Combining lights for atmosphere, style and function: the ultimate guide

Lighting is more than just practical. By cleverly combining lamps, you bring atmosphere, style and convenience together in your interior. Each room in your home requires a different combination of basic, task and mood lighting. We give concrete tips per room and show which mix of Tonone lamps together creates a coherent whole. We also point out common mistakes, such as unbalance in light intensity or mixing too many styles. And we explain how to avoid them.

Why is combining lamps important?

Combining lamps is important because it offers several advantages. It's not just about a beautiful whole, but also about creating light and atmosphere to suit different purposes and moods. A mix of lamps makes all the difference. Functional light is practical and indispensable, while atmospheric light adds warmth and cosiness.

Lighting determines both atmosphere and how you use a room. In a study, a reading lamp creates a cosy corner for reading. A ceiling lamp offers bright light for working or studying.

Benefits of combining lamps

Combining lamps has more impact than you think. It creates a fine balance between practical use and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The three main benefits of lamp combining are:

1. It creates a layered lighting arrangement

With different lamps, you build layers in your lighting. They complement each other: basic lighting ensures good overall visibility, task lighting helps with specific activities and mood lighting adds the right mood.

2. It improves the atmosphere and look of a room

Well-coordinated lamps create balance and harmony. They make your interior visually appealing and give each room a unique look.

3. It makes a space more versatile

With the right mix of lamps, you make the most of a room. Think bright task lighting in the kitchen or accent lighting to highlight works of art and decorative pieces.

Can you combine different lamps from Tonone?

Yes, you can combine different Tonone lamps. Tonone's lamps are designed so that you can easily combine them with each other. For example, mix wall lamps, pendant lamps and table lamps from the same series to create a playful and layered lighting plan.

You can also mix different lamp models. The bold Bolt series combines well with the clean shapes of the Beads, the elegant Bella or the minimalist ONE. This way, you create a unique combination that ideally suits your interior.

Practical tips for combining lamps

A good combination of lamps depends on the room in which they are used. Combine per room and pay attention to harmony in style, colour and arrangement.  This way, you create a coherent whole and a pleasant balance.

Combine by room

Living room

For a cosy and well-lit living room, combine floor lamps, ceiling lamps and table lamps. Think of the Beads pendant lamp as general lighting, the Bolt floor lamp for atmosphere and the Bella table lamp for a subtle touch.

Tip: Use dimmers to adjust light to suit the moment. Bright light is useful for cleaning, while soft light is fine for a relaxing evening.

Bedroom

The bedroom is all about soft, warm lighting. Combine night lights or sconces next to the bed with a central ceiling lamp. This creates a soothing and functional lighting arrangement.

Tip: Choose lamps with warm light colours. This creates a relaxing atmosphere and helps your body unwind.

A suitable combination for the bedroom is the Bolt bedside lamp as a night lamp, the Beads wall lamp for atmospheric light and the Bella pendant lamp as a central light source. Together, they form a stylish and practical set.

Kitchen

The kitchen is all about good visibility and a functional lighting layout. Choose spotlights, task lighting such as under-cabinet lighting or wall lights above the worktop. Combine this with decorative pendant lights above a kitchen island or dining table. Accent lighting above a display cabinet completes the look.

Tip: Use bright, cooler light colours. This ensures good visibility while cooking and helps to see details better.

An ideal combination for the kitchen is the Bolt wall lamp for general lighting, the ONE + knob as a flexible light point and the Bridge pendant lamp above a kitchen island or dining table.

Home office

A home office needs good lighting to work productively and comfortably. Choose task lighting such as an adjustable desk lamp to minimise shadows. Add indirect light such as a wall lamp or soft floor lamp for less eye strain and more atmosphere.

Tip: Use light sources with a neutral, daylight colour. This will help you stay sharp and focused while working.

A practical combination for your home office is the Bolt desk lamp for focused light, the Mr Tubes pendant lamp as general lighting, and the Beads table lamp for added ambience and softness in the room.

Hallway or corridor

The hall or corridor needs practical yet atmospheric lighting. Use ceiling lights or spotlights for general lighting. Combine with decorative wall lights for an inviting atmosphere.

Tip: Mirror lighting can make a hallway optically larger and brighter, which is especially useful in narrow or dark rooms.

