Lighting Buyer's Guide

We understand the pivotal role lighting plays in shaping the atmosphere and functionality of your living spaces. Here's a room-by-room guide to help you make informed choices about the right lighting for your home.

 

Lighting the dining room

The dining room forms the setting for both social gatherings and everyday life. Here you need lighting that creates a cosy ambience and is practical for dining. In addition to this, you can choose a centrepiece pendant above the dining table to create an eye-catching focal point in your interior.

  • Pendants for rectangular tables - A rectangular table often demands for a longer lamp or more than one pendant. Create your own personal aesthetic by hanging multiple pendants in a row – and feel free to mix different models and designs. Keep to the same colour for a cohesive look.  You can also consider hanging multiple pendants together in a cluster, which creates both an interesting lighting effect and a sculptural look. 
  • Pendants for circular tables - A round dining table looks great with one large, round or oval pendant above it. You can also play around with the design expression and add several smaller pendants in a cluster in different heights and sizes.
  • Height of the pendant - Hang the dining table lamp about 50-70cm above the table.  That way you make sure that everyone can see each other without a blinding glare.
  • Different ways to dim the dining room lights - If you want to be able to dim the lights of your dining room, you can choose lamps with dimmable, integrated LED technology that you can operate from your wall dimmer. You can also add a dimmable bulb for your wall dimmer - or add a Smart bulb where you can control the light from your smartphone or Smart Remote. 

    Lighting in the living room

    We spend a great deal of our time in the living room, both in our everyday life and when entertaining guests. The living room therefore must be an inviting space that sets the mood for both relaxing, reading, talking and watching TV. When you want to create a living room that oozes cosiness, ease and tranquillity, lighting makes a huge difference. Join us for inspiration on how to easily create a cosy atmosphere in your living room.

    • Table lamps for the living room - When creating cosiness in the living room, a basic rule is to choose a number of small light sources rather than a single large one. Small table lamps are brilliant creators of cosiness. They are easy to move around and can be placed on a shelf, windowsill, side table or anywhere you need cosy lighting. Table lamps in the window create good ambient lighting and a sense of cosiness when it gets dark outside.
    • Floor lamps for the living room - Use a floor lamp to create ambience (and a good reading light) around the sofa area or your favourite armchair. Mix heavier furniture with light lamps to balance your interior design.

      Lighting the Kitchen 

      When spending time in the kitchen, you both need a good, functional light for cooking and a more subdued ambience for a cosy, candlelight dinner. All needs must be met when creating the perfect kitchen light. In this guide we will give you our best tips for creating a nice kitchen ambience.

      • Ceiling lighting for the kitchen - When cooking and working in the kitchen, a good functional light is crucial. Therefore, it is a good idea to install recessed spotlights in your kitchen ceiling in order to achieve good overall lighting. We recommend choosing downlights with a large range to distribute the light over a wide area and placing them right above the kitchen counter to avoid casting shadows.
      • Lights for the kitchen island - Many newer kitchens have incorporated a kitchen island where a lot of the work in the kitchen is done. Here it is also important to have good lighting - you can both light up the island with recessed spots or choose a more aesthetic pendant that also adds a cosy vibe to the room.
      • Lights for the kitchen counter - It is a good idea to ensure a particularly good light by the sink and the countertops where the food is prepared. If you use downlights these should be placed right above the countertops so that your body does not cast shadows. Otherwise, wall lamps or pendants above the countertop are also good choices for both a beautiful and practical light.
      • You can also choose to mount recessed downlights, mounted downlights or battens underneath kitchen cabinets or shelves, as this provides a good, direct working light.

        Lighting the bedroom

        We start and end every day in the bedroom - a place to retreat, relax and gain energy for the coming day. When choosing light for the bedroom, you need to think about the different situations that require a calming ambience or a good and practical light.

        • Ceiling light for the bedroom - When choosing a ceiling light for the bedroom, we recommend a practical light that can light up the entire room when it is dark outside. A good, practical light is very helpful when getting dressed. Try choosing a dimmable light so that you also have a nice, dimmed light when getting up to visit the bathroom at night.
        • Wall and table lamps for the bedroom - Wall and table lamps are also good choices for the bedroom. A good, directional reading light will not disturb the other person sleeping next to you. Therefore, we recommend a wall or table lamp with a flexible head that can be adjusted to fit your needs. If you have a small bedside table, a wall lamp frees up space for your other necessities.
        • Dim light for nights and mornings - Is your wardrobe in the bedroom? Then a dimmer can help you switch between relaxed night lighting and functional lighting for picking out clothes in the morning.

          Lighting in the bathroom

          Whether you are getting ready in the morning, taking a relaxing shower or visiting the toilet at night, having the right lighting in the bathroom is very important. Depending on where you need to install lighting in the bathroom, there are various factors that you should be aware of. To make sure that you are choosing the right light, we will provide you with our best tips and tricks for bathroom lighting.

