The kids were tucked into bed, the kitchen was clean after dinner, and the gentle patter of rain on the roof signaled the end of a long day. She sank into the couch with a glass of wine and turned on her favorite comfort movie. With the overhead light off, the warm glow of the floor lamps filled the room, creating the perfect ambience to relax and unwind.
Good lighting is not an afterthought. It’s the tool that enables you to live, cook, read, relax, and entertain comfortably. We’re here to guide you on how to light your custom home room by room, ensuring that every space is illuminated with intention.
Use the Three Layers of Lighting Rule
For every room of your custom home, aim to include these three layers of lighting to create depth and versatility.
- Ambient Lighting: also known as “general lighting,” this is the overall light in a room created by ceiling fixtures or recessed cans.
- Task Lighting: the focused light provided by pendants, reading lamps, or under-cabinet glow in specific areas.
- Accent Lighting: mood or decorative lighting provided by sconces or chandeliers used to draw attention.
Living Room Lighting
Your living room serves many purposes, from family movie nights to hosting friends, and your lighting should be as diverse as the room it’s complementing. Include dimmable recessed lighting that can change with the occasion and floor lamps to soften the space in the evening hours. A statement chandelier or wood-beamed ceiling with hidden uplighting can elevate the space and showcase your style.
Kitchen Lighting
You spend almost every morning and evening in the kitchen, so lighting is important. Balance functionality and aesthetics with natural light, pendants over the island, recessed ceiling lights, and under-cabinet lighting to eliminate shadows. For an extra touch of warmth and practicality, toe-kick lighting adds a subtle glow that’s especially useful at night.
Bedroom Lighting
Your bedroom is your sanctuary after a long day. Your lighting should feel calm, flexible, and inviting. Dimmable overhead lighting allows you to easily adjust the mood from bright and functional to soft and relaxing, while matching bedside sconces or hanging pendants add a touch of elegance. To enhance the ambiance, include soft accent lighting in tray ceilings or built-in shelving for a warm, layered glow that makes the room feel more luxurious and restful.
Bathroom Lighting
Avoid harsh downlights placed directly over the mirror to keep your bathroom lighting flattering. Instead, vertical sconces or backlit mirrors provide even, balanced illumination. A dimmable fixture or small chandelier over the tub can create a touch of spa-like luxury, while motion-sensor night lighting beneath the vanity keeps the mood calm.
Home Office Lighting
Comfort and productivity are your primary focuses in your home office, and the lighting you choose can directly support this. If possible, prioritize natural light near your desk and strategically use adjustable desk lamps for task lighting. Ambient lighting can be layered in for late evening use as well.
Utility and Transitional Spaces
Lighting is as practical as it is aesthetic, especially when it comes to mudrooms, laundry rooms, and utility spaces. Use bright, clean light for clarity and safety. Accent lights can be added to hallways and staircases to highlight the architecture of your transitional spaces.
Embrace Natural Light, But Plan for Night
Large windows and natural light can make a room feel larger and more open. At the same time, well-designed lighting ensures the home remains comfortable and functional during early mornings and cozy evenings when natural light fades.
Plan Your Custom Home Lighting Early
Many lighting decisions, such as wiring and placement, happen during the design phase of the custom home process. Knowing your ideal layout and how you plan to use each room makes it easier to plan ahead.
Lighting Designed for How You Live
Good lighting doesn’t just make your home look beautiful; it helps you feel good in it. From focused task lighting to soft, inviting glows, the right lighting plan is one of the best investments you can make in your custom home.
At LaFollette Custom Homes, we help you balance form and function so your lighting not only complements your design, but also supports your daily life. Start planning your dream home with us.