Choosing home lighting: a practical guide for every room

Good home lighting does more than brighten a room. In the living room, you will often want a combination of functional light and atmosphere. Soft, subdued lighting is pleasant in the bedroom, while a home office or gaming room needs enough focused light.

Even so, it is easy to buy a lamp that disappoints in practice. So do not just consider its colour or design. Pay attention to the technical specifications, positioning and controls too.

Three common pitfalls with indoor lighting

1. Looking only at wattage

Wattage indicates how much power a lamp uses, but it does not directly tell you how much light it produces. For that, look at the lumen count. A 400-lumen lamp is suitable as additional lighting, while a ceiling lamp with 3,960 lumens can illuminate a much larger area.

With LED lighting, the difference between power consumption and light output is especially important. An integrated LED lamp can provide sufficient light while using relatively few watts. Always compare both wattage and lumens.

2. Buying a smart lamp without checking the system

Smart lighting and smart lamps do not all work in the same way. Before buying, check the following:

• Is control via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a bridge required?
• Does the lamp work with your smartphone and preferred app?
• Are voice assistants or Matter actually supported?
• Can you still control the lamp when the wall switch is turned off?

For example, a Philips Hue lamp can be controlled via Bluetooth. For additional features, such as automations and control when you are away from home, the product information states that a Hue Bridge is required. Also check that the fitting matches your existing light fitting, such as E27 or GU10.

3. Confusing mood lighting with task lighting

An RGBIC light strip behind a television or desk can add colour accents, but it is not automatically suitable as the main light source. An LED strip is primarily designed for indirect lighting. For reading, cooking or working, you will usually need an additional table lamp, ceiling lamp or floor lamp.

Also consider the colour temperature. 2,700–3,200 K generally produces warm white light. A range of 3,000–6,500 K offers greater flexibility for different situations, from relaxing to focused work.

Important specifications to check

Lumens, colour temperature and dimming

Use lumens as a practical measure of light output. The right amount depends on the room, ceiling, wall colour and intended use of the lamp.

• Up to around 400 lumens: additional lighting, a bedside lamp or accent lighting.
• Around 1,000–1,300 lumens: suitable as a powerful floor lamp or reading light.
• Up to approximately 3,960 lumens: broad main lighting for larger indoor spaces.

Dimmable lighting is useful when one lamp serves several purposes. For example, a floor lamp with a touch dimmer can provide bright light while you are reading and softer light during a film night.

Fitting and light source

Check whether the lamp is supplied with a light source. Several of the light fittings in this selection do not include a bulb. An Atmosphera Keli floor lamp uses an E27 fitting and has a maximum power rating of 60 W. A table lamp from the same range also uses E27, with a maximum of 40 W.

An integrated LED module is practical, but it often cannot be replaced. This is stated, for example, for some LED floor lamps and ceiling lamps. With a light fitting that uses a separate bulb, you can replace the light source more easily at a later date.

Dimensions, cable and IP rating

Measure the available space before ordering. A floor lamp measuring 179 or 180 cm needs sufficient room and must stand securely. Also check:

• the diameter of the base;
• the cable length;
• the position of the switch;
• the height next to a sofa, bed or desk;
• the IP rating.

A lamp with IP20 is intended for dry indoor spaces. Do not place it somewhere where it may come into direct contact with water or high levels of moisture. When installing a ceiling lamp, switch off the power at the consumer unit and follow the supplied installation instructions.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Light Sensor Night Light Warm White

Why it suits this profile: This compact night light is designed for the bedroom, nursery or hallway. According to the product name and specifications, it switches on and off via a light sensor. Its warm colour temperature of 2,800–3,200 K is well suited to soft ambient lighting.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its intended use is clearly defined: this is additional lighting, not main lighting. At 20 lumens, you will not buy a small night light with unrealistic expectations.

Key benefit & advantages

0.5 W, 20 lumens, warm white light and an ABS and metal housing, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality

Philips Hue A60 Smart LED Bulb, White and Color Changing, E27 Base, 4-Pack

Why it suits this profile: This set is aimed at users who want to connect several lamps in the living room, bedroom or hallway, and for whom colour, brightness and control via a smart home platform are important.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The E27 fitting and control via wall switch, app and remote control are clearly specified. Bear in mind that advanced Hue features may require a Bridge.

Key benefit & advantages

Four lamps per pack, RGBW light, dimming, 810 lumens per lamp and Matter support, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

Yeelight LED LightStrip Pro Extended Light Strip 1m

Why it suits this profile: This extendable LED strip is a good fit for a TV set-up, desk or gaming room where indirect RGBIC lighting is desired. The product name states that it can be controlled via the app and voice commands.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 1-metre extension makes it easier to determine the required length in advance. Use the strip as accent lighting and plan separate lighting for reading or working.

Key benefit & advantages

RGBIC effects, an extendable design and control via app and voice commands, according to the product listing.

Suitable for: Home workers and living room users

Brilliant LED Arc Lamp, 179 cm, 1300 lm

Why it suits this profile: The curved floor lamp is suitable beside a sofa, armchair or desk. Its integrated LED and touch dimmer let you adjust the lighting without having to buy a separate bulb.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The light output of 1,300 lumens and the range of 3,000–6,500 K are clearly specified. However, check the IP20 rating: this lamp is intended for dry indoor spaces only.

Key benefit & advantages

1300 lumens, integrated LED, touch dimmer, adjustable colour temperature and a cable measuring approximately 2.28 metres.

Frequently asked questions about home lighting

Which lighting is suitable for the bedroom?

Combine soft, warm light with a practical reading lamp. A night light with a colour temperature of around 2,800–3,200 K can provide subtle illumination. For reading, a dimmable table lamp or floor lamp with a focused light source is more suitable. Check that the lamp is not too bright for the atmosphere you want to create.

How much does LED lighting cost per year?

This depends on the wattage, number of hours used and your electricity tariff. Use this simple calculation:

power in watts ÷ 1,000 × hours of use × electricity tariff = running cost.

A 6 W lamp that is switched on for three hours a day uses less electricity than a 36 W lamp that remains on for the same length of time. For a fair comparison, also look at the light output in lumens.

How long does an LED lamp last?

Lifespan varies from one product to another. Some Philips Hue lamps list a lifespan of 25,000 hours. An integrated LED module cannot always be replaced, whereas a light fitting with an E27 or GU10 fitting uses a separate light source. Keep the product information and check in advance whether replacement is possible.