The way we light a room can often define the room’s purpose, making lighting an integral part of interior design. Despite this, lighting is often an afterthought when designing a room.

Planning ahead not only saves time and money, but lighting can become the focal point to a room, from a dramatic chandelier or atmospheric up lighters. Practical aspects also need consideration, when we think of the kitchen or home study function and comfort are key to creating a practical working area.

The Hallway/Reception area

An area for welcoming guests and the inevitable ‘first impression’. If you have a high, large hallway, a statement piece can really add a sense of character - many modern interpretations on chandeliers can add a sense of contemporary style. Wall lights, down lighters or smaller pendant may be more appropriate if space is at a premium.

The Hallway may also have a function, opening post or a final check before leaving the house; although warm ambient light is good for welcoming guests you might consider a dimmer switch when a brighter light is needed. If your hallway light is often on, it’s a good idea to use energy saving bulbs.

If you leave your hallway lights on a lot it’s a good idea to use energy saving bulbs.

The Staircase/Landing

Staircases should always be well lit for safety reasons. High ceilings can suit a bright pendant lamp at the top of the stairs, and it’s essential to hang light so the edges of the stairs are clearly defined. Alternatively wall lights positioned appropriately can produce ample light, provided they are not up lighters. Duel switches (one at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom) are essential.

Landings are usually quite narrow or relatively small areas, so flush fittings are often good here, or wall lights if your ceilings are quite low. Choose a dimmer switch if you need a low light throughout the night, or plug in night lights are a good alternative to a dimmer switch, and are also ideal for children’s bedrooms.

Due to the heavy usage of lights on landings and staircases energy saving bulbs may be worth considering.

The Bathroom

The main consideration when choosing bathroom lighting is choosing a safe light within the IP rating, appropriate for the positioning of lights near water. Every bathroom light has an IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) which relates to how water resistant it is. It should also say which zones of the bathroom the light is suitable for.

IP68 Submersible to 9 metres - Zone 0

These are so watertight they can be mounted up to 9 metres below water. They are also suitable for use in steam rooms and saunas.

IP65 Jetproof - Zone 1

Light fittings graded zone 1 should be fitted where they may be subjected to a jet of water, for example from a shower handset.

IP44 Splashproof - Zone 3

Light fittings should be fitted wherever the fitting may be splashed. Anywhere within 0.6 metres of a basin or similar water source fits this category. Zone 3 - For all other areas where jets or splashes of water will not occur. The most usual type of lighting used in bathrooms is diffused wall and ceiling lights (diffused are best to avoid glare on polished, tiled surfaces). For safety reasons the main bathroom light should be switched on by a pull cord or a light switch situated outside the bathroom. Glass or ceramic lights are best as they are most resistant to humid conditions.

The Bedroom

It’s a good idea to consider a dimmer switch on your main bedroom light so you can adjust the level of light to suit the mood and time of day. If you read in bed or have to get out of bed to switch your main light off then a table light for your bedside table is essential.

The Children's Bedroom

A bright general light is necessary for the child to play. A dimmer switch on this light may be a good idea if your child does not like the dark, or alternatively a plug in nightlight works well. You may also need a desk/table light if your child reads in bed or does their homework at a desk in their bedroom. Wall and ceiling lights are safer to use if you have a very young child as they will not be able to reach them. It is not advisable to fit low hanging lights or table/desk lights for in a younger child’s room.

The Living Room

This room is probably the most functional room of the house where many different activities take place. Table and Floor lamps are great to put next to chairs and sofas to aid close work such as reading. Wall lights are also good for creating ambience in the living room especially up lighters. Most people have a TV in their living room so soft ambient light is recommended when viewing. You may want to highlight a painting, plant or object with a spotlight or picture light or create a focal point with a pendant or chandelier.

The Dining Room

This is the ideal room for a chandelier or pendant light. Hang it directly above your dining room table if possible to provide light and focus on the table. Wall lighting is also a good idea to create a warm ambient atmosphere, perfect for dinner parties.

The Kitchen

Consider where your work surfaces are to ensure that you direct the light to where it is most needed. Fluorescent lights or spotlights are ideal for kitchens as they’re bright and can direct light accordingly. If you have a kitchen table, rise and fall lamps are ideal or if space is at a premium then space track lighting or spotlights are sufficient. Do not use table and floor lights, or lights with flex as these can prove extremely hazardous in the kitchen.

The Home Office

A good general light is needed in your home office along with a desk light.

Bulbs Types

Not all bulbs will work in a specific light fixture or will be suitable for a specific function. It is important to know the different characteristics of each bulb type in order to get the most out of your lighting and to avoid the dangers of using the wrong bulbs in your fixtures. Please feel free to contact us on enquiries@heals.co.uk if you have any questions regarding our online lighting selection.

Tungsten Bulbs

Tungsten bulbs give a warm yellowish-white colour light which is similar to natural light. They are good value and they come in various shapes.

Tungsten bulbs tend to brighten up warm colours and mute cool colours. They emit a yellowish-white coloured light which gives a feeling of warmth and ambiance, which makes them ideal for general lighting of bedrooms, living room and dining rooms.

Tungsten bulbs are not very efficient – approx 94% of the electricity consumed by a tungsten bulb generates heat which means only 6% of the energy is used to produce light(take care when removing old bulbs and allow to cool before removing). Their life span is also quite short – approx 500 to 1000 hours.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs emit a much brighter whiter light than the ambient yellow glow of a tungsten bulb. They also have much longer life span – approx twice that of a tungsten bulb. They are also more energy efficient than tungsten bulbs but are extremely hot so be very careful that you leave them to cool for long enough before removing.

Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are specifically designed to produce good quality, even lighting, which is perfect for lighting spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility spaces. These bulbs are very economic as they give off very little heat great for using them in confined spaces) and have an average life of 10,000 hours.

Energy Saving Bulbs

Energy saving bulbs (Compact Fluorescent or CFL bulbs), are long lasting and as the name suggests they are the most energy efficient bulbs, generating very little heat. They emit a light that is midway between a halogen and a tungsten bulb. This makes them ideal for children’s rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and living rooms.

Bulb Caps

BC (bayonet cap) -B22

SBC (small bayonet cap) -B15

ES (Edison screw) -E27

SES (small Edison screw) -E14

Energy Saving Tips