Room-by-Room Lighting Guide
Technical lighting specifications for every room—from kitchen work zones to bedroom sleep sanctuaries
Room-by-Room Lighting Guide
Quick Summary: Every room has a unique "Lighting Signature." While the Three-Layer System applies globally, the specific technical requirements for Kelvins (Color Temp), Lumens (Intensity), and CRI (Accuracy) vary significantly between a functional kitchen and a restorative bedroom.
Applying a "One-Size-Fits-All" lighting strategy is one of the most common design failures. By tailoring the Fixture Selection and Lamp Technicals to the specific activities of each room, you optimize both the functionality and the emotional resonance of your home.
The Kitchen: The High-Function Zone
The kitchen requires high-intensity, high-accuracy light to ensure safety and hygiene.
- Ambient: Recessed cans spaced 4-5 ft apart.
- Task: Under-cabinet LED strips centered under the upper cabinets.
- Accent: "Toe-kick" lighting under base cabinets for night-time navigation.
- Kelvin: 3000K (Warm Neutral) to 4000K (Cool White).
- CRI: 90+ Mandatory (to ensure meat freshness and vegetable color accuracy).
- Lumens: 70-80 per sq ft.
Pendants should be hung 30-36 inches above the counter. For a standard 6-ft island, use two large pendants spaced 30" apart.
The Bedroom: The Sleep Sanctuary
The primary goal here is to support the production of melatonin and prevent circadian disruption.
Eliminate High-Kelvin Light
Replace all 4000K+ bulbs with 2200K - 2700K. Avoid "Daylight" LEDs in the bedroom, as they inhibit sleep onset.
Layer the Bedside
Use bedside lamps or wall-mounted sconces positioned at shoulder height when sitting up (aprx. 20-24" above the mattress).
Soften the Ambient
Instead of recessed cans (which create glare when lying down), use a central dimmable chandelier or flush-mount with a "Milk Glass" diffuser.
Closet Clarity
Use high-CRI (90+) 3500K LEDs inside closets to ensure you can distinguish between black and navy clothing.
The Living Room: The Flexible Hub
The living room needs to transition from "Movie Night" (low accent light) to "Social Party" (layered ambient light).
Room-by-Room Technical Summary
| Room | Primary Layer | Kelvin Target | CRI Min | Lumens/SqFt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Task | 3000K-3500K | 90 | 75 |
| Dining | Ambient/Accent | 2700K | 80 | 30 |
| Bedroom | Ambient | 2200K-2700K | 80 | 20 |
| Bathroom | Task (Face) | 3000K-3500K | 90 | 75 |
| Office | Task (Desk) | 4000K | 85 | 50 |
| Closet | Task | 3500K-4000K | 90 | 40 |
Key Takeaways
- Kitchens need CRI 90+: Don't cook under poor light.
- Bedrooms need Warmth: Stay under 2700K to protect your sleep.
- Bathrooms need Side-Lighting: Prevent "Top-Down" facial shadows.
- Offices need Intensity: 4000K light improves morning cognitive focus.
- Dining needs Atmosphere: Low-hung, warm, dimmable fixtures are best.
Next Steps
- Learn the basics of layering in Lighting Types and Layers
- Master automated control in Smart Lighting Systems
- Connect light and color science in Palette Creation
Validation Summary: Room-specific metrics sourced from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) RP-1-12 standards for residential lighting and sleep-science studies on color temperature/melatonin relationships.