LIGHTING BUYING GUIDE
When choosing light fixtures, keep these three essential factors in mind:
Size
Consider the space you’re lighting. Scale up for larger rooms, high ceilings, or more dramatic effect.
Function
Knowing what space you want to light will help you select the right fixture (ambient, accent, or task lighting).
Style
To reinforce your personal style, choose lighting inspired by your decor, with rustic, farmhouse, or modern accents.
TYPES OF LIGHTING
A well-lit room layers all three basic types of lighting.
Ambient
A room’s primary source of light, this is the base layer of warmth every room needs to feel welcoming and cozy.
Accent
To highlight art and architectural features—wall sconces, and picture lights are your go-to.
Task
Bright and direct, task lighting reduces glare and shadows, making it easy to read, cook, and work.
Kitchen Lighting
The kitchen is the heart of your home and lighting is the heart of the kitchen, brightening your counters for food prep and setting the tone for entertaining. Choose a variety of fixtures to make your kitchen's lighting infinitely adjustable.
Pendants
Pendants are an essential ingredient for spicing up kitchen islands and countertops. Choose styles that reflect your taste and complement your cabinet hardware.
Expert Tip
Have a large island? Go big, with two oversized pendants framing the space. Group three smaller-scale pendants for a longer island, or when fixtures are slim.
MEASURING & HANGING TIPS
When measuring pendants, consider the proportions of your kitchen and island, the available wall space, and the size and number of each fixture you’ll hang.
Space pendants 24"-30" apart, leaving 6"-12" to the end of the counter.
For an 8' ceiling, pendants should hang 12" below. Add 3" for every additional foot in height.
Wall Sconces
Above cabinets, beside windows, or as accents on walls, sconces create the illusion of higher ceilings and shine necessary light on food prep. Especially in kitchens with floating shelves (with fewer upper cabinets), sconces are a smart way to fill the wall space and highlight featured treasures.
Expert Tip
Sconces should be mounted ¾ of the way up the wall, no lower than 24"-28" from countertop surfaces.
