Do you want a comfortable and functional lighting plan for your home? Here is everything you need to know:
- Combine daylight and artificial light: Use strategic window placement, reflective surfaces, and modern techniques like skylights and prismatic glass.
- Three types of lighting: Ensure ambient lighting (general light), task lighting (focused light), and accent lighting (for ambiance).
- Save energy: Use LED lighting and smart control systems such as light sensors and dimmers.
- Room-specific tips: Create the perfect lighting for each room, such as bright light in the kitchen and warm tones in the bedroom.
A good lighting plan increases comfort, reduces energy costs, and can even increase the value of your home. Read on for practical tips and examples!
Key Rules for Lighting Design
3 Types of Lighting at Home
A good lighting design consists of three layers that together ensure balanced lighting in the home:
| Lighting Layer | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient Lighting | Provides general lighting in the room | Ceiling lights, recessed lights |
| Task Lighting | Offers focused light for specific tasks | Desk lamps, lighting above countertops |
| Accent Lighting | Adds atmosphere and highlights the interior | Wall lamps, floor lamps |
These three layers together form the foundation for a thoughtful lighting plan applicable in every room.
More Daylight at Home
Window and Skylight Placement
In the Netherlands, the sun's position plays an important role in letting in natural light. South-facing windows generally offer more direct sunlight, while north-facing windows provide constant, soft light.
Tips for window and skylight placement:
- Large south-facing windows provide more light during the winter months.
- Skylights with the correct pitch match the location and orientation of your house.
- High windows allow light to penetrate deeper into the space.
- Sunshading helps keep the house cool during hot summer days.
Additionally, light-reflective surfaces can further improve the light yield in the house.
Light-Reflective Surfaces
To better distribute daylight through your home, you can use reflective materials. Here are some examples:
| Surface | Property | Application |
|---|---|---|
| White walls | Highly reflective | Ideal for even light distribution |
| Mirrors | Almost fully reflective | Perfect for directing light to dark corners |
| Glossy floors | Moderately reflective | Suitable for subtle light diffusion |
Light colors on walls and ceilings help make the most of daylight. Choose a high gloss finish if you want more light reflection.
Aside from these methods, there are also modern techniques that can significantly enhance natural light in the home.
Modern Daylight Solutions
- Skylights: These are tubular systems that bring daylight from the roof to dark spaces like hallways or bathrooms. Ideal for areas without windows.
- Prismatic glass: This type of glass spreads incoming light more evenly throughout the space and offers better light distribution than standard double glazing.
- Automatic daylight control: These systems adjust light entry and energy use based on time, season, and occupancy, providing a smart and efficient lighting solution.
With the right combination of placement, reflection, and technology, you can make the most of natural light in your home.
Combining Natural and Artificial Light
Light Sensors and Control Systems
With modern light sensors, daylight is continuously measured, after which artificial lighting is adjusted directly.
A smart control system:
- Adjusts the light intensity according to the time of day
- Responds to weather changes
- Controls lighting per zone
- Monitors energy consumption
These systems enable smooth dimming and automation options, allowing the light to seamlessly adapt to the environment.
Dimming and Automation
Dimming ensures a smooth transition between daylight and artificial light. Modern dimmers work excellently with LED lighting and can be easily integrated into automation systems.
| Automation Option | Advantage | Suitable Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Schedules | Lighting adjusts to the daily rhythm | Living room, kitchen |
| Motion sensors | Light only turns on where needed | Hallway, toilet |
| Light sensors | Artificial light supplements daylight | Workspaces, study room |
| Scenes | Pre-set lighting settings | All rooms |
LED Lighting: A Smart Choice
LED lighting works perfectly with daylight thanks to its versatility and energy efficiency. Modern LED lamps:
- Use up to 90% less energy
- Last 15,000 to 50,000 hours
- Switch to full strength instantly
- Offer variable color temperatures that mimic daylight
By combining LED lighting with smart control systems, you create a lighting environment that optimally uses daylight and automatically adapts to your needs.
Spatial Lighting Guide
Use a combination of daylight and artificial light in every room to improve comfort and functionality.
Living Room Lighting
In the living room, it’s about balancing ambiance and practical lighting. Combine ceiling spots, wall lamps, and floor lamps. Indirect lighting behind the TV or cabinets can add extra atmosphere.
Recommended light levels:
- Main lighting: 300-400 lux for general lighting.
- Accent lighting: 100-150 lux to emphasize decorative elements.
- Reading lights: 500-750 lux in seating areas for comfortable reading.
Kitchen Lighting
The kitchen needs both practical and atmospheric lighting. Ensure a bright workspace and a cozy dining area.
| Zone | Light Intensity | Type of Lighting |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop | 750-1000 lux | LED strips or spots |
| Stovetop | 500-750 lux | Directed spots |
| Dining area | 300-400 lux | Pendant lamp with dimming function |
In kitchen renovations from €11,000, smart lighting systems that are both functional and atmospheric are often added.
Bedroom Lighting
Bedroom lighting should be calming and functional. Use warm light colors and dimmable options.
- Main lighting: 200-300 lux with a dimmer.
- Reading lights: 400-500 lux next to the bed.
- Indirect closet lighting: 100-150 lux for visibility without harsh light.
Bathroom Lighting
In the bathroom, a mix of practical and atmospheric lighting is important. Use waterproof fixtures with at least IP44.
- Mirror lighting on both sides for a shadow-free view.
- Ceiling spots for general lighting (300-400 lux).
- Accent lighting (100-200 lux) for relaxation during a bath.
Home Office Lighting
A well-lit home office enhances productivity. Combine functional and comfortable lighting.
- Desk lighting: 500-750 lux, preferably adjustable.
- General lighting: 300-400 lux for the entire space.
- Use anti-glare fixtures for screen work.
- Choose an adjustable desk lamp for specific tasks.
Position the desk perpendicular to the window to take advantage of natural light without reflection on the screen.
Wrap-Up
Key Points
A good lighting design combines both natural and artificial light to maximize comfort and functionality. Here are the key aspects of an effective lighting plan:
- Layered lighting: Combine general, task, and accent lighting for a balanced composition.
- Light levels: Adjust light intensity to the function of the room – bright for workspaces, softer for relaxation areas.
- Flexibility: Use dimmable lights and smart systems for easy adjustments.
- Energy efficiency: Opt for LED lighting and daylight detection to save energy.
With these guidelines and professional help, you can create a lighting plan that is both practical and atmospheric.
Bricknest Services
Are you considering applying these lighting principles in your home? Bricknest is ready to support you.
Bricknest facilitates your renovation project with a well-organized process and offers solutions in the following categories:
| Renovation Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | from €11,000 |
| Bathroom | from €12,000 |
| Living Room | from €6,000 |
| Complete Studio | from €15,000 |
What you can expect from Bricknest:
- Free online consultation to discuss your plans.
- Personal project management for a worry-free renovation.
- Digital dashboard to track the progress of your project.
- 1-year warranty on all completed work.
- Insurance coverage up to €500,000, for extra peace of mind.
Easily schedule a free consultation via our online platform. Our experts are happy to help you realize a lighting plan that perfectly matches your home and needs.
