The Lighting Plan for a New Home: Room by Room

A complete home lighting plan is not a list of fixtures — it is a system. Each room's lighting should be considered in relation to the rooms adjacent to it, with consistent finish language flowing through connected spaces and with each room's lighting appropriate to its specific function. Here is a room-by-room lighting specification for a complete home, from entry to bedroom, in order of priority.

Entry Foyer

The foyer establishes first impression and should receive the most investment in statement quality relative to its size. A pendant, small chandelier, or significant semi-flush mount scaled to ceiling height (diameter in inches = sum of foyer length + width in feet, divided by two) provides the primary statement. Supplemental wall sconces flanking the door or mirror add layering. All foyer lighting should be on dimmers for flexibility between full arrival-brightness and low ambient settings when the foyer is a pass-through at night.

Living Room

Living rooms need the fullest layered lighting system in the home because they are used for the widest range of activities (conversation, television, reading, entertaining). Ceiling fixture or statement pendant: 1 over the seating center. Floor lamp: 1-2 flanking sofa or in corners. Table lamps: 1-2 on side tables or consoles. All three layers on independent circuits with dimmers. Fireplace area benefits from accent wall sconces at flanking positions.

Dining Room

A single chandelier or pendant, hung 30-34 inches above the tabletop, scaled to table width (approximately half the table width in diameter). Put on its own dimmer circuit. Supplemental wall sconces or buffet lamps can add a second layer for formal occasions but are not required.

Kitchen

Overhead general illumination on a dimmer (recessed downlights, a surface fixture, or track): 1 circuit. Island or peninsula pendants: separate circuit, 2-3 pendants depending on island length. Under-cabinet lighting: separate circuit or outlet-powered strips at counter level. Possible addition: a pendant or small semi-flush in the breakfast or eat-in area.

Primary Bedroom

Ceiling fixture: 1 semi-flush or pendant on a dimmer with secondary switch at bed location. Bedside lamps or sconces: 2 (one each side), switched individually. Dresser area lamp: 1 (for grooming). All warm white (2700K). Full blackout window treatments for sleep quality.

Guest Bedrooms

Same approach as primary bedroom at a slightly reduced investment level. Ceiling fixture on dimmer (mandatory). Bedside lamps or sconces with reachable switches (mandatory). Dresser lamp optional.

Bathrooms

Vanity sconces: 2 flanking the mirror at 60-65 inch center height (primary task lighting). Ceiling fixture: 1 for general and shower illumination, on separate switch. All fixtures on dimmers where possible. Warm white (2700K) throughout. Wet-rated fixtures for shower/tub areas.

Hallways and Stairs

Ceiling flush mounts at 8-10 foot intervals along hallway length, on a dimmer. Staircase benefits from wall sconces at regular intervals on one side (every 8 feet) or a pendant at the landing. All on dimmers for nighttime low-level navigation mode.

Home Office

Overhead ambient (ceiling fixture or track) on dimmer. Desk task lamp: 1 (high CRI, adjustable position). Ambient fill lamp: 1 floor lamp or table lamp in video call camera frame for front-fill lighting. Warm white for general ambient; slightly cooler (3000K) acceptable for task desk lamp.

Outdoor Areas

Front entry: 1-2 lantern wall sconces flanking the door. Garage: 1-2 fixtures flanking or above doors. Covered patio: 1-2 outdoor-rated pendants or flush mounts + wall sconces on the house wall. Path lighting from street to entry. All outdoor fixtures rated for outdoor/damp locations.

Browse our complete lighting collection to find the right fixture for every position in this plan, in matching or complementary finishes that create a coherent whole-home lighting palette.