As a professional designer, I have tools and techniques that make your home function for you, but that you may not ever really notice. One of those is layering light. That’s an “inside the trade” term for using several different light sources in a room. For example, you may need task lighting in a room where you read, or overhead lighting in a kitchen or game room. This is such an important part of a new build or remodel. Get it right and you’ll only notice that the right light is always there for you. Get it wrong, and it will drive you crazy that you don’t have enough light, or the right light source. Here are my top tips for layering light.

Plan with Purpose

The first step to getting the lighting in the right place is to understand how you’ll use each room. For example, in a bedroom you may need an overhead light in the morning as you get ready for your day. But in the evening, you may want lower bedside lighting for reading or creating quieter mood. Understanding all the ways you may use a room will help you start a successful light plan.

Allow for Adjustment

Being able to adjust the light to suit your mood is also key. I use dimmers on overhead dining room lights so the feeling in the room can go from festive to intimate. In the dining room above, the chandelier can be used with the sconces to create a bright space, or my client can use just one or the other. There are a lot of options available, which helps the room function perfectly.

Lots of Layers

The kitchen is the room where we “layer in” the most light. That’s because you have so many tasks in this room that call for different levels of light. For example, you’ll often see canned lights in the ceiling, which will give you the brightest light when you’re preparing a meal. Task lights over an island or peninsula are perfect for prep work (or even homework). Under-counter lights help you see what you’re doing on a countertop, but can also be used on their own at night for low light. And a light in the range hood is perfect when you need to see what you’re cooking on the stove. Each layer of light has a specific purpose and helps your kitchen function exactly the way you need it to.

Task Master

As I work with my clients early in a design project, I get to know them and what they love to do in their down time. This is really key to understanding what I’ll need to include in their home’s design. And it’s really important for lighting plans. If someone in the home is a dedicated reader, or another person loves needlework, I always want to provide the perfect task lighting for that. I also ensure that lamps are right where they need to be for home offices, kids’ homework stations, craft areas, and more.

Now that you understand what it means to layer light, how is your home functioning for you? Use these tips to add light just where you need it!

All the best,

Kara