The lighting setup in your home serves more purpose than just looking good. Your lighting can affect your sleeping, performance and how you feel. When it comes to LED bulbs there are so many different options to choose from. You're probably sat there thinking 'but where do I start?'. You're not alone!
Certain types of bulbs serve different purposes. Some bulbs are better for rooms more than others, and some are a total no go. To optimise the lighting in your home, we explore the best type of bulbs to use.
Best Bulb For The Living Room
The living room is a space thats role changes throughout the day. Because of this, the best type of bulb for a living room isn't a one size fits all.
As your living room can be a space to relax, work and eat in or perhaps only one of the above, it does need to be tailored to suit the rooms needs as it changes.
Generally speaking a soft white bulb within the yellowish range, between 2700k-3000k is the perfect colour temperature for living rooms. However, if your living room is used a lot for reading and working you might want to look at a bulb that is closest to daylight. This is between 5000k-6000k, you could then install a dimmer so you can have control over your lighting. You can then brighten and dim your lighting setup as required. Alternatively, you could use a soft white bulb throughout your main ceiling lighting and invest in a table lamp or floor lamp with a daylight bulb which you could use as task lighting.
For The Bathroom
Bathroom lighting is a difficult one to get right. But when you do get it right it can help to enhance the room for the tasks required.
A bathroom is a place that requires task lighting for those daily tasks such as applying makeup and shaving. Alternatively, you don't want there to be harsh lighting all the time for those moments where you use the bathroom for relaxation.
The best LED bulbs for a bathroom are in the warm white range, between 3000K to 4000K. Bright white bulbs between 4000k to 5000K also work really well with bathrooms that feature chrome or white fixtures. These two colour temperatures will help you to carry out your bathroom tasks with ease. Again, you can install a dimmer switch to allow you to control the brightness of the lighting when required.
For The Kitchen
The hub of the house, the kitchen is a space that brings the family together and can be used for multiple purposes.
A warm white bulb between 3000K and 4000K is perfect for lighting throughout a kitchen by way of ceiling lights or wall lights. For the areas that require task lighting such as worktops and the hob, you may want to opt for a brighter colour temperature. In these areas, a bight white or daylight bulb would work best. Providing maximum lighting in the areas that require it.
For The Dining Room
Whether you have a stand alone dining room or one joined to the kitchen, getting the right lighting in this room is key to creating a social, light and airy space.
A warm white bulb between 3000K and 4000K is perfect for a dining room. To create further flexibility and warmth in this room you could look to install a dimmer.
Applying Makeup
Applying makeup is one of the activities that requires adequate task lighting. Whether it's a task you usually carry out in the bathroom, a dressing room or in your bedroom, choosing the right light bulb is key for makeup application.
The best light bulb for applying makeup is between 4,800k to 6,000k, a level of white lighting that isn't too warm or cool. This cool, bright and clean light bulb will give you the very best clarity.
Which Light Bulb Is Best For A Home Office?
A home office is more important than ever right now, and getting the lighting right is a key aspect in productivity and how you feel throughout the day.
Selecting a colour temperature somewhere between 4000-5000K is the closest colour to perfect daylight. This is perfect for task lighting. Bulbs of these temperatures will help you stay alert during the working day without causing any strain on your eyes. Use the same colour throughout the home office in all of your fixtures for balanced lighting.
Which Light Bulb Is Best For Painting?
You'll need some good quality task lighting in place for a concentrated task such as painting. A light bulb with a colour temperature of 4000k-5000k will provide you with a cool, bright light which is the closest match to daylight.
You'll also want to pay attention to the CRI of the bulb. A bulb with a CRI of 80-100 will allow you to perceive the truest representation of colour in your work. An absolute essential when creating your masterpiece.