          • Placement of lamps in the bathroom - Before installing light in the bathroom, make sure that you keep informed about the strict regulations concerning lamps in wet areas.  Due to the high levels of moisture and steam, the type of lighting and its locations are determined by bathroom lighting zones. In most countries, the bathroom lighting zones are divided into three zones: zone 0, zone 1 and zone 2.  Please note that the regulations are guiding, and they vary depending on the country you live in.
          • Bathroom lighting zones - Bathroom lighting zones are used to ensure the safety of individuals by specifying where certain types of lighting fixtures can be installed within a bathroom. These zones are defined based on the likelihood of water exposure and proximity to water sources, such as sinks, baths, and showers. The purpose of the safety zones is to mitigate the risk of electric shock and enhance overall safety in wet environments. Different countries may have slightly different regulations and guidelines regarding bathroom lighting zones, but the general principles are often similar.
            • Zone 0: Submerged portions and the bathtub or shower basin interior. Underwater lighting requires an IP68 rating at minimum.
            • Zone 1: Directly above Zone 0 and up to 2.25 metres in above needs to have at least a minimum rating of IP45 but IP65 is more generally used. rating.
            • Zone 2: Rises to 2.25 metres and is a minimum of 60 centimetres from the bath, sink or shower border an IP rating of 44 is required. particular IP rating is necessary.
            • Zone 3: IP20 is adequate if not within any of the zone above.
            • Ceiling light for the bathroom - Installing recessed spots into the ceiling will provide an even light that illuminates the entire room. It is a good idea to place spots directly above the mirror to avoid casting shadows and to ensure a practical and even light.  If you are looking for something else than recessed spots, you can easily light up the room using plafond lights or wall lamps. Just make sure that they all follow the correct IP ratings of your country.
            • Lighting up your shower area - The light in the shower area should be both functional and relaxing. If your shower has a fixed shower head, you should avoid installing recessed spots right above it. The shower head will cover a lot of the light, casting shadows downwards in the shower area.  Installing LED spots as hidden ceiling lights will provide a soft light and a sense of natural daylight.  If the lamp is placed higher than 2.25m above the ground outside of the three zones, you can choose between practically all ceiling and wall lamps. However, because of the high humidity, we recommend lamps with a minimum of IP44 protection for all areas of the bathroom.
            • Lighting up your bathroom mirror - As we typically start and end the day in front of the mirror of the bathroom, great lighting here is just as important as the ceiling light. Installing a lamp above or vertically next to your mirror prevents the light from casting shadows on your face when applying makeup, shaving or brushing your teeth. When choosing light for your bathroom mirror, it is important to note that a minimum of IP44 protection is required within 60 cm of the taps. Outside this diameter of 60 cm, you are allowed to place any lamp of IP20 or higher.
            • Set the perfect night and morning light - When visiting the bathroom during the night or getting ready early in the morning, you don't want too much bright light hurting your eyes. A light dimmer makes it easy to adjust the light to any time of the day.

              Lighting in the hallway

              A hallway is often the first room of the home that guests see - therefore it should be bright and welcoming. It should also provide a practical light making it easy to find your keys and wallet when you are heading out of the door in a hurry. Hallways and corridors are often confined spaces without windows, which makes good lighting particularly important here.

              • Ceiling light for the hallway - A good solution for hallway lighting is recessed downlights or other slim ceiling lights, as they create good general lighting from above and do not take up too much space. You can also use angled ceiling lights to light up certain details in your interior, for example your favourite art pieces or use it to create an interesting indirect lighting effect on the walls.

                Lighting in the office

                Whether you work from home, do creative projects or study, it is important to create a good working environment at home. A home office should feel comfortable to be in, but you must also be able to work productively and concentrate – and lighting plays a central role here. This is why we would like to offer you our top tips on how to create the right lighting in your home office.

                • Ceiling light for the office - Firstly, try to select a room with good natural lighting for your home office. This will allow you to utilise the natural light, helping to increase your productivity. Besides natural light, you should always consider having good ceiling lighting in the office, as this helps prevent fatigue. For this, we recommend large or several smaller glare-free lights throughout the entire room. Ceiling lights with a diffuser or frosted shade emit a good functional light throughout the room and do not take up unnecessary space.
                • Light for your desk - Above all, it is crucial to have the right lamp at your work station when you are working long hours. Factors to consider here include glare and reflection of the light on your computer screen. You might also want to consider the possibility of adjusting the brightness of the light. Once you have selected your table lamp, you should think about where to place it. For the best results, place the lamp opposite the hand you write with to avoid casting shadows.

