A well-chosen light fixture does more than illuminate a space; it also creates an inviting atmosphere and enhances the comfort of your home.

This guide will help you understand five essential factors—size, color temperature, light distribution, bulb quality, and brightness—so you can select the perfect lighting for each room.

1. Size and Proportion: Ensure It Fits the Space

Choosing the right size keeps your room balanced — too big feels overwhelming, too small looks awkward.

Dimensions by area

Here’s a quick reference table:

Pro tips:

• Fixture diameter (inches) ≈ room length (ft) + room width (ft)÷12.
• This set of conversion formulas is equally applicable to the centimetre unit of length.

Select style by floor height

• Keep fixture area ≤ 3% of the floor space to avoid visual clutter
• For dining tables, hang pendants 30–36 in above the surface
• For general areas, keep the fixture’s lowest point ≥ 7 ft (84–90 in) above the floor to avoid head bumps.

2、Color Temperature (Kelvin): Create the Right Mood

The ‘temperature’ of light is determined by its colour temperature (measured in Kelvin, K). The lower the colour temperature, the warmer and more yellow the light appears; the higher the colour temperature, the cooler and whiter the light appears. Different spaces require lighting with corresponding colour temperatures.

Suitable scenarios for different colour temperatures

Light color affects both comfort and focus.

Use this table to match color temperature (in Kelvin, K) with your space and mood.

Key Considerations When Selecting Colour Temperature

• Avoid cold white (> 4000K) in bedrooms — blue light disrupts sleep
• For a unified look, keep the same base color temperature (e.g., 4000K) across rooms
• Smart tunable LEDs (2700–6500K) let you switch between work and relax modes

3、Lighting Type: How the Light Spreads

Different lighting methods create different visual effects. Combine them for depth and comfort.

Three common modes of illumination

There are three common types of lighting: direct lighting, semi-direct lighting, and indirect lighting. The following table provides an explanation of each:

Sample room combinations

• Living Room: Flush/pendant + accent spotlights + floor lamp+pendant lamp
• Kitchen: Ceiling panel + under-cabinet strip
• Bedroom: Flush mount + bedside wall light + soft night light

4、Light Source: Why LED Wins Every Time

Modern lighting means LED. They’re energy-efficient, durable, and offer precise control — but check these specs:

Avoid: cheap LEDs with visible flicker or low CRI — they distort color and tire your eyes quickly.
Test for the presence of the aforementioned issue. Test method: Aim your mobile phone camera at the light. If the screen does not display rapidly scrolling wavy stripes, it is deemed satisfactory.

5、Brightness: Lumens, Not Watts

Why choose lumens over watts?

• Lumens are the unit of measurement for a bulb's brightness: the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the bulb. Whereas bulbs were previously selected based on watts (energy consumption), they should now be chosen according to lumens (brightness).
• The “Lighting Facts Label” facilitates comparison of brightness, colour temperature, lifespan, and annual operating costs.
• Core principle: When purchasing, focus on the lumen rating rather than wattage to ensure the desired brightness is achieved.

Use the chart below to find your target lighting level.

Conversion tip:
1 W LED ≈ 80–100 lumens
→ To replace a 60 W incandescent (~800 lm), choose an 8–10 W LED.

6、Room-by-Room Lighting Guide 

Below is a summary of the lighting configurations for each space.

Living Room

• Lighting Combo: Ceiling/Flush Mount Light (Main) + Recessed/Spotlights (Accent) + Floor Lamp (Ambiance).
• Key Specs: 4000K Neutral White light; estimate brightness at ~5W per sq. ft. (for LED bulbs).
• Pro Tips: Use a "layered lighting" approach. The main light provides general brightness, spotlights highlight artwork, and a floor lamp is perfect for reading or creating a cozy corner. Smart switches are great for setting different moods.

Bedroom

• Lighting Combo: Flush Mount Light (Main) + Wall Sconces/Bedside Lamps (Task) + Motion-Activated Night Light.
• Key Specs: 3000K Warm White light; estimate brightness at ~3W per sq. ft. (for LED bulbs). Avoid lights that are too bright.
• Pro Tips: Focus on creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Dimmable smart bulbs are highly recommended. Using multiple smaller lights (like sconces and lamps) instead of one bright overhead light feels much cozier. A plug-in night light in the hallway or under the bed makes midnight trips to the bathroom safer and easier.

Kitchen

• Lighting Combo: Ceiling/Flush Mount Light (Main) + Under-Cabinet Light Strips (Task).
• Key Specs: 5000K Cool White light; estimate brightness at ~5W per sq. ft. (for LED bulbs).
• Pro Tips: Under-cabinet lighting is a must-have. It completely eliminates shadows on your countertops, making food prep safer and easier. Look for light strips with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI ≥90) so you can see the true, fresh colors of your food.

Bathroom

• Lighting Combo: Damp-Rated Ceiling Light (Main) + Vanity Light / Mirror Light Strip (Task).
• Key Specs: 4000K Neutral White light; estimate brightness at ~4W per sq. ft. (for LED bulbs).
• Pro Tips: All bathroom fixtures MUST have a "wet" or "damp" rating (look for IP44 or "UL Damp Rated") for safety. For the best light for grooming and makeup, place vanity lights on the sides of the mirror or use a vertical light strip to avoid casting shadows on your face.

Home Office / Study

• Lighting Combo: Ceiling Light (Ambient) + Desk Lamp (Task).
• Key Specs: 4000K Neutral White light; aim for an ambient light level of 300-500 lumens per sq. ft..
• Pro Tips: Your desk lamp is key for eye comfort. Choose one with High CRI (≥95), no flicker, and minimal glare. Good overall room lighting reduces harsh contrast between your bright desk and a dark room, which helps prevent eye strain.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Oversized fixtures in low ceilings — choose thin, wide designs instead
• Using cool white light in bedrooms — it keeps you awake
• Ignoring CRI or flicker — both affect comfort and accuracy
• Overlooking task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms
• Relying on one fixture for everything — layer your lighting

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

• Room size and ceiling height
• Matching color temperature for each space
• Total lumens (ambient + task layers)
• CRI ≥ 90, flicker-free driver, RG0 blue-light rating
• Damp-rated fixtures in bathrooms or kitchens
• Proper hanging height and clearance

Final Thought

Good lighting balances form and function. When you choose the right size, tone, and brightness for each space, every corner of your home feels both inviting and practical — exactly as light should be.