Take a look at our extensive range of LED bulbs. Shop by colour temperature or shape to create an effective lighting setup for your home.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]The lighting setup in your home serves more purpose than just looking good. Your lighting can affect your sleeping, performance and how you feel. When it comes to LED bulbs there are so many different options to choose from. You’re probably sat there thinking ‘but where do I start?’. You’re not alone! Certain types of […]
A place of tranquility and relaxation, the bathroom is probably one of the most used rooms of the house. Lighting plays an integral part in a bathroom. It's important to get right for those times that task lighting is required, and for those evenings where relaxation is key.
We've put together a bathroom lighting guide that will help to enhance the way that you use your space.
Task Lighting
Task lighting in a bathroom will help you to complete those everyday necessities like shaving and applying makeup with ease. Dedicated task lighting provides increased light for specific tasks, in their required area.
This can be achieved in a bathroom by using recessed downlights, cabinet lights and mirror lights.
Recessed downlights are a great choice as they blend into most interior decor. They're also easy to install into those tiny nooks where otherwise it would be difficult to install substantial lighting for the task at hand.
If they're being fitted away from the shower and bath, such as by the sink, you will need downlights with an IP rating of 44 and above. Take a look at our blog on IP rated downlights for more information on bathroom zones.
Wall Lights
If you're looking for a more decorative finish, wall lights will help you to achieve the desired look. Wall lights are perfect for hanging at eye level in a bathroom. They can be used as a stand alone light fitting or used to layer lighting.
Layering lighting works well for adding depth to a room and additional lighting to the areas that need it most. Wall lights work will in conjunction with downlights and ceiling lights.
Set The Mood With A Dimmer Switch
The perfect lighting setup for a bathroom is one that takes you through the day and can be adapted as necessary. A dimmer switch will allow you to increase and decrease the brightness as required.
A dimmer switch is the perfect way to create mood lighting for a relaxing setting. When you're having a soak in the bath, dim the lighting to help you relax and unwind.
Our dimmer switches are available in a number of different finishes to suit your decor.
Choose The Right Colour Temperature
Another important consideration to make is the colour temperature of the bulbs you are using in your lighting setup. This is particularly important if you have a bathroom with no natural lighting.
IP Ratings
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system is crucial for ensuring that bathroom lighting is safe for use in areas where it may come into contact with moisture or water. Here's a breakdown of how the IP rating system is structured:
IP Rating Breakdown:
IP: Stands for "Ingress Protection". The first digit indicates protection against solid objects (like dust or dirt). The second digit indicates protection against liquids (like water).
Common Bathroom Zones:
- Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower.
Requires IP65 or higher. - Zone 1: Above the bath or shower up to a height of 2.25m.
Requires IP44 or higher. - Zone 2: The area around the bath or shower extending 60cm outside.
Requires IP44 or higher. - Zone 3: Further than 60cm from the bath or shower, where lighting might still encounter occasional water splashes.
IP20 is sufficient, but IP44 is recommended.
Shaver sockets
Now you've decided on your lighting setup, don't forget about the final details. Matching your shaver sockets with other details in your room such as downlights or wall lights will really help to pull the room together.
Our shaver sockets are available in a number of different finishes. Our newest Fusion range combines up to 3 different metals. This range is ideal for those who feature a number of different metals in their home such as white metal and polished chrome.
A bathroom lighting plan will help you to utilise the space and enhance if for the activities that need it.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]A place of tranquility and relaxation. We’ve put together a bathroom lighting guide that will help to enhance the way that you use your space.
Lighting that makes a statement can create a real focal point in a room, drawing attention, whilst lighting its surroundings. Choosing the right lighting for you can be a tricky task, with so many types on offer.
If you are struggling to decide which lighting fixture you require, you may find our guide to lighting fixtures to be useful. If you have settled on a hanging ceiling fixture, however, you’ll need to choose between a pendant light and a chandelier.
What is the difference between pendant lighting and a chandelier?
Before looking any further, it is worth looking at the simple definitions of each light type. A chandelier is a suspended ceiling light with multiple light bulbs, whilst pendant lighting is a suspended ceiling light fixture with only a single bulb.
