Shedding light: How to choose lighting for every room

Winter has arrived, and Hanukkah is near—a perfect season to light up your home, even when the world outside feels cold and dark. Artificial lighting is not just a practical solution for short winter days; it’s a powerful design tool that can elevate any space. Thanks to advanced technologies, innovative fixtures, and smart planning, creating a cozy and unique ambiance at home has never been easier—no major renovations required.

Beyond its practical role, lighting directly affects our emotions and moods. Benjamin Hershtein, a senior lighting consultant at Light-In in Herzliya Pituach, explains:“Light influences us more than we realize. Overly bright lighting can cause stress and anxiety, while dimly lit spaces often evoke calm, nostalgia, or even melancholy. Thoughtfully planned lighting should harmonize with each room’s atmosphere and purpose."

For example, in the living room—the heart of winter activities—you can combine wall sconces, pendant lights, and floor lamps to create a range of lighting effects, adapting to different moods and needs.

She suggests that even sturdy fixtures like lampshades or corner reading lights can add softness and intimacy to a space. For bookshelves, rechargeable lighting is an ideal solution, accentuating open shelves and displayed items while adding a modern, polished touch.

He stresses the importance of pre-planned electrical points tailored to the kitchen’s layout. A large ceiling-mounted fixture can provide general illumination, while custom light strips or magnetic tracks offer targeted solutions. For lowered ceilings, recessed lighting works well, and in concrete ceilings, cylinder lights deliver focused beams. Separate switches for different zones give complete control over lighting scenarios.

While white kitchen lighting was once the standard, today’s options are more diverse.“3000K bulbs, which emit a warm yellowish light, create a soft, pleasant glow—perfect above an island or dining nook,” Hershtein notes. Decorative fixtures can add both functionality and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the overall ambiance.

In bedrooms, the focus is on intimate lighting. “Here, it’s essential to balance practical fixtures, like ceiling-mounted lights, with mood-setting sources such as standing lamps or wall-mounted options with separate controls,” Hershtein says. He adds that candles, with their unique charm, are a great way to introduce warmth.

Proper lighting planning also improves functionality across the home. “Poor lighting at a workstation strains your eyes, affecting focus and efficiency," he points out. In bathrooms, targeted lighting is crucial for precise tasks like applying makeup or shaving.

Whether it’s the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom, lighting serves as more than a design element—it transforms the home into a space that meets your needs with precision.