As with the huge array of light bulbs it can also get confusing as to they type of light fitting to use in different rooms or areas of your home.

Here is a basic guide as to how best to light your rooms.

Living Room.

Try not to use one central ceiling light as that will create shadows and possibly glare. Instead, aim to use a number of different light sources to create areas of light. This will give a more aesthetically pleasing effect.

If you start with where your chairs and sofas are placed, an adjustable reading light beside or behind your chair that, ideally, can be switched on and off whilst seated will prove invaluable. If the height can also be adjusted this will be even better.

Placing one or two table lamps around the room on tables, shelves or other furniture your room will have a more open feel as the light radiates inwards. The small areas of light created by incidental lighting will create atmosphere in your room.

Highlight key items such as bookcases, pictures or special ornaments with directional spotlights. This type of lighting will allow you to add extra light whilst creating a feature of specific items in your room.

Wall and ceiling lights on a dimmer switch can increase or decrease the light levels in the room without the need to adjust any of your other lights. Be aware of glare if the lights are mounted too high and the light output is increased.

Indirect light from wall washers (light fittings designed to light the wall and ceiling often made in ceramic or plaster) will create dramatic effects. Remember, however, that the light given from wall washers will be coloured by the surfaces on which they are mounted.

Floor lamps come in many guises and can be very effective at adding general illumination to a dark area where it is not easy to fit wall lights, ceiling lights or table lamps. Some are fitted with dimmers and others have a second flexible arm for reading.


Dining Room.

The main light source here should be directly over the dining table. Using a dimmer switch will allow the table to be used for other purposes such as a hobby or homework and yet give a low mood light for dining.

Possibly choose a grand ceiling fitting over the table for greater impact or coordinate with matching wall lights to vary the lighting effect.

Don’t install a low hanging pendant, as your guests may have to peer round it; a distance of about 60cm above the table is about right. Better still fit a rise and fall pendant. If you like to dine by candlelight, make sure the heat and smoke is far enough away from the light fitting.

If you have a glass dining table, make sure the light is fitted with a diffuser so that your diners are not looking at a reflection of the light bulb. Long tables can be very effectively lit with a longer light fitting suspended on wires.

Bedroom.

This is an area so often neglected. Consider the number of functions required of a bedroom.

For dressing you may need a general illumination or, if your partner has to rise at a different time, do you need a lower level pool of light that won’t disturb you? A well-positioned down lighter will help here.

Many people read in bed and with a double room, it is useful to have bedside lights that are individually switched. Adjustable reading lamps are ideal if you want to read while your partner sleeps. For convenience and safety you should aim to have all of the bedroom lights controlled from the bed.

Dressing tables used for make-up will need more specific lighting and the use of two slender table lamps either side of a mirror gives a good working light without glare and will add to the cosy effect of the room.

Try to create pools of light to reduce any hard contrasts. Adding a table lamp or illuminating pictures will be very effective.


Children’s Room.

A good central ceiling light is useful to provide a general illumination and a bedside or wall mounted reading lamp is recommended.

Night-lights for children’s rooms give peace of mind and cost very little to run. Older children will want to have fun lighting and there are many effective novelty lights to choose from but always be safety conscious and choose lights that are suitable for the age of the child.

Low voltage lighting is suitable for a childs bedroom.

Child lighting regulations ensure the bulb is enclosed so little fingers can not get to the bulb!

Kitchen.

We spend most of our time in the kitchen and it has multiple functions, many of which require care to avoid accidents.
A higher level of illumination is required here. Fluorescent tubes under wall mounted units cast an efficient light over work surfaces and prevent shadows. They also ensure you are not blocking out the light in which you need to work.

A central light is also important in a kitchen to provide a general level of illumination and, if you have the space, the use of halogen spotlights mounted on the wall will help to add accent. If you have glass fronted display cabinets in your kitchen the use of small halogen lights specifically designed for the purpose will add interest.

If your ceiling is low or you want to avoid one central light, consider the use of multiple down lights or spotlights that create a glare free and pleasing effect whilst remaining functional.
LED illuminations in skirting boards and around the kitchen floor areas, creates illumination at floor level and added interest.


Bathroom.

Great care needs to be taken when choosing bathroom lighting as the regulations are strict concerning the type of light you can use.

The bathroom mirror deserves some special attention and a diffused glass light either side will give a good general illumination where it is needed. The alternative is a halogen down light from the ceiling or fluorescent strip light over the mirror.

For general illumination in the rest of the bathroom either use ceiling mounted down lights for their refreshing halogen colour or a high output flush ceiling light to suit the décor.

Portable lights are not permitted in a bathroom so for mood lighting use ceiling mounted directional spotlights aimed away from the bath and at interesting features.

Lighting designed specifically for showers is available and must be carefully fitted according to the instructions.

The following information is a guide to help you understand what fittings can be placed where. This is not an installation guide and reference should be made to the IEE Wiring Regulations or a qualified electrician.

Firstly it is important to understand the rating by which bathroom and some outdoor lights are classified. IP rating stands for 'Ingress Protection' and is always followed by two digits. These two numbers refer to the level of protection and it is important that you choose fittings with the correct rating according to where they are to be sited within the bathroom.

More about IP Ratings:

A bathroom split into four clear zones:
0,1,2 and 3.

Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower itself. Any fitting used in this zone must be low voltage, (max 12V) and be rated at least IP67 that is total immersion proof.
Zone 1 is the area above the bath to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP44 is required. If the fitting is 240V a 30ma residual current device (RCD) must also be used to protect the circuit in this zone.

Zone 2 is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone an IP rating of at least IP44 is required.

In addition it is good practice to consider the area around a washbasin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.

Zone 3 is anywhere outside zones 0, 1 and 2 (subject to specific limits) and where no water jet is likely to be used. No IP rating is required.

In addition to the above, if there is a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes in zones 1, 2 and 3 a fitting rated a minimum IP65 must be used.


Outdoor.

Any mains voltage lighting that is used outside must be waterproof. Like bathroom lighting an IP rating is given to show the protection level against moisture, dust and solid objects penetration.

The relevant IP numbers are:

IPx3 – protected against water spray of up to 60 from vertical (e.g. rain)
IPx4 – protected against water spray from any direction.
IPx5 – protected against jets of water from any direction.

Moisture and electricity do not mix well as moisture conducts electricity. With this in mind outdoor lights must be installed with special care to ensure complete safety.

All wiring must be protected and all metalwork must be earthed. We recommend you employ the services of a qualified electrician to install any outdoor lighting.

The front of your house needs good lighting to make visitors feel welcomed and help you to identify callers before opening the door to them. The best form of lighting for the front of your house is a light with a PIR (Passive Infra Red) sensor. This means that they will automatically switch on when someone approaches your door and passed in front of the sensor. They also switch off automatically after a time.

Low energy bulbs ideal for outdoor use in lanterns, wall lights and posts.

Posts are good for illuminating path ways

Spot lights are ideal for highlighting statues, walls and plants.

LED lights for decked patios, steps and walls.

Areas such as gates, steps and paths must be well illuminated.


I hope this information helps you decide where too add light to your home!