The Importance of Lighting in Interior Design (And How to Get It Right)

The Importance of Lighting in Interior Design (And How to Get It Right)

Lighting: it’s the secret sauce of interior design. You might have the most beautiful furniture, a curated colour palette, and expensive finishes—but if the lighting’s wrong? The whole vibe falls flat.

Lighting does more than help us see. It shapes mood, defines space, and highlights what we want to show off (while softening what we don’t). As an interior designer, I can’t stress this enough: getting your lighting right can completely transform a room—and it’s often the missing link in DIY designs.

So let’s unpack why lighting matters and how you can use it to your advantage. Plus, I’ll share insider tips and tricks for creating a designer-level lighting scheme—without a full renovation or hefty electrician bill.

1. Lighting Sets the Mood

Think about walking into a softly lit restaurant versus one with harsh fluorescent lighting. One feels intimate and calming. The other? Well… sterile and a little stressful. The same logic applies in your home.

Your lighting should reflect the mood you want to feel in each space:

• Living room: Warm and layered for relaxation and entertaining.

• Kitchen: Bright and functional for cooking and cleaning.

• Bedroom: Soft, dimmable light to encourage rest and calm.

• Bathroom: Clear lighting for tasks, but not so harsh it’s unflattering.

🪄 Designer Secret:
Switch your lightbulbs to warm white (2700K–3000K) for that cozy, high-end glow. Harsh blue light instantly makes a space feel cold and uninviting.

Need help setting the right tone? My virtual lighting consultations include tailored room-by-room recommendations to get the ambience just right.

2. The Three Types of Lighting (and Why You Need All Three)

A layered lighting plan is the foundation of great interior design. Relying on one central ceiling light won’t cut it—it flattens your space and makes everything feel one-dimensional.

Here’s what every room needs:

1. Ambient Lighting

This is your general, overall light—like ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting. It’s the base layer.

2. Task Lighting

Lighting that helps you do things—think kitchen pendant lights, reading lamps, or vanity lighting in the bathroom.

3. Accent Lighting

This is where the magic happens. Accent lights are used to highlight artwork, architectural details, or to create drama and mood.

🪄 Designer Secret:
Add dimmers wherever you can. They give you full control over the mood, making even basic lighting feel luxurious.

Need help choosing the right layers? My downloadable Lighting Plan Templates guide you step-by-step through how to build the perfect light setup for every room.

3. Scale + Placement Matter (More Than You Think)

Ever seen a tiny pendant over a large dining table or a bulky lamp crammed onto a petite bedside? It throws off the whole balance.

Your lighting needs to be in proportion to your space and placed where it actually makes sense.

Practical Tips:

• Hang pendant lights 70–85 cm above a dining table.

• Use lamps that are one-third the height of the table they sit on.

• Don’t place downlights directly over seating (no one wants a spotlight on their forehead).

🪄 Designer Secret:
Choose statement lights like oversized pendants, arched floor lamps, or sculptural sconces to elevate your design instantly—even on a budget.

Want help sourcing affordable, high-impact lighting pieces? Check out my Curated Product Lists with ready-to-shop options that blend beautifully into your space.

4. Use Lighting to Highlight (or Hide) Features

Lighting is like makeup for your home—it draws attention to the good bits and can soften or hide what you don’t love.

Want to showcase that beautiful stone bench? Add LED strip lighting underneath. Have a favourite art print? A gallery light makes it a feature.

On the flip side, a poorly lit corner or stark overhead lighting can expose every flaw and make even beautiful pieces feel harsh.

Practical Ideas:

• Add under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen.

• Use wall sconces to frame a fireplace or bed.

• Install backlit mirrors in bathrooms for a soft, flattering glow.

🪄 Designer Secret:
Use inexpensive puck lights in bookcases, display cabinets, or even under shelves for a high-end look on a low-end budget. Battery-powered options mean no electrician needed.

5. Natural Light is the Best Designer Tool (If You Use It Right)

Natural light is your home’s best feature—it makes colours truer, rooms brighter, and spaces feel bigger. But it only works if you let it in.

Tips for Maximizing Natural Light:

• Use sheer curtains or double-layered drapes (sheers + blockouts).

• Avoid bulky window treatments that block light.

• Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect daylight deeper into the space.

🪄 Designer Secret:
Paint finishes matter. Use a soft satin or low-sheen finish on walls to gently reflect natural light without glare.

Need help balancing light flow with privacy and comfort? My Window Styling Service offers fabric suggestions, placement guidance, and product sourcing.

6. Lighting Fixtures Are Statement Pieces

Lighting is functional—but it’s also a design feature. A well-chosen light fixture can elevate a simple room into something showstopping.

You don’t need expensive designer brands to make a statement. You just need good shape, scale, and finish.

Ideas to Try:

• Add a rattan pendant in a coastal or Scandi-inspired room.

• Use matte black or brass wall sconces to give a moody, contemporary vibe.

• Try vintage or industrial pendants in the kitchen for warmth and character.

🪄 Designer Secret:
Swapping out a dated ceiling light for a modern pendant can instantly update a room—even if nothing else changes.

Want us to help pick your perfect statement fixture? A 1:1 mini styling session includes fixture selection, placement advice, and budget-friendly supplier links.

7. Mood Lighting is a Must at Night

Design isn’t just about how your home looks during the day—it’s how it feels at night too. This is where mood lighting makes all the difference.

Think:

• Fairy lights draped over a curtain rod

• Lanterns or candles grouped on a console

• A dim floor lamp next to your evening reading spot

These small touches turn your space from functional to fabulous when the sun goes down.

Pro Tip:
Try smart bulbs you can adjust from your phone. Set warm evening scenes, reading modes, or even colour changes for fun.

✨ Final Thoughts

Lighting can make or break a space. It’s not just practical—it’s foundational to great interior design. From creating mood and highlighting your favourite features, to defining zones and elevating your overall style, smart lighting is a game-changer.

And the best part? You don’t need a full reno to get it right. With the right plan, budget-friendly swaps, and a few designer tricks, your home can feel brighter, cozier, and infinitely more you.

Need a hand?
Whether it’s a full lighting plan, a quick virtual consult, or help sourcing stylish fixtures, I’m here to light the way (pun absolutely intended). 💡

Let’s illuminate your home’s best features—beautifully, functionally, and affordably.