Buying guide : how to choose indoor lighting

Every indoor fixture has specific features, in terms of both look and functionality. Some fixtures are better suited to a given space than others because of the type of lighting they provide.

Recessed fixtures are definitely the most subtle lighting option. They’re installed in holes in the ceiling and are therefore barely noticeable. Recessed fixtures provide either direct or ambient uniform lighting. For an optimum effect, install recessed fixtures on high ceilings and place them 10 to 12 inches from the walls.

Recommended rooms and spaces: entrances, closets, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, home offices and family rooms.

Fixed directly to the ceiling, flush mount ceiling lights are usually located in the middle of a room. Some models have a shade that diffuses the light evenly, creating a cozy atmosphere. Their design makes them an attractive solution for lighting small spaces without creating visual clutter.

Recommended rooms and spaces: entrances, closets, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices.

Pendant lights or semi-pendant lights are fixed to the ceiling. Their bold design adds personality to any space. The shade on a pendant light can direct light upward (reverse suspension), providing an ideal solution for creating ambient lighting, or downward, to light up work surfaces such as kitchen islands. 

For dining rooms, choose a fixture that covers approximately half the length of the table. In terms of placement, setting the bottom of the pendant 30 to 34 inches above the table should ensure optimum lighting.

Recommended rooms and spaces: entrances, kitchens and dining rooms.

Wall sconces are mounted directly on the wall and can direct light upward or downward. They provide good ambient lighting, creating a warm, subdued atmosphere. They are a secondary lighting solution, since they’ll only light up part of the room. To maximize their effect, wall sconces should be placed three-quarters of the way up the wall, approximately six feet above the floor.

Recommended rooms and spaces: entrances, hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Track lights are made up of multiple light heads on a track that runs along the ceiling. Since each light head can be pointed in any direction, track lights provide a versatile lighting solution thanks to the range of possible adjustments. They’re an ideal choice for highlighting specific elements, such as photos, works of art or architectural details.

Recommended rooms and spaces: entrances, hallways, kitchens, living rooms, home offices and family rooms.

Want to make an enlightened choice when it comes to light bulbs? Here are three key factors to keep in mind.

Classic incandescent bulbs are no longer the only option on store shelves. You’ll also find LED, compact fluorescent and halogen bulbs. Each one has specific characteristics in terms of energy efficiency, heat emission, service life, shape and colour.

Pro tip: LEDs use 5 to 10 times less power than classic incandescents and have a service life of 15,000 to 50,000 hours, making them a cost-effective and environmentally responsible option.

Lighting power is not measured solely in watts. Lumens are also used to measure the amount of light emitted by a bulb. In both cases, the greater the number of units, the brighter the light. Ideal brightness varies according to the type and size of the room.

Pro tip: Light-coloured walls reflect more light and so require less powerful lighting.

Lighting also varies according to the colour temperature of the bulb, which is generally described as either warm, natural or cool and is measured in degrees Kelvin. The lower the colour temperature, the warmer and yellower the light. Conversely, the higher the degrees Kelvin, the cooler and bluer the light.

Pro tip: Warm light is preferable for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms. Cool white light is a better choice for work spaces such as garages, kitchens and offices.

To find out more about choosing the right bulbs, check out our buying guide on the same subject.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to ideal size: it’s all a matter of balancing look and practicality. The only restriction regarding esthetics is the degree of brightness needed for a room to be functional. Avoid choosing a pendant light that you might bump your head on or that might be too imposing for a small space.

Using several light sources can help you achieve just the right ambience. Switching on several fixtures at once makes for a balanced atmosphere and reduces reflections and shadows. For showroom results, create a lighting plan right from the outset.

Whether for a contemporary, country or industrial look, indoor fixtures add flair to any room. Lights that reflect your tastes and esthetic are a great way to add style and personality to your home. Take it one step further by matching your fixture and light bulb styles.

Our best tip for varying the mood in a room is to add dimmers so that you can adjust the brightness of your lights. A must in any well-lit home, dimmers are easy to install and compatible with most indoor fixtures. As an added bonus, they save on energy and extend the service life of light bulbs. Just be sure to use them with dimmable bulbs.

Some light bulbs can now be connected to your Wi-Fi or your smart phone’s Bluetooth or be controlled using a remote control device, allowing you to switch them on and off, vary the brightness, and save on your energy bill.

Whether you’re looking to redesign a room or are in full renovation mode, you’ll want to carefully consider your choice of new indoor light fixtures. Once you’re ready, simply call your electrician to bring your project to life. 

Want to add charm and style to your entire property? Learn how to take your lighting game a step further with impeccable outdoor lighting.