track lighting gives homeowners the ability to focus light on different areas as needed. By blending these options, one can achieve a well-lit and functional kitchen environment. Learn more about how to light your kitchen here.

The living room is one of the rooms you spend the most time in. It is the prime location for entertaining, relaxing, and lounging. Therefore it is essential to utilize proper light layering to account for the various activities done here. Combine various light sources at different levels to create a balanced and dynamic illumination. Opting for a warm white light in the living room can create a relaxing atmosphere that is gentler on the eyes. 

Track lighting is an excellent choice for highlighting wall decorations, unique architectural features, or specific areas of your room. Light bulbs for ceiling fans and lamps are also useful because they are an easy upgrade to outdated bulbs. Other ceiling light alternatives are flush mount ceiling lights and downlights which provide broad ambient lighting. 

Your lighting can also integrate into the architectural design of your home through creative cove lighting. Carefully install LED strip lights in coves around your recessed ceiling, crown molding, or custom cove fixtures. Aluminum channels designed for cove lighting can turn your strip lights into durable, professional-looking cove light fixtures.

Lighting is an essential part of improving the accessibility of your staircases. Installing lights around your staircases ensures you can properly see all of your steps and will help prevent tripping or stumbling. One popular solution is recessed stair lights that are installed in the walls lining your steps. You can even install these lights on your own without the need to hire a professional electrician. Another option is to use aluminum channels designed for steps with strip lights to line each step with a gentle glow for increased visibility.

An often overlooked part of your house when it comes to lighting is your outdoor space. Motion sensor lights provide broad area lighting to protect your house against possible break-ins. Decorative outdoor wall lights help highlight the architectural features of your home and make your outdoor space more accessible at night. Landscape flood lights, spot lights, path lights, well lights, and hardscape lights can be used to accentuate outdoor gardens, pathways, plants, trees, and more. A combination of these lighting options allows your space to be enjoyed well into the evening and makes it safer and more accessible.

You should always take proper safety precautions when dealing with any electrical wiring in your home. Before making any changes to your lighting system, be sure to turn off the power to those fixtures. Also, properly ground your wires and cap any exposed wires.

It is always recommended to consult a certified electrician when installing new lights or changing existing lighting. Certified electricians are well-versed in local electrical codes and regulations and can ensure any changes meet the required standards. Moreover, you can put yourself or your home in danger if you attempt DIY electrical projects without the proper knowledge.