Chandeliers tend to be more expensive than pendant lights (although there are some cheap chandeliers and expensive pendants available on the market.)
Pendant lights are commonly hung on the cord, as the weight of the light is much lower than a chandelier, whilst chandeliers are commonly hung on a chain. Again, this is not a hard and fast rule, as many of Soho Lighting’s Schoolhouse and Statement pendant lights come with chains, as these are much heavier than many other pendant lights.
Which sort of rooms suit pendant lights more than chandeliers?
Chandeliers tend to suit classic, or period properties, as they are generally more grand. Pendant lights are very versatile and can suit all sorts of styles of décor, as well as different heights of room. Chandeliers tend to fit better in rooms with very high ceilings as they tend to be larger and heavier than pendants. Again, this is not a hard and fast rule, as there are many long drop pendant lights available, with longer chains and cords.
Chandeliers usually give off a more ambient, less concentrated light. This can be great for a relaced location like a living room, but many pendant lights, especially ones that direct the light downwards, are often better for task lighting. Pendants can be great when positioned above a kitchen island, as they not only provide useful task lighting, but also create a beautiful centrepiece.
When to use a chandelier or a pendant light
Personal preference can really be the key point here, but in certain situations, it is more likely that one sort of light fixture will be better than another.
- When lighting a big room like a living room (with high ceilings) then a chandelier is likely to be a good choice.
- When concentrating light into a certain area, e.g. above a kitchen island, then a pendant light could suit.
If you have settled on a hanging ceiling fixture for your room, you’ll need to choose between a pendant light and a chandelier.
Colours that we come into contact with every day have a subconscious effect on us without us realising it. The same goes for colour temperature in our lighting. It might be affecting us in a way that hinders our performance and even our mood.
Colour temperature is measured in degrees kelvin on a scale of 1000 to 10,000. Bulbs which have a lower colour temperature will have a warm light. Whilst those with a higher colour temperature emit a bright, blue/white cool light.
How Does Colour Temperature Affect Us?
Have you noticed before that natural light gives you a spring in your step? When lighting is dimmed, do you feel sleepy? Do dimly lit rooms give you an instant headache? You're not going mad, there is a scientific link between the colour temperature of lighting and our mood.
Light therapy studies have discovered that different colour temperatures affect moods, heart rates and circadian rhythms. Scientifically speaking, this is because different intensities of light cause the body to release different hormones.
Blue Light & Circadian Rhythm
Humans follow a circadian rhythm, this is a natural, internal process within the body which regulates the sleep/wake cycle. Artificial light at night that is omitted from our phones can disrupt our cycle by suppressing melatonin production in the evening.
Melatonin keeps us healthy by inducing sleep, boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol, and helping organs function. It has been proven that people who suffer from suppressed melatonin levels and lack of sleep are more prone to depression and low mood.
Advice suggests putting your phone away an hour before bed to limit your exposure. Alternatively, you can dull the brightness to night settings on your phone.
However, you can further minimise your exposure to blue light at night by changing the kind of lights you have in certain areas of your home. Consider using Warm White (2500K-2700K) LED lights in your bedroom or living room with a dimmer.
On the other side of the spectrum, warmer light sources (between 2000K-2700K) create warmth and relaxation. This colour temperature is equivalent to things like dusk, candlelight, and firelight. It creates a warm, cosy environment, and can also encourage creativity and conversation. Choose warm white bulbs for bedrooms, bathrooms, dining and living rooms.
Productivity
You become a product of your environment, and it's no different when it comes down to lighting. Boosting productivity and concentration is desirable when thinking about lighting in offices and workspaces.
Cool white light (between 3,500-4,100K) is not quite as bright as natural daylight, but, does provide some benefits. This colour temperature triggers our brains to stay alert, promotes concentration and has been linked to boosting productivity in people. This colour temperature also makes it easier for our eyes to see and perform tasks.
