Lighting Standards for Architects and Interior Designers

Lighting Planning for Architects and Interior Designers

Have you ever sat down to read and found your book obscured by your own shadow? Or prepared a special meal in a brightly lit kitchen, only to find it’s a little too bright for the intimate dinner you envisioned? Lighting can be tricky to get right, but careful consideration of the placement of fixtures is essential for creating comfortable, functional spaces.

This article introduces some fundamental principles of lighting design for key spaces. The accompanying graphics provide useful tips on the best placement of fixtures. Dimensions are given in centimeters and approximate inches.

1. Lighting Strategies

Among others, three main lighting strategies can be combined to create a balanced lighting scheme for any space.

General Lighting

Every room and circulation space should have a minimum level of lighting that allows visibility, ease of movement, and effective cleaning. This is typically achieved with overhead light fixtures that are symmetrically and evenly spaced. Fixtures that diffuse light or direct it toward the ceiling help create an even distribution and reduce shadows.

This strategy is also ideal for classrooms, offices, and public spaces where a relatively bright and even light is required to suit a range of different tasks.

Task Lighting

Certain activities, such as reading, writing, or food preparation, require focused, brighter lighting in specific areas. The placement of task lighting should be carefully planned to avoid obstructions when in use.

Since different users may occupy a space in various ways—one person might read in a reclining chair, while another might use a standing desk for computer work—it is good practice to allow flexibility in task lighting. Providing power outlets instead of permanent fixtures gives users more options for customized lighting arrangements.

Accent Lighting

This is where the magic happens. Accent lighting adds character and ambiance to a space. Spotlights can highlight architectural features, while LED strips can create a soft glow around an entertainment room.

For track or spotlights mounted on the ceiling and directed at a wall-mounted element (such as artwork), they should be placed at least 30 cm (12 inches) from the wall and angled 35–45° to prevent glare. If a light is mounted on the floor and directed upward, an angle of 45–60° helps avoid harsh shadows.

Although accent lighting is not essential for tasks, it plays a key role in setting the mood. Soft, indirect lighting can have a calming effect and enhance the overall ambiance of a space.

Layering

The combination of multiple lighting strategies is referred to as layering. By using different light sources together, users can adjust the ambiance to suit different situations. It is important to have these lighting systems on separate circuits, allowing users to control them independently. Typically, task lights have individual controls, while general lighting is operated by a single switch for the entire room.

2. Other important principals

Ceiling Heights

Ceiling heights can vary considerably and lighting strategies should be designed for the specific situation. 

For general lighting with standard ceiling heights (240–300 cm / 8–10 ft), evenly spaced recessed lights or a central ceiling fixture work well. Lights should be placed 120–180 cm (47-71 inches) apart to ensure uniform illumination.

In rooms with higher ceilings (300 cm and above / 10+ ft), brighter fixtures or layered lighting—such as pendant lights, chandeliers, or additional recessed lighting—help prevent dark spots and maintain a cozy feel.

Light Temperature and Brightness

Light temperature (measured in Kelvin) and brightness (lumens) are essential for setting the right mood:

• Warm white (2700K–3000K) – Cozy and inviting, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
• Neutral white (3500K–4000K) – Crisp and functional, great for kitchens and offices.
• Cool white (5000K–6500K) – Mimics daylight, perfect for workspaces.

Pairing this with the right lumens ensures both comfort and functionality:

• 1000–2000 lm – Ambient lighting.
• 3000–4000 lm – Kitchens and bathrooms.
• 5000+ lm – Task-heavy areas.

3. Room-Specific Standards:

Living Rooms

Living rooms serve multiple functions and benefit from layered lighting for adaptability. Dropped ceilings (also known as suspended ceilings) offer opportunities for ambient lighting, as the concealed cavity allows for flexible wiring and recessed fixtures that appear flush with the ceiling.

Accent lighting in living rooms can take the form of LED strips along shelving units or spotlights angled at artwork. However, care should be taken to avoid glare on TVs and ensure that exposed bulbs are not at eye level.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms require softer lighting to promote relaxation (2700K, 800–1600 lm). Bright white bulbs should be avoided as they can have a stimulating effect. Provide stronger task lighting for reading and around mirrors (300–500 lm). 

Kitchens and dining spaces

Kitchens are high-functionality spaces that can easily become over-lit, but providing a variety of lighting strategies allows flexibility and adaptability. 

LED strips provide excellent task lighting along countertops (1500–3000 lm/m², 4000K).

Similar LED strips can be used for accent lighting to highlight cabinetry or shelving.

Dining areas benefit from a narrower beam of light for intimacy (90-120 °), contrasting with the even distribution of general lighting in the rest of the room. Pendant lights over a table can be lower than the minimum 210cm (6ft 11in) which is a comfortable height for a person to walk, but be careful when planning this so that future room arrangements are still possible. 

Bathrooms

A well-lit bathroom should have a combination of lighting strategies to create a balanced and inviting space. Bright, shadow-free lighting around the mirror is essential for grooming tasks, while softer ambient lighting enhances relaxation, especially around bathtubs or showers. General lighting should be bright and cool for cleaning.

Classrooms and Public Spaces

Bright, even lighting is essential in classrooms and other public areas to prevent glare and harsh reflections, which can cause eye strain and headaches (4000K, 3500–5000 lm). Layered lighting with spotlights in presentation areas can help draw attention and maintain focus.

Conclusion

While every room has unique dimensions and requirements, these examples highlight the importance of combining different lighting strategies and applying key principles to create comfortable, functional spaces.