Lighting Matters More Than You Think

Lighting is much more than a functional feature. It is a critical design element that brings together function, beauty, and atmosphere; and, when done well, it can even be fun.

I once read that one of the easiest ways to redecorate a room is simply by changing the lamps. Whether purchasing new ones or moving existing lamps around your home, lighting has the ability to transform a space quickly and effortlessly.

Painting walls can be expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive. Even swapping throw pillows requires finding the right colours and patterns to work with what you already have. But changing one or two statement lamps in a room can work a kind of magic — shifting the mood instantly. And that should be the fun part.

One of the first decisions when choosing a new lamp is determining whether you need task lighting or ambient lighting.

Task lighting is designed for specific activities such as reading, working, or knitting. These functions require focused light — far more than overhead lighting alone can provide.

Ambient lighting, on the other hand, creates warmth and atmosphere throughout a room. A small lamp in a corner, a jewel-like lamp on a shelf, or soft lighting for a dining room all contribute to the layered glow that makes a space feel inviting.

The next question is whether the space calls for a table lamp or a floor lamp.

Table lamps work beautifully when you have the surface space for them — on side tables, consoles, desks, or bedside tables. Floor lamps are ideal for filling an empty corner, adding light beside a chair, or providing illumination where a table simply isn’t practical.

Both have their place, and most well-designed rooms benefit from a mix of the two. Photo credit @westoakinteriorsinc.

As a general rule, larger lamps tend to produce better and more generous light within a room. Yet many people feel intimidated by scale and choose lamps that are smaller than what the space truly needs.

Great design often means going a little bigger than you think.

That said, petite lamps absolutely have their role. Smaller lamps are wonderful for adding a soft layer of light — illuminating a bookshelf, brightening a dark corner, or highlighting a vignette.

With the growing availability of cordless lamps, the possibilities expand even further. A small lamp can sit on a coffee table in the centre of a living room, on a kitchen counter, or even inside open cupboards and bookcases that tend to feel dim.

These little points of light can make a space feel incredibly warm and lived-in.
Photo credit @livingstoninteriors

Interior designers rarely rely on a single source of light in a room. Instead, they layer lighting from multiple sources to create depth and flexibility.

A rule I once read suggested that a well-designed living room should include at least five lamps — and that doesn’t even include overhead fixtures or pot lights.

Think of lighting in layers: lamps in corners, beside seating areas, on consoles, and perhaps a few portable or cordless options that can move where they’re needed.

And that’s just the starting point. Larger living rooms often benefit from even more lighting sources to create a comfortable and balanced atmosphere throughout the space. Photo credit @jyoungdesignhouse