                  The big bulb guide

                  A bulb is not just a bulb. There are so many different types of bulbs, all suited to different purposes. We are including more and more bulbs in our range, so you can always find a bulb that fits your needs. Here, we guide you through the most important things that you should look for and take into account when you buy bulbs, giving you the best possible lighting at home.

                  • Brightness – watts or lumens? - The switch from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs has changed the way we measure bulb brightness. Previously, we picked our bulbs based on watts, but as watts are an indication of the bulb’s energy consumption and not the amount of light it emits, we now think of lumens rather than watts. 800 lumens correspond to 60W, which is good for above the kitchen table, while 470 lumens, corresponding to 40W, is preferable by the sofa in the living room.  If you want to know how many watts your LED bulb has, you should be aware that the watts declaration of LED bulbs is different than that of traditional incandescent bulbs. Our rule of thumb is that you should multiply the LED watts declaration by 10, i.e. a 4W LED bulb corresponds to a traditional 40W incandescent bulb. It is important that you do not buy a bulb with a higher watts rating than the lamp is intended for, as this may damage the lamp. However, you can use a bulb with fewer watts than indicated on the lamp.
                  • Colour temperature: Kelvin - The colour temperature of the bulb is indicated in Kelvins, K, and represents how warm or cold the light from the bulb is. We offer bulbs with different Kelvin ratings that suit all needs. 2700 K is often referred to as the standard and provides a natural white light. Bulbs below 2700 K emit a warm and cosy light, while bulbs with a higher Kelvin rating provide a cool light. Therefore, we recommend selecting a bulb with 3000 to 4000 K for practical purposes, whereas 2700 K or less would be preferable for a bedside lamp or the floor lamp by the sofa. The bulb’s Kelvin rating is always indicated on our packaging.
                  • Dimming - Today, a lot of people want to be able to adapt the light to different situations, as this increases comfort and flexibility in our daily lives. We have a wide range of dimmable bulbs allowing you to adjust the light from practical lighting for food preparation to a cosy light during dinner. If you have an older dimmer switch, be aware that not all LED bulbs are compatible with it, as the two technologies are not the same. Therefore, buying a dimmer switch for LED is a good idea, as it has been adapted for LED bulbs.
                  • Decorative bulbs - Bulbs do not always have to be hidden away under a lampshade. We have available some beautiful, decorative light bulbs that can be used advantageously in lamps where the bulb is part of the lamp’s design. For example, hang different decorative bulbs in a cluster, it makes the lamps even more beautiful and adds a personal touch.

                    Outdoor Lighting

                    A pleasant light on your home facade and in your front garden/entrance is important for creating a welcoming atmosphere for yourself and your guests. 

                    • Outdoor lights for the front door - A good light is important for finding your way by the front door, it is welcoming for your guests and increases the feeling of security when letting yourself in during the darker hours of the day. We recommend one - or two - wall lights mounted next to the door, or an outdoor ceiling light or spots above the front door. If you place directional the wall lights high on the wall, they will illuminate both the walking path, the keyhole at the door etc.
                    • Outdoor lights for the driveway or walking paths - It is important to light up the way to the house, so that it looks inviting and guides you in safely. If you have a wall or a fence, wall lights can be placed along the driveway. Inground spots can be mounted in the pavement or gravel, saving space in more narrow driveways.  If you have more space and a broader driveway, garden lights can be mounted in flower beds or along the driveway. This creates a beautiful and complete look that is guiding and welcoming from the driveway to the front door.
                    • Terrace and garden lighting - The perfect summer feeling is when you are all cozied up in the garden or terrace and just enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. With the right lighting, the ambiance can be tailored to make the bright evenings last even longer.
                    • Portable & battery driven lamps - When creating the perfect lighting setup on your terrace, just grab a cordless lamp by the handle and place it wherever you need it to make a statement or set the mood. The possibilities for a cosy ambiance are endless as our portable series are inviting you to take them anywhere – both inside and outside. Try using multiple lamps placed at various heights to create a playful balance between darkness and light.  Enjoy your outdoor spaces after dark with our range of portable lamps that are a unique mix of function and form.
                    • Light for the garden spaces - Light along garden paths helps you find your way in the dark. Here you can choose spike lights or garden poles to create a beautifully illuminated walking path. Spike lights can also be used to illuminate the face of the building, plants in the garden or other things that you want to stand out. Spike lights are easy to place in the ground and come with rechargeable batteries or solar cells, where a light sensor automatically turns on the light when darkness falls.
                    • Material selection of outdoor lights - Our outdoor lights are specially developed and tested for outdoor environments. All our outdoor products have a minimum rating of IP23 and are specially designed to withstand all weather conditions. Particularly harsh outdoor environments make extra demands of outdoor lighting, as high levels of water, sand and salt are wearing on materials and accelerate corrosion which you will need to be conscious of. Products constructed in extra-resistant materials such as copper, brass, nickel  and galvanised steel, are particularly suitable for areas close to the coast with severe weather.

