Lighting isn't just about brightening up a room—it's about creating an atmosphere, setting the mood, and bringing your design vision to life.
At Lights Canada, we understand that the right lighting can transform any space, making it essential for every interior designer to source lighting that aligns perfectly with their projects. Here’s your guide to making smart, stylish, and impactful lighting choices.
Learn The Lingo
To effectively communicate with suppliers, electricians, and clients—and to make informed decisions—it’s crucial to have a solid grasp of key lighting terms. Understanding these terms will not only improve your confidence but also ensure that you’re selecting the best possible options for each project.
Read our handy Lighting Lingo guide for the full breakdown of common terms like Lumens, Colour Temperature, CRI, and more!
Know The Space Inside and Out
Understanding the primary function of a room is essential in determining the type of lighting it needs. Each space serves different purposes, and your lighting should be tailored accordingly:
Kitchens
Often considered the heart of the home, kitchens are multifunctional spaces where precise, task-oriented lighting is essential. Bright, focused lighting over countertops, islands, and stoves ensures that cooking and food preparation are both safe and efficient. Consider using a combination of recessed lighting for overall brightness and under-cabinet lights to illuminate work surfaces.
Living Rooms
This space is typically used for relaxation and socializing, so the lighting should create a warm, inviting ambiance. Softer, ambient lighting can be achieved with strategically placed floor lamps, dimmable ceiling fixtures, and accent lighting to highlight artwork or architectural features. This layered approach allows for flexibility, making the room adaptable to different activities, whether it’s movie night or hosting a dinner party.
Bedrooms
In a bedroom, the goal is to create a calming and restful environment. Warm, diffused lighting works best here, with bedside lamps offering task lighting for reading. Consider adding dimmers to overhead fixtures to adjust the light intensity based on the time of day or mood.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms require a mix of functional and ambient lighting. Bright, shadow-free lighting around mirrors is essential for tasks like shaving or applying makeup, while softer overhead lights can create a spa-like atmosphere for relaxation.
Don’t Forget Ceiling Height
When selecting lighting for your interior design projects, don’t forget to consider ceiling height. High ceilings can accommodate statement pieces like chandeliers, while lower ceilings might require sleek, flush-mounted fixtures.
Layer Your Lighting for Maximum Impact
A well-designed space uses multiple lighting layers to create depth and interest:
- Ambient Lighting: This is the base layer, providing overall illumination for the room. Think ceiling lights, chandeliers, or recessed lights.
- Task Lighting: Focuses on areas where specific activities take place, like under-cabinet lighting in kitchens or reading lamps in living rooms.
- Accent Lighting: Highlights features like artwork or architectural details, adding a touch of drama with wall sconces or spotlights.
Combining these layers ensures a space that’s both functional and visually appealing.
Source Quality Fixtures
At Lights Canada, we believe in offering only the highest quality products. Here’s how to ensure you’re choosing the best
Reliable Suppliers
Partner with trusted suppliers who offer quality products and exceptional customer service. Lights Canada’s curated collection of lighting from top brands ensures you’re choosing from the best.
Consider Currency
For interior designers in Canada sourcing lighting for their projects, be sure to check the currency. Many online lighting suppliers sell their products in US dollars, which can add expenses to your project and stretch your budget. Some companies may even market themselves as Canadian suppliers while charging US dollars. For the best outcome, opt for lighting stores that price their products in Canadian Dollars.
When In Doubt - Ask For Help!
Customer support teams are there to help you. At Lights Canada, our team is made up of experienced lighting professionals who know the industry inside and out. Struggling to source a specific item for your project? Contact our Customer Care team – we’d love to help!
Join a Trade Program
At Lights Canada, we believe in offering only the highest quality products and exclusive benefits to our trade partners. Here’s how our Trade Program ensures you’re getting the best:
Preferred Pricing
Enjoy special pricing on lighting from top brands, ensuring you get the best value for your projects. Maximize your project budget with major savings.
Earn Rewards
Take advantage of our rewards program, designed to give back to our trade partners with every purchase. Earn points for dollars when you participate in our Trade Rewards program!
Get Exclusive Access
Gain early access to new product releases and exclusive promotions, available only to our trade members.
Choose Quality, Modern Lights to Elevate Your Projects With Confidence
At Lights Canada, we believe that the right lighting can elevate any space from ordinary to extraordinary. As an interior designer, your lighting choices are instrumental in bringing your vision to life.
By understanding your space, layering your lighting, choosing the right fixtures, and staying updated with trends, you can create beautifully lit environments that captivate and inspire. Remember, lighting isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s about creating a space that feels just right.
