6 stylish home lighting ideas to transform your space

Just like jewellery can transform an outfit, decorative lighting is the accessory your home needs to shine. From sparkling chandeliers to sculptural floor lamps, we shed light on six stylish looks that anyone can adopt to create mood and make lighting a decorative feature.


 

What is decorative lighting?

Decorative lighting refers to distinctive light fixtures and lamps, from pendant lights and chandeliers to wall sconces and floor lamps. Unlike downlights, which are an architectural feature used to illuminate a space without drawing attention, decorative lighting is designed to be seen. These fixtures bring personality to a room and prioritise aesthetics as much as function.


 

1. Statement pendants over dining room tables and kitchen islands

Dining areas are popular spots for pendant lights as they instantly create an intimate setting and help define the zone, which is especially useful in vast open-plan spaces. To make your pendant lights more of a feature, try clustering several of them together over your dining table. Statement pendants can also anchor a kitchen island or benchtop, whether you hang them for task lighting or ambient light. Either way, it’s best to evenly space kitchen pendants so they distribute light all over the room. For more tips, check our guide to hanging pendant lights. 


 

2. Matching sconces at bedsides and in bathrooms 

We could wax lyrical about why wall sconces make fantastic lights for any room, but we’re particularly loving them as bedside lighting, especially with dimmable bulbs. Just think about all the bedside table space you’ll save by installing wall-mounted sconces! Bathrooms are also a great choice for this type of fixture as they provide task lighting that shines directly onto your face—perfect for applying make-up. Beyond being functional, sconces will also add a luxurious hotel-like look to your bathroom. 

Image via Pinterest

 

3. Chandeliers in hallways and entryways

Entryways are where first impressions are made and creating that initial wow factor when guests walk into your home is as easy as hanging a shimmering chandelier. Mind you, it’s not all about crystal and glass these days. Go for a boho-leaning chandelier if that's more your style—the most important consideration for these high-traffic areas is at least two metres of clearance between the floor and light fixture.


 

4. Floor lamps in living rooms and home offices

Want to create a reading nook where there is no nook? A floor lamp will help you do just that if you tuck it slightly behind an armchair to create a dedicated zone to wind down. If your home office desk isn’t big enough for a table lamp but you still want a warm light option, you can always shine a floor lamp on your workspace instead. With so many statement styles available, we love that this lighting option can double as a functional piece of art.


 

5. Table lamps on console tables and sideboards

Console tables and sideboards can slip into almost any room, but it's the decor pieces styled on top that make them look considered. Stacks of books, candles and ornaments are all great options, but table lamps provide much-needed height and depth. It's common practice to bookend decor with twin lamps on either end of a console, though a single lamp on one side will create a cool asymmetric look. Sound good? Find out how to choose a lampshade that suits your style.


 

6. Whimsical string lights for outdoor areas

It's a known fact that fairy lights and festoons are fool-proof mood boosters. Hang them up and tell us you don't feel instantly delighted. Traditional string lights are a great way to gently light up a large tree—wrap them around its trunk and watch it twinkle. They can also be strung along a fence or a garden wall, or arranged into a gorgeous web or icicle-inspired design. Alternatively, festoon lights will light up your outdoor space and deliver a playful retro look. For even more ways to illuminate your backyard, check out our outdoor lighting buying guide. ​​​​​​


 

Don’t forget to choose the right bulb

Not sure which light bulb to buy for bright task lighting and which one to get for atmospheric mood lighting? Your choice of light bulb can make or break your decorative lighting scheme, so be sure to read our handy guide to choosing light bulbs to decipher the right light bulb base, light bulb size, and light bulb type for your light fittings and desired look.