How to Choose Light Fixtures That Are Right for Your Home
THE LIGHTING GUIDE
How to Choose Light Fixtures That Are Right for Your Home
Lighting has the ability to transform your experience of a space, making it a crucial element to consider in the design process. As modernists, we believe that streamlined functionality and simplified forms paired with an unparalleled reverence for a space’s architectural whole are the keys to success to lighting any space. When it comes to choosing light fixtures that are right for your home, our guidance reflects this grounded modern philosophy.
Form and function are inextricably linked.
“When something is designed from a modern perspective, form and function are inextricably linked,” says Robert Sonneman, SONNEMAN founder and designer, adding, “The right decisions around lighting should never come at the expense of this perfect marriage in design.”
How to Choose Light Fixtures That Complement Each Space
Selecting the right lighting fixtures for every room at home can seem like a daunting task. But with a modern perspective in mind, you can streamline the process as you iterate for the future. Use our guidelines to choose light fixtures for your home that complement each of your unique spaces.
Consider the Architecture
In any space—be it a grand living room or a compact home office nook—innate architectural details can guide you to lighting fixtures that harmonize with their surrondings. Accentuate your home’s high ceilings while brightening your space with elegant pendant lights or statement-making minimalist chandeliers. Conversely, if your home features lower ceiling heights, opt for a combination of recessed ambient systems and aimable task lighting to create a feeling of expansiveness.
Window Placements
Though often overlooked, windows are an elemental consideration in home lighting. Take windows and natural lighting into consideration when researching how to choose light fixtures for your home. Natural light, as it ebbs and flows through weather patterns and time of day, works in partnership with your light fixtures to light your home. If your space lacks natural light from outdoors, you’ll want to create a more robust layer of ambient lighting through recessed downlights, chandelier or pendant fixtures.
The Finer Details
Architectural details are what make your home unique—think fireplaces, moldings and artworks— these should be highlighted by your lighting choices. Choose fixtures that amplify these details, such as a duo of sconces flanking a fireplace or a single fixture above your favorite art piece.
Amplify the architectural details.
Make it Modern
As the Miesian credo dictates, form follows function. Think about your desired outcomes when selecting the right light fixtures for your home. Are you looking to create a living room with vibrancy in the daytime and a relaxed ambiance in the evening? Do you need tactical illumination on your kitchen countertops and workspaces? Your goals will vary room to room and be unique to your home.
When beginning to choose light fixtures for your home, we recommend starting at your space’s architectural details and existing sources of natural light. From there, you can discover our guides on how to properly illuminate your living room, dining room, bathroom and home office.
For visual guides and lighting inspiration, check out SONNEMAN’s home inspiration section.