An ideal combination for the hall is the Bolt wall lamp for stylish light along the walls and the Atlas pendant lamp as an atmospheric pendant light.

Children's room

Lighting in a children's room should be both practical and atmospheric. Combine a bright ceiling lamp that illuminates the whole room well with soft lamps, such as a nightlight or a lamp that projects a starry sky.

Tip: Choose lamps that are safe and playful, such as LED lamps that don't get hot. This way, the room is child-friendly and energy-efficient.

A good combination for the kids' room is the Bolt desk lamp for functional light on the desk, the Bolt bedside lamp as a night light and the Bella pendant lamp for bright light from above. Together, they make the room cosy, practical and safe.

Pay attention to harmony in combinations

A good lamp combination goes beyond just practical lighting. Create harmony in style, colour and arrangement and transform your interior into a cohesive whole.

Choose a consistent style

Make sure the lamp styles in a room match. For example, combine industrial lamps for a bold look or opt for modern or classic designs if that suits your interior better.

Match light colours and intensity

Use lamps with the same colour temperature, such as warm white for a cosy atmosphere or cool white for a fresh look. This creates a coherent and calm light image.

Vary heights and sizes

Play with different heights and sizes of lamps. For example, hang a ceiling lamp higher and combine it with a table lamp or floor lamp at lower levels. This creates a playful and dynamic effect in the room.

Which interior styles benefit from combined Tonone lamps?

Tonone's lamps are versatile and fit a variety of interior styles.

Industrial style

The robust look of Tonone lamps, such as the Bolt series, fits perfectly with the rough materials and tough atmosphere of industrial interiors.

Minimalist style

With their clean lines and simple shapes, Tonone lamps fit perfectly into minimalist interiors. Consider the Beads and ONE series for a subtle, modern addition.

Modern style

Tonone lamps are made of high-quality materials and have a refined finish. This gives a modern space a stylish and luxurious feel.

Scandinavian style

The warm, inviting lighting and organic shapes of lamps like the Beads series fit perfectly with the cosy and natural atmosphere of Scandinavian interiors.

Eclectic style

Thanks to the versatility of Tonone lamps, you can mix different styles effortlessly. For example, combine an industrial Bolt pendant lamp with a playful Beads table lamp or an Ella table lamp with glass shade for a dynamic and unique whole.

What are common mistakes when combining lamps?

Common mistakes when combining lamps include mixing too many styles or colours, an imbalance in brightness or colour temperature, ignoring the size of the room and choosing only decorative lighting. Avoid these 4 common mistakes and ensure a well thought-out lamp arrangement.

Too many different styles or colors

Mixing too many different styles or colors creates a cluttered and unsettled look. Choose lamps that match in style and color.

Imbalance in brightness or colour temperature

Lamps with different light intensities or conflicting colour temperatures create an unevenly lit and unpleasant room. Align luminance levels and temperatures for a harmonious effect.

Failure to take room size into account

Lamps that are too large or too small disrupt the proportions of a room. Make sure lamps fit the size and scale of the room.

Decorative lighting only

Only decorative lighting in a room makes a room less usable. Always ensure a balance between atmospheric light and practical use.

Make a lighting plan and avoid mistakes

Good preparation starts with a lighting plan. By determining in advance which functions and atmospheres you need in a room, you can choose lamps more accurately and avoid common mistakes.

A lighting plan describes where you want to place basic lighting, task lighting and mood lighting. This way you ensure a balanced and coherent lighting arrangement.

Combining lamp inspiration and trends

Discover these inspiring trends and apply them to your space:

Statement pendant lamps

Pendant lamps with a striking design are the eye-catchers of today. Choose a large and sculptural model above your dining table or combine pendant lamps to make a statement.

Sustainable lighting

Sustainability is key. Lamps with energy-efficient technology, such as LED, and high-quality materials are a responsible choice that lasts.

Minimalist design

Clean lines and simple shapes are timeless and fit into almost any interior. Tonone's minimalist designs, such as the ONE and Beads series, are a case in point.

Smart lighting

Lighting that you control with an app or give voice commands makes your life easier. You easily adjust the brightness or colour temperature for each situation. Want to know how it works? Read more about smart lighting here.