How many downlights do I need per room?

Rule of thumb: one downlight per 1.5–2 sqm for even ambient coverage. A 20 sqm open-plan living/dining area needs roughly 10–14 points. Space them 60–90 cm apart and keep them 30–40 cm from walls. Over-lighting is a more common mistake than under-lighting.

What colour temperature should I choose?

For most living spaces: 2700K (warm white) creates a cosy, relaxing atmosphere similar to candlelight. Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from 3000K, still warm, but cleaner for food prep and grooming. Avoid anything above 3500K in domestic spaces; it feels cold and clinical. If choosing just one temperature for your whole home, 2700K is the most forgiving.

What are lumens and why do they matter?

Lumens measure how much light a bulb actually produces, watts only measure energy consumed. A 7W LED produces around 600 lumens (similar to an old 40W bulb). For ambient lighting: bedrooms typically need 100–150 lux, living rooms 200–300 lux, kitchens 300–500 lux. Lux is lumens per square metre, use an online lux calculator once you know your room size and number of fixtures.

Is under-cabinet kitchen lighting worth the cost?

Yes: it is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost lighting upgrades in a renovation. A 3-metre run of good LED strip with aluminium profile costs €60–€150 complete. Without it, kitchen worktops are in shadow (you are between the ceiling light and the surface). Plan the wiring and socket position during the kitchen fit-out: adding it later means opening up the wall again.

What type of bulb is best for a reading light?

A focused, high-CRI (90+) bulb at 2700–3000K. High CRI means text appears sharp and black, low CRI gives a slight colour cast. For beside reading lights, 250–400 lumens is enough if the light is close; for a floor lamp used from a distance, aim for 500–800 lumens. Avoid cool white (4000K+): it delays sleep if used in the evening.

How low should a pendant hang over a dining table?

The bottom of the pendant should sit 70–80 cm above the table surface. Over a kitchen island, 65–75 cm. If using multiple pendants in a row, space them 60–80 cm apart along the island length. For hallways, maintain at least 210 cm clearance from floor to the base of the fixture.

Which Flos and Foscarini designs are considered classics?

The Flos Arco (1962, Castiglioni brothers) is one of the most copied floor lamp designs ever, a marble-base arc lamp that fills a corner without a table. The Flos AIM pendant (Bouroullec brothers) works beautifully in clusters over tables. Foscarini's Caboche is a globe pendant made from acrylic lenses that creates a jewel-like light effect. Artemide's Tolomeo is the definitive articulated work lamp. These pieces have endured 20–60 years and will likely outlast any trend.

What height should wall lights be mounted at?

General rooms: 150–170 cm from floor to the fixture centre. Bedside reading lights: 120–130 cm. Hallways: 170–180 cm. Bathroom mirror lighting: align with the mirror's upper third, typically 175–185 cm. For up-down washers, position them where the light beam will hit a feature wall or texture you want to highlight.

What IP rating do outdoor lights need?

IP44 is minimum for sheltered locations (covered porches, under eaves). IP65 is required for fixtures directly exposed to rain. IP67/68 is for fully submersible use (ponds, in-ground uplighters). The first IP digit is dust protection (0–6), the second is water (0–9). Most outdoor wall lights are IP44–IP65.

Should outdoor lighting be warm or cool white?

Use 2700–3000K for terraces, facades and garden features: it feels welcoming and reads as 'evening' rather than 'security flood'. Cool white (4000K+) is fine for pure security applications but feels harsh for dining terraces or facade lighting. Natural stone, timber and planting all look best under warm light.

A Practical Guide to Home Lighting

Good lighting is invisible; you feel it rather than see it. A well-designed scheme layers three types of light: ambient (background), task (functional) and accent (decorative). Get this right and the same room can feel bright and purposeful at noon, then warm and intimate in the evening. This guide walks through each layer, the fixtures that belong in each, and how to choose confidently.

Key Considerations

•Plan electrical points BEFORE construction. Adding circuits after the walls are plastered costs 3–5x more.
•Layer all three types in every room: ambient ceiling light, task light where you work, and at least one accent piece.
•Lumens measure brightness, not watts. A modern 8W LED bulb produces 800 lumens (equivalent to an old 60W incandescent).
•Colour temperature (kelvins) sets the mood. Use 2700K in bedrooms and living rooms for warmth. Use 3000K in kitchens and bathrooms. Avoid 4000K+: it feels clinical in a home.
•CRI (Colour Rendering Index) matters for kitchens and artwork. Choose CRI 90+ so food and colours look natural.
•Install dimmers on every circuit: they cost €10–20 per switch and transform how a room feels at different times of day.
•Stick to one colour temperature throughout your home for visual coherence. Mixing 2700K and 4000K looks chaotic.

What You'll Need

Prices for:

Your renovation will include all of these categories. Tap any to see details, types, and material comparisons.

Categories in Detail

Ambient Light

Ambient light is the foundation of every room, the soft, even background glow that replaces daylight. It should illuminate the whole space without harsh shadows or hot spots. LED technology has made ambient lighting extremely energy-efficient: a modern downlight uses 5–10W compared to 50W for old halogen. An electrician is required, ceiling void min 8–10 cm for recessed, and wiring must be completed before ceiling finish.

