How to Properly Plan Lighting in an Apartment

All designers agree that lighting should be multi-level and solve several tasks at once. With the help of Leroy Merlin experts, we explain what to consider when planning lighting on your own.

Lighting Scenarios

Main Lighting ensures even light distribution throughout the room. It is usually used for meeting guests, playing with children, or cleaning.

What kind of light do you need? A chandelier with multiple shades (traditionally hanging in the center of the room) or recessed spotlights: round, triangular, rectangular — there are many options. The most successful placement of spotlights is along the perimeter of the ceiling in two rows, forming a circle or oval, or arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

Local Lighting is useful for zoning the space — especially important in studio apartments.

What to do? Highlight the dining area with one or more pendant lights above the dining table or bar counter. In the living room zone, a portable floor lamp or soft-light table lamp on a side table would be handy for reading books, watching movies, or talking in the family circle.

Spot Lighting. To ensure artwork, unique sculptures, and other decorative items aren’t overlooked, use spot lighting. Such lighting (special spotlight for artwork or wall sconces on either side) can also serve as additional illumination.

Types of Lighting Fixtures

The classic round chandelier with many arms will provide main lighting and fit well in almost any room. Place it in the center of the room if there is one chandelier, or use multiple chandeliers to zone the space.

Steam Black Chandelier
Lazio Chandelier
Maple Chandelier
Mina Chandelier
Spider Chandelier
Lazio Chandelier
Easily handle room zoning
Suspended lights: highlight the dining table or bar counter, spotlight the sofa or reading area. Design, color, and material can vary.
Krug Pendant
Orso Chandelier
Lustre Chandelier
White Colos Chandelier
Okko Chandelier
Vakero Chandelier

Table lamps help create a cozy and atmospheric environment. They can be paired if placed at the ends of a shelf, console table, or on matching stands on both sides of the sofa. A lamp is also useful at a desk: it takes up little space but provides comfortable lighting for work.

Prato Table Lamp
Grand Table Lamp
Roseddal Table Lamp
Crystal Table Lamp
Stellato3 Table Lamp
Mojada Table Lamp

If your living room or studio is small, opt for wall sconces. Plan their placement early in the renovation process: above the sofa or armchair, next to the television or artwork. Don't forget about shades: with them, wall sconces look more harmonious, and the bright light from the bulb won't glare.

L1051-1 Wall Sconce
Lazio Wall Sconce
Lazio Wall Sconce
Lazio Wall Sconce
Prato Wall Sconce
Prato Wall Sconce

Another form of spot lighting is the spotlight. It consists of one or more light sources mounted on a single base. These often allow rotation in a set direction, making it easy to illuminate bookshelves, shelves, or relaxation zones.

Martin Spot
Martin Spot
Martin Spot