Lighting

A room is lit well by several lights, not just one: a general light, a focused one for reading or working, and one that creates atmosphere. So choose the type of lamp according to what you do in that room. Each type has its own page, with sizes and advice.

Indoor lighting: start from the ceiling height

The ceiling decides the general light. With a low ceiling, up to about 2.4 m, a ceiling lamp or a recessed lamp takes no height away. With higher ceilings you can use a pendant lamp. Where people walk underneath, leave at least about 2.1 m between the floor and the bottom of the lamp.

Indoor corner lamps for the living room

In a living room, several small lights work better than one large one. A floor lamp next to the sofa is for reading, and in a dark corner it makes the room feel bigger. The Arco by Flos, by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1962, carries the light away from its Carrara marble base. A table lamp on a sideboard or windowsill adds atmosphere. Wall lamps leave the floor free.

Garden, balcony and porch lighting ideas: start from the place

You choose an outdoor lamp by starting from where it goes. The place decides the type of lamp, how much protection from rain it needs and how power reaches it. On a balcony or terrace the choice depends on the power socket. If there is a light point, outdoor wall lamps or floor lamps work well. If not, a rechargeable table lamp or a lantern avoids any building work. You will find all models among the outdoor lamps.

Indoor lamps: which light and which bulb

In the living room and bedroom a warm light works well, between 2700 and 3000 K; in the kitchen, bathroom and study, one between 3000 and 4000 K. For lights you see together, keep the same temperature. When you buy a bulb, look at the lumens, which tell you how much light it gives, not the watts. You will find them among the bulbs; for lamps with integrated LEDs, check the product page.

To choose by brand, start from the pages of Flos, Artemide, Slamp or FontanaArte; for every room in the house, see the indoor lamps.