                    Coastal areas are generally defined as those within a radius of 10 km of the coast – in certain cases, however, it can be up to 25 km due to wind conditions.

                    • Galvanised Steel - Galvanised steel is a type of steel that has undergone a galvanisation process to enhance its resistance to corrosion. This process involves coating the steel with a layer of zinc, which provides a protective barrier against the corrosive elements in the environment. It has significant benefit in coastal conditions.
                    • Plastic - Plastic is a strong material and is therefore suitable for areas with severe weather.
                    • Brass - Brass is a very sturdy and weather resistant material, which makes the material suitable for outdoor lights.  It is an alloy consisting of copper and zinc, which will eventually take on a darker patina, more like a beautiful, light-brownish colour.
                    • Corten - Corten steel is a type of steel that is incredibly durable in all kinds of weather. The surface of Corten steel rusts very quickly, which forms a protective layer that extends corrosion time with up to 8 years compared to regular steel. Changeable weather helps maintain this protective layer, which provides a greater resistance to corrosion than on other types of steel. The process creates a beautiful, rusty-red surface that may gradually change character and colour over time. Corten steel lamps are therefore both durable and completely maintenance-free - adding a modern and unique look to your home. If you choose to bury Corten steel, this will shorten the corrosion time. When unpacking the Corten lamps, we recommend that you wipe away any loose rust with a damp cloth, as this can rub off on the surroundings, which may also need to be protected from any future rust stains.
                    • Copper - Copper has a characteristic, orange-red colour which – when exposed to changing weather – gets a decorative, green surface called Verdigris. This surface is not only beautiful, but at the same time protects the material from further corrosion attacks. This means that lamps in copper are both incredibly beautiful and very durable in areas with changeable and harsh weather, however not suitable for coastal conditions.
                    • Stainless steel - With its shiny and uniform surface, stainless steel is suitable for outdoor use. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel. In connection with the pickling process, a thin, corrosion-protective oxide layer is formed on the surface. The surface is affected continuously by atmospheric conditions and other influences from the immediate environment, which means that the lamps must be treated continuously if the surface is to remain smooth and free from rust. Before mounting, the lamps are treated with acid-free oil. Afterwards, they are wiped with a soft cloth. The treatment with acid-free oil is repeated three to four times a year. Overall, stainless steel lamps are not recommended for aggressive environments with harsh weather.
                    • Aluminium - Many of our lacquered outdoor lamps (incl. in black, grey or white) are made from aluminium. We do not recommend lacquered lamps for coastal areas and that we do not provide a warranty if they are used in such areas. Coastal areas are defined as those within a radius of 10 km of the coast – or, in certain cases, up to 25 km. The surface of lacquered lamps is not as robust as that of lamps made from pure metals and can crack/corrode after several years of use. The reason for this is that the material from which lacquered lamps are made is not as strong as hot-dip galvanised lamps made from copper, brass, nickel, Corten and galvanised steel. Lacquered aluminium lamps are therefore best suited to milder environments where they are not impacted by sand, seawater, and wind.

                    Strategic Positioning in Different Rooms

                    Living Rooms
                    • Ceiling Lights or Chandeliers - Serve as focal points and provide overall illumination.
                    • Table Lamps and Floor Lamps - Create zones for reading or conversation.
                    • Accent Lighting - Emphasize artwork or architectural features.
                    Bedrooms
                    • Bedside Lamps - Provide task lighting for reading.
                    • Ceiling Lights - Offer ambient illumination.
                    • Dimmable Lights - Enhance versatility and mood.

                    Kitchens

                    • Pendant Lights Over Kitchen Island - Illuminate workspaces and add a decorative element.
                    • Under-Cabinet Lighting - Enhance visibility for food preparation.
                    • Task Lighting Above Sink - Improve functionality for dishwashing.
                    Dining Rooms
                    • Chandeliers or Pendant Lights Above Dining Table - Serve as a focal point and provide ample illumination for meals.
                    • Wall Sconces - Add ambient lighting and complement overhead fixtures.

                    Outdoor Lighting Placement

                    • Entrances - Install wall sconces or pendant lights to welcome guests and enhance security.
                    • Patios and Decks - String lights, wall sconces, and post lights create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
                    • Landscaping - Use well lights to highlight architectural features or spotlights for trees and shrubs. 

                      Finally

                      By carefully selecting different types of lighting fixtures, bulbs, and strategically positioning them in various rooms and outdoor spaces, you can create a home that is not only well-lit but also visually appealing and tailored to your specific needs and style preferences.