Choosing best ambient lighting per room: what should you pay attention to?

Ambient lighting brings cosiness to your home and determines the look of your interior. This blog tells you what mood lighting is and how to use it intelligently in each room. Think about the right light colour, light intensity and how different lamps together form a beautiful whole. We also share the advantages of mood lighting and give practical tips for decorating your home with atmosphere.

What is ambient lighting?

Ambient lighting is light that sets the mood. Whereas functional lighting is practical, mood lighting creates an inviting, relaxing environment in your room.  Ideal for an evening of reading, relaxing on the couch or a cosy drink with friends.

Atmospheric lighting in different rooms

Below you can read about the use of ambient lighting per room in your home:

Living room

Combine floor lamps, table lamps and wall lamps to create a layered lighting plan. Think of a floor lamp next to the sofa for reading light, a table lamp on a sideboard for a warm glow and a wall lamp to accent art or decorations. Play with dimmers and light colours to create the right atmosphere.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, ambient lighting is all about rest and relaxation with soft, dimmable lighting. Place night lights next to the bed for reading a book. Wall lights are ideal for subtle, warm light without overwhelming the room.

Kitchen

The kitchen is all about striking the right balance between functional and atmospheric light. Under-cabinet lighting helps you clearly illuminate the worktop while cooking. Pendant lights above the sink or dining table create a warm and inviting look. Choose dimmable options so you can have bright light while cutting and create soft light for a cosy dinner.

Bathroom

The right lighting gives your bathroom a soothing atmosphere. Wall lights next to the mirror give an even light, ideal for your morning routine. Recessed spotlights with a warm light temperature create a soft, inviting atmosphere. Just make sure the lamps are resistant to moisture, so that your bathroom remains not only atmospheric, but also safe.

Tip: Plan lighting for each room with a lighting plan

Want the perfect balance of ambience and practical light in your home? Then make a lighting plan! This will help you map out what lighting you need and where best to place it. This will prevent a room from becoming too dark or too bright. Read more about making a lighting plan.

What is a suitable light color for ambient lighting?

A suitable light color for ambient lighting is between 1000K and 3000K and is called (extra) warm light. This light creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the house. Light colours above 3000K are cooler and are mainly used in kitchens, workspaces and industrial applications, where brightness and focus are more important.

What is a suitable light intensity for ambient lighting?

A suitable light intensity for ambient lighting is between 1500 and 3000 lumens (lm). This provides enough light to illuminate a room atmospherically without being too bright. Want to adjust the lighting exactly to your preference or the moment? Then use a dimmer. This allows you to easily adjust the light intensity, from bright while reading to soft and subtle for a relaxing evening.

How do different lamps add atmosphere?

Different lamps add atmosphere as follows:

• Table lamps: These are ideal for adding soft lighting on side tables, sideboards or bedside tables. Consider the Tonone Bolt table lamp, which is not only functional but also makes a design statement.

• Floor lamps: Great for illuminating dark corners and adding height to your lighting plan. The Tonone One floor lamp combines a minimalist, clean design with practical ambient lighting.

• Wall lights: Wall lights are ideal for creating accent lighting and take up little space. With the Tonone Bolt wall lamp, you have a choice of models and colours so there's always a variant to suit your interior style.

• Pendant lamps: Pendant lamps provide central lighting and immediately draw attention to a room. The Tonone Bridge pendant lamp is an example: a real eye-catcher that not only adds light, but also a unique character to your interior.

• Light cords and LED strips: These flexible and versatile light sources are suitable for a playful atmosphere, both indoors and outdoors. Place them along skirting boards, wrap them around furniture or use them in the garden for a creative and atmospheric glow of light.

What are the benefits of ambient lighting?

The 4 advantages of ambient lighting are:

• Suitable for any room and style
  Ambient lighting fits any interior, from modern to classic, and can be used in any room. Whether it's the living room, bedroom or kitchen, mood lighting makes your home cozier and more personal.

• Accentuates interior details
  Use mood lighting to highlight the most beautiful elements in your interior, such as a work of art, a special piece of furniture or unique architecture. This way, you give extra attention to what makes your room special.

• Enhances your mood
  Soft and warm light creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, improving your mood. It provides comfort and makes it easier to unwind after a busy day.

• Promotes sleep quality
  In the bedroom, mood lighting with a warm colour temperature provides relaxation and prepares your body for a good night's sleep. It prevents bright light from disturbing your natural sleep rhythm.