Lighting 101: How to Choose the Right Lighting for Each Room in Your HDB Flat
Lighting is one of the most important yet often overlooked elements in home design. The right lighting can completely transform your space—making it feel larger, cozier, or even more functional. When designing your HDB flat, it’s essential to understand how different types of lighting work together to create the right mood and enhance the function of each room.
In this post, we’ll break down the basics of lighting and show you how to choose the right lighting for every room in your home, from the living room to the bedroom to the kitchen.
Types of Lighting: The 3 Layers You Need to Know
Before we dive into each room, it’s important to understand the three main types of lighting. A well-designed lighting plan layers these three elements to create balance and versatility.
1. Ambient Lighting (General Lighting)
Ambient lighting is the main source of light in a room, providing overall illumination. This could be a ceiling light, chandelier, or recessed lighting. It ensures that the space is well-lit and comfortable to move around in.
2. Task Lighting
Task lighting focuses on specific areas where activities take place. Think of reading lamps in the living room, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, or vanity lights in the bathroom. Task lighting should be bright enough to help you perform specific tasks without causing eye strain.
3. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight certain features or decor, such as artwork, architectural details, or plants. It adds depth and drama to the room, helping create focal points.
Pro-Tip: The best lighting designs incorporate all three layers of lighting. Use ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for specific activities, and accent lighting to highlight features or create mood.
Living Room: Create Warmth and Versatility
Your living room is likely the most versatile space in your home. From relaxing with a movie to hosting guests, it needs lighting that adapts to different activities.
Ambient Lighting: Start with a central ceiling light, such as a pendant or chandelier, to provide overall brightness. Make sure it’s bright enough for general use but soft enough to maintain a cozy atmosphere.
Task Lighting: Add task lighting through table lamps or floor lamps. These can be placed near sofas or reading chairs to create a comfortable spot for reading or working on a laptop.
Accent Lighting: Use accent lighting to highlight decor, such as wall-mounted sconces to showcase artwork or LED strips behind your TV or shelves to create a soft glow.
Pro-Tip: Use dimmers in your living room to adjust the brightness according to your mood or the time of day. This gives you control over the ambiance, whether you’re entertaining or winding down for the night.
Bedroom: Cozy and Calming
In the bedroom, the focus is on creating a peaceful, restful environment. Lighting should be soft and calming, with a mix of ambient and task lighting for functionality.
Ambient Lighting: A soft ceiling light or a pair of pendant lights on either side of the bed can provide gentle ambient lighting. Avoid harsh overhead lights that are too bright, as they can feel cold and uninviting.
Task Lighting: Task lighting is crucial in the bedroom for activities like reading or getting dressed. Bedside table lamps or wall-mounted reading lights are ideal for this. Make sure the light is warm and not too intense.
Accent Lighting: Add subtle accent lighting with small fixtures, such as string lights or candles, to create a soothing atmosphere. You can also consider soft LED strips under the bed frame for a modern, minimalist look.
Pro-Tip: Use warm, soft lighting in the bedroom to promote relaxation and rest. Avoid cool white lights, as they can feel too energizing for a space meant for unwinding.
“Lighting is everything. It creates mood, and it can define spaces”
Kitchen: Functional and Bright
The kitchen is one of the most task-oriented areas in your home, so lighting needs to be practical, efficient, and bright.
Ambient Lighting: Recessed lighting or a central ceiling light works well for providing general lighting in the kitchen. Make sure the light is bright enough to illuminate the entire space for cooking and cleaning.
Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting is essential in the kitchen, especially over work surfaces like countertops or the stove. It provides focused light where you need it most—perfect for chopping vegetables or following a recipe.
Accent Lighting: If you have a kitchen island or dining table, use pendant lights to add a stylish accent and create a focal point. This not only provides extra light but also enhances the design of the space.
Pro-Tip: Consider using cool white lights in the kitchen to increase visibility and keep the space feeling bright and clean. However, if your kitchen is also used for dining or socializing, mix in warmer task lighting for balance.
Bathroom: Bright and Functional
Good lighting in the bathroom is essential, especially around the vanity area. You’ll need a combination of functional lighting for tasks and softer lighting for relaxation.
Ambient Lighting: A central ceiling light or recessed lighting works well for overall illumination in the bathroom. Make sure it’s bright enough for daily tasks but not too harsh.
Task Lighting: Vanity lighting is crucial for tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or skincare routines. Wall-mounted lights on either side of the mirror provide even illumination, eliminating shadows and ensuring you can see clearly.
Accent Lighting: If you want to create a spa-like vibe, add a small accent light or a dimmable wall sconce near the bathtub or shower area. This can help create a relaxing atmosphere when you’re unwinding with a long soak.
Pro-Tip: Use moisture-resistant lighting in the bathroom to avoid any issues with humidity. Dimmable lighting options are also great for adjusting the mood, especially in the evening.
Dining Room: Create a Focal Point
The dining room is where you gather for meals and conversation, so lighting should create a warm, inviting atmosphere while also providing enough brightness for dining.
Ambient Lighting: A statement pendant light or chandelier over the dining table acts as both a source of ambient light and a design focal point. Make sure it hangs at the right height—about 70-80 cm above the table—to provide sufficient light without being overpowering.
Task Lighting: If your dining room doubles as a workspace or study area, consider adding task lighting, such as a floor lamp in a corner or wall-mounted sconces for extra light when needed.
Accent Lighting: Use accent lighting to highlight art or a decorative feature in the dining area. Small wall-mounted lights or spotlights can help create depth and make the space feel more dynamic.
Pro-Tip: Warm, soft lighting works best in the dining room, creating an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts:
Lighting is one of the most transformative elements of home design, and it’s worth spending the time to get it right. Whether you’re creating a cozy bedroom, a functional kitchen, or a welcoming living room, the right combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting will help you achieve the perfect atmosphere for your HDB flat.
By layering different types of lighting, you can create a flexible and functional space that works for all your needs, from practical tasks to cozy relaxation. Remember, lighting isn’t just about brightness—it’s about creating the right mood for every moment.
