The Layered Lighting Guide

General light makes the room safe and functional. It may come from ceiling lights, recessed lighting, large pendants or wall-mounted fixtures.

General lighting does not need to be the brightest light in the room. It should provide an even foundation. Use dimmers where possible so the room can move from practical daytime use to softer evening light.

Task lighting supports a specific activity - a reading lamp beside a chair, a desk lamp, lighting above a kitchen worktop, a bedside lamp, or a light near a mirror.

Task lighting should be positioned according to the activity rather than simply for symmetry.

Accent lighting draws attention to artwork, shelving, architectural detail, plants, textured walls or a cabinet or collection.

Use it selectively. Too many highlighted areas weaken the effect.

Ambient lighting creates atmosphere. It may come from table lamps, floor lamps, small shaded lamps, candles, portable lamps or concealed lighting.

Ambient light should create gentle pools rather than illuminate every surface equally.

For living rooms, bedrooms and dining spaces, warm light generally creates a softer and more intimate atmosphere than cool light. Avoid mixing visibly different light temperatures in the same room unless the contrast is intentional.

Check how light affects wall colour, wood tones, metal finishes, textiles and artwork. A paint colour that appears warm in daylight may look grey or green under an unsuitable bulb.

A room feels flatter when all light comes from the ceiling. Create variation through low table lamps, mid-height lamps, floor lamps, wall lights and candlelight.

Lighting at different levels makes the room feel more dimensional.

Instead of illuminating the entire room at one intensity, place light where activity and interest occur - a lamp beside the sofa, a smaller lamp on a console, a shaded light near books, a candle on the dining table, a portable lamp in a darker corner.

This encourages the room to feel intimate rather than exposed.

Lampshades affect both the appearance and the quality of light. Suitable materials include linen, pleated fabric, paper, glass and textured natural fibres.

A light shade usually spreads more illumination. A darker or denser shade creates a more focused pool. Consider the proportion of the shade in relation to the lamp base and surrounding furniture.

Small lamps can disappear on a large sideboard or beside substantial furniture. Choose a lamp with enough height and volume to relate to the surface.

As a guide, a table lamp should often feel like part of the furniture arrangement rather than a small accessory placed on top.

Candles create movement and warmth that electric lighting cannot fully reproduce. Use them on dining tables, mantels, coffee tables, bathroom shelves and outdoor tables.

Always place candles safely, away from flammable materials, children and pets. Use stable holders and never leave open flames unattended.

Before calling the room finished, confirm: general light is present, task lighting is positioned where needed, ambient lamps are added, light sources are placed at different heights, bulb temperatures are coordinated, dimmers are used where possible, dark corners have been reviewed, lamps are correctly scaled, and evening lighting has been tested.