Types

Recessed downlights, Surface-mounted ceiling, Cove / coffer lighting, Flush panel

Materials

LED integrated, GU10 LED retrofit

Budget

$$$$$

€5–€80 / fixture

Types — tap to compare

Materials — tap to compare

Material Comparison

Material	Durability	Maintenance	Value
LED integrated	Extremely durable	Wipe clean only	Strong value
GU10 LED retrofit	Very long-lasting	Low upkeep	Best value option

Advantages

•Sets the entire room's brightness and mood
•Modern LED: 25,000–50,000 hour lifespan
•Extremely low running costs with LED
•Dimmable for full control across any time of day
•Recessed versions disappear into the ceiling: no visual clutter

Considerations

•Ceiling void required for recessed (min 8–10 cm)
•Wiring must be planned before ceiling is finished
•Too many downlights create a 'showroom' feel, less is more

Price Guide

Economy€8 – €25/ unit

Standard€25 – €60/ unit

Premium€50 – €150/ unit

Brands

$$$iGuzzini, Flos Architectural

$$Philips

$IKEA, Eglo

Task Light

Task lighting delivers bright, focused light exactly where you need it, for food prep, reading, desk work, or applying makeup. It supplements ambient light in specific zones rather than illuminating a whole room. Task light should be glare-free and bright enough to work comfortably: 500–750 lux at work surfaces. Under-cabinet wiring should be planned during kitchen fit-out; desk and reading lamps are plug-in and need no electrician.

Types

Under-cabinet LED strip, Adjustable recessed spots, Track lighting, Desk / table lamp, Reading wall light

Materials

LED strip + aluminium profile, LED integrated fixture

Budget

$$$$$

€20–€500 / fixture

Types — tap to compare

Materials — tap to compare

Material Comparison

Material	Durability	Maintenance	Value
LED strip + aluminium profile	Very long-lasting	Low upkeep	Strong value
LED integrated fixture	Extremely durable	Wipe clean only	Decent value for money

Advantages

•Eliminates shadows on work surfaces, essential in kitchens
•LED strips under cabinets: very low cost, transformative result
•Adjustable spots let you redirect light as the room use changes
•Desk and reading lights are moveable: no electrical planning needed
•Low running cost with LED

Considerations

•Under-cabinet wiring needs planning during the kitchen fit-out
•Track lighting requires a ceiling track installed during construction
•Poor placement creates glare, position light sources behind the user, not in front

Price Guide

Economy€5 – €15/ linear m

Standard€15 – €40/ linear m

Premium€35 – €80/ linear m

Brands

$$Häfele, Osram, Philips Hue

$IKEA, V-TAC

Accent & Decorative Light

Accent and decorative lighting are where personality enters a space. Unlike ambient and task light: which are largely invisible, these fixtures are chosen to be seen. The range spans from affordable high-street finds to Italian design icons that become room-defining sculptures. An electrician is needed for pendants and wall sconces; floor and table lamps are plug-in.

Types

Pendant, Floor lamp, Wall sconce, Cove / picture light, Chandelier

Materials

Glass, Metal, Acrylic, Fabric shade

Budget

$$$$$

€30–€5,000+ / fixture

Types — tap to compare

Materials — tap to compare

Material Comparison

Material	Durability	Maintenance	Aesthetics	Value
Glass	Holds up well	Regular care needed	Suits any aesthetic	Decent value for money
Metal	Extremely durable	Low upkeep	Suits any aesthetic	Decent value for money
Acrylic	Holds up well	Low upkeep	Wide variety	Best value option
Fabric shade	Shows wear over time	Regular care needed	Wide variety	Strong value

Advantages

•The fastest way to change the personality of a room
•Statement pieces layer atmosphere alongside functional lighting
•Italian design icons. Flos, Foscarini, Artemide, age beautifully
•Wall sconces free up floor and table space in bedrooms
•Picture lighting and cove lighting add depth and drama to walls

Considerations

•High-end designer pieces require significant investment
•Ceiling pendants need correct height (2.4m minimum ceiling height)
•Statement pieces can date, choose timeless forms over seasonal trends
•Wall lights require electrical planning before wall finishing

Price Guide

Economy€20 – €100/ unit

Standard€100 – €500/ unit

Premium€400 – €2,000/ unit

Luxury€1,500 – €8,000/ unit

Brands

$$$$Flos

$$$Foscarini, Artemide, Tom Dixon, Fontana Arte

$$Muuto, Kartell

$IKEA

Outdoor & Garden Light

Outdoor lighting serves three purposes: security (deterring intruders and preventing accidents), navigation (lighting paths, steps, and entrances), and atmosphere (garden feature lighting, terrace ambience). Fixtures must be rated IP65 or higher for exposed outdoor use. Hardwired circuits require an electrician and permits in many countries; solar path lights are DIY-friendly.

Types

Wall-mounted, Bollard / post, In-ground uplight, Solar path light, String / festoon

Materials

Stainless steel, Aluminium, Composite (IP65+)

Budget

$$$$$

€15–€500 / fixture

Types — tap to compare

Materials — tap to compare

Material Comparison

Material	Durability	Maintenance	Value
Stainless steel	Extremely durable	Wipe clean only	Below average value
Aluminium	Very long-lasting	Low upkeep	Best value option
Composite (IP65+)	Holds up well	Wipe clean only	Best value option

Advantages

•Extends the usable hours of terraces and gardens
•Improves security and prevents accidents at steps and paths
•Creates dramatic architectural effects on facade and planting
•Solar path lights are maintenance-free once installed
•Modern LED outdoor fixtures last 15–20 years with minimal maintenance

Considerations

•Hardwired circuits require an electrician and permits in many countries
•IP rating must match the exposure. IP44 for covered areas, IP65+ for exposed
•Light pollution, choose fixtures that direct light down, not upward
•Tree and planting uplighting may need repositioning as plants grow

Price Guide

Economy€15 – €60/ unit

Standard€60 – €250/ unit

Premium€200 – €600/ unit

Brands

$$$iGuzzini, Flos Architectural

$$Astro Lighting, Philips

$Eglo

Last updated: 2026-04-01