Illuminations of Camberley

Top 10 Questions People Ask About Lighting a Room (With Expert Answers)



Lighting has the power to transform a room—from cozy and relaxing to bright and functional. At Illuminations of Camberley, we often hear the same burning questions from homeowners looking to get their lighting just right. Here are the top 10 most asked questions about lighting a room, answered with expert guidance.


1. How do I choose the right type of lighting for my room?

The secret to perfect lighting is layering:

  • Ambient lighting: Your main light source (ceiling lights, pendants, recessed fixtures).
  • Task lighting: Focused lights for activities such as reading, cooking, or working.
  • Accent lighting: Decorative lighting to highlight artwork, walls, or special features.

💡 Expert tip: Always aim for at least two layers of light for balance and atmosphere.


2. What size light fixture should I get?

The size of your light fitting should be proportional to the room. For chandeliers or pendants:

  • Over a dining table: Half to two-thirds the width of the table works best.
  • In general rooms: Add the room’s length and width (in feet) to find the right fixture size (in inches).

Example: A 12x14 ft room = 26-inch chandelier.


3. How bright should my room be?

Brightness is measured in lumens. Every room has different needs:

  • Living room: 1,500–3,000 lumens
  • Kitchen: 5,000–10,000 lumens (split across multiple lights)
  • Bedroom: 2,000–4,000 lumens

💡 Pro tip: Avoid one overpowering light source—layer multiple lights for softness.


4. What colour temperature is best for my room?

Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), impacts the mood of a space:

  • 2700K–3000K: Warm and cozy (living rooms & bedrooms).
  • 3500K–4000K: Neutral and bright (kitchens & bathrooms).
  • 5000K+: Daylight bright (offices & utility spaces).

Stick to warmer tones in relaxing areas and cooler tones in functional ones.


5. How many light sources do I need in a room?

Designers recommend at least three: a ceiling fixture, a lamp, and an accent light. This avoids dark corners and creates balance.


6. Should I use ceiling lights, lamps, or wall lights?

Each has a purpose:

  • Ceiling lights: General brightness.
  • Lamps: Flexible, cozy, and soft.
  • Wall lights: Great for ambience and small spaces.

Combine all three for a professional, layered look.


7. How do I make a small room feel bigger with lighting?

Lighting can transform small spaces:

  • Use uplighters to draw attention upwards.
  • Wash walls with light to eliminate shadows.
  • Use reflective surfaces and mirrors near lights.

8. What’s the best lighting for reading or working?

Choose task lighting:

  • Adjustable desk or floor lamps.
  • Neutral white (around 4000K) to prevent eye strain.
  • Position the light opposite your dominant hand.

9. How do dimmers create different moods?

Dimmers add flexibility:

  • Low light = relaxation.
  • Full brightness = cleaning or working.
  • Mid-levels = entertaining.

Smart dimmers make adjustments even easier with app or voice control.


10. What bulbs should I use – LED, halogen, or incandescent?

  • LEDs: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, versatile.
  • Halogen: Bright, but less efficient and hot to touch.
  • Incandescent: Warm glow but outdated.

💡 Expert advice: Choose LEDs—they offer the best combination of efficiency and style.


✨ Final Thought

Lighting is more than function—it sets the mood, defines the style, and transforms the feel of your home. Whether you’re refreshing one room or planning a full home redesign, choosing the right fixtures and bulbs makes all the difference.

👉 At Illuminations of Camberley, we’re here to guide you through every step—from fixture selection to installation advice. Visit our showroom or explore our collections online to discover lighting that brings your home to life.