How to Plan Lighting in Your Home – The Simple Way Designers Think About Light

runesdatter6
Sep 29
4 min read

Most people think of lighting as the finishing touch: a ceiling lamp here, a few spotlights there- done.

But what if I told you that the lighting in your home completely changes how you experience each room?

A beautifully designed space can feel flat and cold without proper lighting, while a simple room can suddenly feel exclusive and carefully curated- just through the right use of light.

Lighting is like clothing- a good lighting plan has layers

To explain why lighting is so important, I like to compare it to clothing.You wouldn’t walk out the door wearing only jeans and a T-shirt (that’s your ceiling lamp and spotlights).But you also wouldn’t go out wearing just jewelry or a nice handbag… completely naked, right?

For an outfit to feel complete, you need layers: the basics, the functional pieces, and the accessories.

Lighting works exactly the same way. A good room always combines three layers of light.

The three layers of lighting (think outfit!)

1. General lighting = the basics

This is your jeans and T-shirt- the light that gives you visibility and orientation. In your home, that’s the ceiling lights or spotlights.They’re practical and necessary, but on their own… pretty boring.

2. Task lighting = the functional layers

Think of this as your rain jacket or sneakers- you need them when you’re doing something specific.On the kitchen counter, it’s your work light.In the bathroom, it’s the lamp by the mirror.By the sofa, it’s the reading light.

You won’t always have it on, but when you need it- it’s essential.

3. Accent lighting = the accessories

This is the jewelry, scarf, bag, or shoes- the details that give your outfit personality and make it go from basic to wow.

Accent lighting includes table lamps, wall uplights, LED strips, or small lamps tucked into corners.These lights bring warmth, depth, and atmosphere- they make your home feel alive.

You need layers to create dimensions!

✨ A beautiful ceiling lamp that creates soft, diffused general light.

Kjøp Fluid taklampe fra Muuto - NordicNest.no

💡 A bold wall lamp that doubles as task lighting.

Kjøp Tolomeo Mini vegglampe fra Artemide - NordicNest.no

🌙 A unique table lamp that adds mood and atmosphere.

Kjøp Kizu bærbare bordlampe fra New Works - NordicNest.no

(Affiliate links)

Why it’s important to plan early

Lighting requires power- and power requires outlets and wiring.That’s why it’s so important to think about your lighting plan early- before your electrician starts.

When you plan your lighting layers together, your home can “change outfits” depending on what you need:

Bright light for cleaning or working
Soft, cozy light for relaxing
Highlighting light for art, plants, or your favorite details

But don’t panic- this doesn’t mean you have to pick out all your lamps before you’ve even torn down the first wall.You’ll usually have plenty of time between the electrician’s work and when you actually hang the fixtures.

What you do need to know early on is where your lamps will go and what type of light you want there - not necessarily which lamps.

So before you start lamp shopping, map out your home’s functions, zones, and moods- that’s the foundation of a good lighting plan.

Home lighting plan with layered ceiling and ambient lighting — Here’s a good example: I once forgot to plan an outlet above my kitchen counter for a wall lamp. Now I’m stuck with an ugly cable running along the wall. Lesson learned!

Map out what lighting you need where

Before choosing lamps, take time to understand how you actually use each room.This gives you a better sense of function- and helps you decide what type of lighting belongs where.

Draw your room layout- mark where you need general lighting (ceiling lights).
Think through activities- where do you cook, read, or get ready? Add task lighting.
Plan for atmosphere- which corners feel dark? Do you have artwork you’d like to highlight? Add accent lighting.
Use dimmers- like changing outfits during the day. The same room can feel completely different just by dimming the light.

Without a simple lighting plan, many people end up with the wrong type of light in the wrong place- and that’s a missed opportunity!

Accent lighting ideas for cozy atmosphere in home — Even a quirky little lamp can lift a boring corner

Principles for a good lighting plan

Think function first- What do you actually do in the room? In the kitchen you need bright task light, in the living room multiple smaller light sources for atmosphere.
Work with zones- Just like with floor plans, lighting should be divided into zones. Don’t light the whole room evenly- it flattens everything. Focus light where it’s needed most.
Use dimmers- One of the easiest tricks for flexibility. The same light can work for both everyday use and cozy evenings.
Vary heights and angles- Spotlights straight down on your head aren’t flattering. Mix wall lights, pendants, and uplights to create dimension.
Remember color and light go hand in hand- Colors look completely different in daylight versus artificial light. Always test your paint colors in both before deciding.

Final thoughts

Lighting isn’t just a detail- it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping both function and atmosphere in a home.

Just like with clothes, you need your basics, functional pieces, and accessories.When all the layers are in place, your home becomes practical, personal, and beautiful to live in.