The Importance of Lighting in Interior Designs

By Gargi Joglekar

“While it's easy to focus on furniture and decor, without proper lighting, even the most beautifully designed rooms can feel flat.” - Gargi Joglekar

How Lighting Transformed My Home (and Why It’s Essential in Yours)

When I think about what truly makes a home feel complete, lighting is one of the first things that comes to mind. It’s such a crucial element of interior design, yet it often gets overlooked. I remember when I was renovating my own home, I spent so much time choosing the perfect furniture and fabrics, but it wasn’t until I adjusted the lighting that everything really came together. Without proper lighting, even the most thoughtfully designed spaces can feel flat or incomplete.

Lighting does so much more than simply illuminate a room. It sets the mood, creates ambiance, highlights architectural features, and can even affect how we feel in our homes. For example, in my dining room, I swapped out a bright, sterile overhead light for a soft, dimmable chandelier, and the entire space instantly felt more intimate and inviting. If you've ever walked into a beautifully decorated room that felt cold or harsh, it's likely because the lighting wasn't quite right. Conversely, when lighting is done well, it transforms a space, making it feel warm, inviting, and perfectly tailored to your needs.

1. Lighting Layers: The Key to a Well-Designed Space

One of the most important principles I focus on when designing a space is the concept of layering light. A single overhead fixture simply won’t do the trick. You want to incorporate different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—throughout your home to create a well-balanced and functional environment.

I learned this firsthand when I was working on my kitchen renovation. I initially thought overhead recessed lighting would be enough, but once I added under-cabinet task lighting, it made a world of difference while prepping meals. Not only was it more practical, but it also added a polished, functional element to the space that I didn’t realize I was missing.

• Ambient lighting is your general light source. This is usually provided by ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, or large pendants, and it ensures that the room is well-lit overall. But ambient lighting on its own can feel a little flat, which is where the other layers come into play.
• Task lighting is focused on specific areas where you need concentrated light. Think of under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen, a reading lamp by your favorite chair, or sconces in the bathroom. Task lighting is all about function, but it doesn’t have to sacrifice style. I love using stylish lamps on my bedside tables for a soft glow that also makes reading in bed a treat.
• Accent lighting is what I call the “jewelry” of the room. It’s what you use to highlight artwork, architectural details, or even a beautiful textured wall. When I added wall sconces to highlight the texture of my living room’s accent wall, it completely elevated the space, giving it a refined and layered look.

2. Why Do Different Fixtures Matter?

Using different light fixtures throughout your home is essential because every room serves a different purpose, and each requires a unique lighting approach. When I was working on my bedroom, for example, I wanted to create a calming atmosphere, so I opted for dimmable bedside sconces paired with soft ambient lighting from a modern chandelier. Here’s how I approach lighting in various rooms:

• Living room: You’ll want a combination of ambient lighting, like a beautiful chandelier or flush-mount, paired with task lighting in the form of table lamps or floor lamps. Dimmable fixtures are ideal here, so you can adjust the light depending on the time of day or the mood you're aiming to create.