Making a lighting plan

The importance of a well-thought-out lighting plan is often underestimated when furnishing a space. The right lighting can transform a room and enhance its atmosphere and functionality. Fortunately, making a lighting plan does not have to be a complicated task. With these five simple steps, you can create a perfect lighting plan for any room in your home.

In 5 Steps to a Perfect Lighting Plan

Whether for a home, office, shop or restaurant, creating a good lighting plan is of enormous value when designing and furnishing a space. With a well thought-out lighting plan, you can achieve the desired atmosphere and functionality in any room.

By choosing the right lighting and placing it in the right way and place, a lighting plan can improve functionality, atmosphere and aesthetics. It transforms a room into a place that is not only functional, but also attractive to those who use it. By using different types of lighting, such as functional lighting for specific tasks and mood lighting for ambiance, a space can be tailored to the needs of its users.

Step 1: Make a floor plan of the room

Creating a lighting plan starts with the basics: a good and clear floor plan of the room(s) in question. Draw a floor plan with the correct dimensions and mark the location of windows, doors, furniture and other elements that can influence the placement of lighting.

TIP! Draw the floor plan to scale and on graph paper, e.g. 1:50. This will give you a realistic overview of the room.

Step 2: Adding light switches and sockets

In step 2 of creating the lighting plan, think about where you want to place the light switches and sockets. If you start making a good lighting plan as early as possible, you will be able to distribute the lighting completely as you wish and you won't have to take existing connection points into account. In a newly built house, this is easier and you can determine all the connection points yourself. In an existing building, these points are often already present and you have to be more creative with the possibilities or be prepared to relocate connection points. When placing light switches and socket outlets, make sure they are easily accessible and logically positioned in the room. Adding dimmers can also be useful to adjust light intensity to suit different activities and moods.

Bolt 2arm floor in Striking Orang e in the living room

Atlas above the dining table

Bolt wall small in Smokey Black above the kitchen worktop

Step 3: Determine the type of lighting for each room

Before creating a lighting plan and determining the types of lighting, it is important to properly analyse the room(s). Each room has its own function and therefore requires different types of lighting. Therefore, think carefully about the activities that take place in each room and choose the lighting that matches this. What is the room used for? For cooking, sleeping, working, relaxing, reading or watching TV? What functions are performed and what light do you need for them? In the kitchen, you need bright, functional lighting for cooking, while in the bedroom, soft, atmospheric lighting is desired for relaxation.

Living room

In the living room, it is important to create a relaxing atmosphere where you can relax or watch television. You achieve this by using mood lighting, such as a beautiful designer floor lamp next to the sofa. If you choose a lamp here that you can dim, you have the opportunity to adjust the light intensity to your liking. You can also choose to diffuse indirect lighting here. Lamps that spread indirect light include a floor lamp or wall lamp. This immediately creates a spatial effect, making the room seem larger.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, functional lighting is essential to be able to clearly see what you are preparing. That is why it is important to choose lighting that allows you to properly illuminate the entire worktop. Wall lights are a good choice, as they provide directional light and can illuminate the workspace optimally.

Dining room

The dining room is a versatile place where different activities take place, such as working, eating and playing. To perform these different activities well, good lighting is essential. You achieve this by placing a pendant lamp above the dining table, which provides the right amount of light to properly illuminate the table at different times. This makes it more comfortable, accurate and cosy for working, eating and playing.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, you spend most of your time with your eyes closed. But when you do open them, it's nice to experience a pleasant atmosphere. A warm and atmospheric light contributes to a soothing environment, perfect for relaxing after a long day. Besides the functionality of lighting while getting dressed or reading a book in bed, it is also important to choose lamps that enhance the atmosphere in the bedroom. You can achieve this with soft lighting such as dimmable wall lights or bed lamps next to the bed or a subtle ceiling lamp that diffuses indirect light.

Bathroom

Showering, bathing, shaving, applying make-up - just some of the daily tasks you do in the bathroom. And for which you need good, functional light. What you need to take into account when planning lighting in the bathroom is the humid conditions. It is important to choose waterproof luminaires and light sources that can withstand this. With carefully chosen lighting, the bathroom can become an oasis of calm and functionality in your home.

Workstation

Your workplace is a place where you need to concentrate, focus and work comfortably. Good workplace lighting is essential for this. By investing in a good desk lamp, you create a comfortable and stimulating environment that contributes to success and enjoyment in your workplace.

Bolt bed sidefit in smokey black next to the bed

Bella table in Flux Green in the living room

ONE + Desk in Fuzzy White as a desklamp at your workspace

Step 4: Start installing basic lighting

Now that you have a better idea of the lighting needs per room, it's time to determine the different lighting types. This is where you start with basic lighting.

Basic lighting

Basic lighting forms the general lighting and ensures an evenly lit room. You achieve this with ceiling lamps such as recessed spotlights, pendant lights or ceiling lamps. Make sure that this lighting provides sufficient light and can illuminate the entire room.

Creating a lighting plan involves more than just installing good basic lighting. It is important to consider a mix of different types of lighting to meet various needs of the space.

Functional lighting

Functional lighting focuses on providing brightness and direct illumination for specific tasks, such as reading, cooking or working. Consider a desk lamp for on your desk or kitchen lighting above the worktop.

Mood lighting

Ambient lighting is designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation or social occasions. Here you can think of a beautiful floor lamp or table lamp.

Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting adds style and character to your interior. This could be a striking chandelier on the ceiling or an artistic table lamp.

Step 5: Choosing the type of lamps

As a final step, choose the specific bulbs you want to use in the fixtures. Consider factors such as colour temperature, light output and energy efficiency when making your choice. LED lights are a good choice because of their long lifespan and energy efficiency.

Key tips for creating a lighting plan

Experiment with different light sources and positions to create the desired atmosphere.
Consider using dimmers in your lighting plan to adjust the atmosphere in your home to your preference.
Remember to consider natural light and how it affects the lighting of the room during the day.
To make a room appear larger, you can opt for indirect lighting that reflects light through the walls or ceiling.
When creating your lighting plan, pay attention to the colour temperature, as bright light can affect the atmosphere in your home.
Use lighting to highlight the architectural features of a room, such as a beautiful artwork on the wall.
Consider the style of your interior when choosing lighting.
Experiment with different heights of fixtures to make the room more interesting.
Adapt the lighting plan to the different lighting needs of the user of the room.
Test and adjust!

With these steps and tips in mind, you can get started creating a lighting plan that perfectly suits the needs and style of your space. Now all that's left is the task of picking lamps that fit within your drawn-up lighting plan. If you are still looking for inspiration, read the article on lamp inspiration or check out the range of designer lighting.

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