Lighting Style Guide: Find the Perfect Lighting for Your Home’s Look

Lighting does more than brighten a room—it sets the mood and enhances your home’s style. Choosing the right lighting style can pull your whole design together. This guide covers popular lighting styles and the best fixtures to complement each one.

1. Modern & Minimalist

Style Features

• Clean lines and simple shapes
• Neutral colors like black, white, or metallics
• Focus on function with minimal decoration

Best Lighting Fixtures

• Flush mount LED ceiling lights with slim profiles
• Linear pendant lights with geometric shapes
• Recessed lighting for an uncluttered ceiling

Ideal Rooms

• Living rooms, kitchens, home offices

2. Industrial

Style Features

• Raw, unfinished look with metal, wood, and exposed bulbs
• Dark colors and rustic textures
• Vintage or factory-inspired designs

Best Lighting Fixtures

• Metal cage pendant lights
• Edison bulb flush mount lights
• Track lighting with black or bronze finishes

Ideal Rooms

• Loft apartments, kitchens, dining rooms

3. Traditional & Classic

Style Features

• Elegant details, warm colors, and rich materials
• Symmetry and ornate designs
• Timeless, refined look

Best Lighting Fixtures

• Crystal or glass chandeliers
• Bronze or brass semi-flush mounts
• Wall sconces with classic shapes

Ideal Rooms

• Formal dining rooms, entryways, living rooms

4. Scandinavian

Style Features

• Bright, airy spaces with natural light
• Simple, functional designs with soft curves
• Light woods and neutral tones

Best Lighting Fixtures

• White or wood-accented flush mounts
• Simple pendant lights with fabric shades
• Minimalist floor and table lamps

Ideal Rooms

• Bedrooms, kitchens, family rooms

5. Farmhouse & Rustic

Style Features

• Cozy, warm, and inviting
• Use of reclaimed wood, wrought iron, and vintage accents
• Natural textures and earthy colors

Best Lighting Fixtures

• Lantern-style flush mounts or pendants
• Mason jar lights or barn-style fixtures
• Wrought iron chandeliers

Ideal Rooms

• Kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms

6. Glam & Luxury

Style Features

• Bold, dramatic, and elegant
• Use of shiny metals like gold or chrome
• Sparkling crystals and rich fabrics

Best Lighting Fixtures

• Crystal flush mounts or chandeliers
• Gold or chrome pendant lights
• Mirrors and reflective surfaces to enhance light

Ideal Rooms

• Master bedrooms, dining rooms, formal living areas

Quick Style & Fixture Match Table

Final Tips for Choosing Lighting Style

• Match your lighting style to your room’s function and decor.
• Consider layering light: combine ambient, task, and accent lighting.
• Don’t be afraid to mix styles carefully for a unique look.
• Always check fixture size and ceiling height before buying.

FAQ: Choosing the Perfect Lighting for Your Home’s Style

How to choose the right lighting for your home?

Start with three key steps:

1. Function first — Think about what the room needs: bright task lighting (kitchen), soft ambient light (living room), or accent lighting (art).
2. Style second — Match the light fixture to your home’s style—modern, farmhouse, industrial, or classic.
3. Layer the light — Combine different types: ambient (ceiling), task (pendants or lamps), and accent (wall sconces or under-cabinet).

Always balance function with style for the best result.

What is the 5-7 lighting rule?

This informal design tip suggests:
Aim for 5 to 7 lighting sources in larger rooms (like living rooms or open-plan spaces).
Why? It helps create depth, flexibility, and visual interest. Examples include a ceiling light, floor lamp, table lamps, wall sconces, and accent lights.

What is the rule of thumb for lighting?

A simple rule:
Multiply the room’s square footage by 20 lumens per square foot to get the total amount of light needed.

For example:
150 sq ft room → 150 x 20 = 3,000 lumens needed.

You can then divide this across multiple light sources.

How do I figure out what light fixture I need?

Ask yourself:

1. What’s the room’s purpose? Task areas need bright, focused light; living spaces need softer, ambient light.
2. How high is the ceiling? Flush mounts for low ceilings, chandeliers or pendants for tall ceilings.
3. Room size and layout — Larger rooms often need multiple fixtures.
4. Style preferences — Choose finishes and shapes that complement your décor.