Lighting Design Guide: How to Choose the Right Fixtures for Different Spaces

Lighting Design Guide: How to Choose the Right Fixtures for Different Spaces

Light — the Soul of a Home

In interior design, lighting is far more than just a tool for illumination — it’s an expression of emotion.
A single lamp can define the tone of a space; a beam of light can change the warmth of a home.
If you want your home to feel both functional and atmospheric, start by understanding the different types of lighting fixtures and how to layer them effectively.

1. Main Types of Residential Lighting

Pendant Light

A visual focal point that combines function and artistry. Ideal for dining rooms and living rooms, where proportion and style play key roles.

Downlight

Provides focused, soft lighting. Commonly used as either primary illumination or accent lighting, especially in minimalist “no-main-light” designs.

Track & Magnetic Light

Highly flexible and adjustable for wall washing or accent lighting. K7’s magnetic track system allows for quick installation and modular replacement of light sources.

Ceiling Light

Simple and low-profile, perfect for spaces with lower ceiling heights such as bedrooms or entryways.

Light Strip

Used for hidden or ambient lighting — for example, along ceiling coves or under cabinets — to add depth and a modern sense of layering.

Wall, Floor, and Table Lamps

Provide localized or decorative lighting, softening the space and adding warmth for reading or relaxation.

2. Lighting Recommendations for Different Spaces

Lighting design should balance functionality with mood.
Here are K7 Lighting’s professional recommendations for home illumination settings:

🏠 Entrance (Foyer)

  • Recommended Illuminance: 100–150 lux
  • Color Temperature: 3000–3500 K
  • Color Rendering Index (CRI): ≥ 90
  • Fixture Suggestions:

    • Downlights 5–10 W, installed at 2.2–2.4 m height

    • Cabinet light strips 4.8–9.6 W/m with motion sensors
      💡 Tip: Keep lighting soft and welcoming; motion-activated lights make daily use effortless.

💡 Living Room

  • Recommended Illuminance: 150–300 lux (reading zones up to 400 lux)
  • Color Temperature: 2700–3500 K
  • CRI: ≥ 90
  • Fixture Suggestions:
  1. Pendant light, diameter 60–120 cm
  2. Downlights 8–12 W, spaced 1–1.2 m apart
  3. Magnetic track lights 10–20 W for wall washing
  4.  Floor lamps or light strips to add ambient layers
    💡 Tip: In no-main-light layouts, maintain around 200 lux for main lighting and 100 lux for secondary sources to create a gentle contrast.

🍽 Dining Area

  • Recommended Illuminance: 150–250 lux
  • Color Temperature: 2700–3000 K
  • CRI: ≥ 95
  • Fixture Suggestions:
  1. 1–3 pendant lights above the dining table, hanging 70–80 cm above the surface
  2. Linear pendants for rectangular tables; round pendants (30–50 cm diameter) for circular tables
    💡 Tip: Use a dimming system to shift from bright dining to soft evening ambience.

👩🍳 Kitchen

  • Recommended Illuminance: 300–500 lux
  • Color Temperature: 4000–4500 K
  • CRI: ≥ 90
  • Fixture Suggestions:
  1. Ceiling light 18–24 W
  2. Under-cabinet light strips 9.6–14.4 W/m
  3. Choose fixtures with IP44 protection or higher
    💡 Tip: Avoid backlighting; install direct task lights above countertops for clarity.

🛏 Bedroom

  • Recommended Illuminance: Main light 150–200 lux, bedside 50–100 lux
  • Color Temperature: 2700–3000 K
  • CRI: ≥ 90
  • Fixture Suggestions:
  1. Ceiling or pendant light 8–15 W
  2. Bedside wall or pendant lamps 5–8 W
  3. Warm light strips (4.8 W/m) under cabinets or headboards
    💡 Tip: Use dimmable lighting to transition from reading brightness to restful night mode.

🚿 Bathroom

  • Recommended Illuminance: Main light 150–200 lux, mirror light 300–500 lux
  • Color Temperature: 4000 K
  • CRI: ≥ 90
  • Fixture Suggestions:
  1. Ceiling light (IP44+) 12–18 W
  2. Mirror light 8–12 W, mounted 1.6–1.7 m above floor level
    💡 Tip: Install mirror lights on both sides or symmetrically above/below to avoid facial shadows.

🌿 Balcony

  • Recommended Illuminance: 150 lux (laundry area), 100–200 lux (leisure area)
  • Color Temperature: 4000 K (laundry), 3000 K (leisure)
  • Fixture Suggestions:
  1. Ceiling light 12–18 W (IP44, moisture-resistant)
  2. Wall or floor lamp 5–10 W
    💡 Tip: If your balcony doubles as a lounge, add smart dimming for an inviting evening glow.

📊 Quick Reference Table

Space Illuminance (lux) Color Temp (K) Recommended CRI Fixture Types
Entrance 100–150 3000–3500 ≥ 90 Downlight, Mini Pendant, Light Strip
Living Room 150–300 2700–3500 ≥ 90 Pendant, Downlight, Track Light, Floor Lamp
Dining Room 150–250 2700–3000 ≥ 95 Pendant Light
Kitchen 300–500 4000–4500 ≥ 90 Ceiling Light, Light Strip
Bedroom 150–200 2700–3000 ≥ 90 Ceiling Light, Wall Lamp, Bedside Lamp
Bathroom 150–500 4000 ≥ 90 Waterproof Ceiling Light, Mirror Light
Balcony 100–200 3000–4000 ≥ 90 Ceiling Light, Wall Lamp

3. K7 Lighting’s Professional Insights

At K7 Lighting, we believe that light doesn’t just illuminate space — it illuminates life.
When choosing fixtures, remember these three golden principles:

Layer Your Light – Combine main, secondary, and ambient lighting for depth and balance.

Render True Colors – Choose high-quality light sources with CRI ≥ 90.

Embrace Smart Control – Adjust brightness and tone to shape mood and emotion.

K7 Lighting offers whole-home lighting design, no-main-light systems, and custom solutions for both residential and commercial projects — helping every corner of your space find its perfect light.

Conclusion: Let Light Speak the Language of Home

Each space deserves its own kind of light.
When illumination is well planned, it not only brightens the room — it enhances warmth, character, and quality of life.

K7 Lighting · Design with Light
Let light be the designer of your life.

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