Cool white LED bulbs are common within offices and workspaces. They can also be used as task lighting in kitchens and other areas that require it.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
It's no surprise that natural daylight generally makes us have a spring in our steps. Studies have shown that exposure to natural daylight and artificial daylight (5,600-6,000K), especially in the morning, can significantly improve health conditions such as depression, stress, sleep and SAD (seasonal aid disorder).
Like natural daylight, this colour temperature is bright, fresh and calming. It can make people feel more alert and has been tied with links between increased productivity and work performance.
Natural daylight bulbs are ideal for task lighting uses, offices and in areas that require this level of lighting.
The way colour temperature affects humans has been well documented in several scientific studies. So, when you're next choosing the lighting for your home, colour temperature is one area that you should definitely pay close attention to.
Take a look at our full range of LED bulbs and browse by colour temperature to find the right lighting for your home.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Colours that we come into contact with every day have a subconscious effect on us without us realising it. The same goes for colour temperature in our lighting. It might be affecting us in a way that hinders our performance and even our mood. Colour temperature is measured in degrees kelvin on a scale of […]
When positioning downlights in your home there are many important considerations to take into account. Positioning them effectively will create an efficient and effective light source in your room.
The way downlights are positioned can also change from room to room, which is dependent on how the room is used.
In this blog we explore how to effectively arrange and position downlights. Creating the ideal arrangement which will help you save energy, cut costs and maximise space.
How To Plan The Layout of Downlights?
Downlights are a fantastic choice to light a home as they illuminate a room, enable you to create localised task lighting and they create ambience.
As mentioned, downlights can be used in different ways depending on how you want to light the room.
As a rough idea, allowing one downlight per 1.2m2 will provide an effective level of lighting. To calculate numbers and spacing more accurately, you need to consider what the room is used for and how your fittings and fixtures are positioned.
Focal Points
This will differ from room to room. When planning your light scheme with downlights you need to pay particular attention to what areas of a room need more light.
For example, in a kitchen when deciding your lighting layout, your starting point should be the locations that require additional lighting such as a worktop, hob or breakfast bar. Once you have selected the downlights for these areas requiring additional light, the remaining downlight positions can then be added amongst them.
Ceiling edges
Position downlights too close to a wall and they will create unwanted shadows around the edge of a ceiling. When fitting them, ensure you work in a gap from the ceiling edge of approximately 75cm. In doing so, this will create well distributed light throughout the whole room. Making it a light and airy space.
What Is The Room Used For?
As previously discussed, the intended use of a room should be a primary driving factor when positioning downlights. A rooms function will dictate the position of any focal points, such as over a worktop or by a bathroom mirror.
Unlike traditional light sources, downlights can be located strategically which is tailored to the needs of the room.
How To Position Downlights In A Bathroom?
Lighting in a bathroom can often be a difficult one to tackle due to the fact that they often have small windows, or no natural light source at all.
Fitting the downlights into your bathroom is preferable once your fittings are in place. This will then give you a layout to work around. For example, if you have a mirror, you may want to place one of two downlights in the vicinity so you can see clearly. Shelving and alcove areas can also benefit from downlights to showcase the space.
Installing a dimmer in your bathroom lighting setup puts you in control of your lighting. Creating a tranquil ambience when taking a relaxing bath will transform your bathroom experience.
When choosing downlights, you need to pay close attention to downlights and what bathroom zones they serve. The key to downlights in bathroom is safety first!
There are four zones in a bathroom; 0,1, 2 and the outside zone. Each zone dictates how well protected a light fitting will be against moisture, this is backed up by its IP rating.
The four bathroom lighting zones are:
Zone 0
Inside the bath or shower. Lights must be rated at least IP67.
Zone 1
Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor. Lights must be rated to at least IP45 (typically, IP65 is used).
Zone 2
An area extending 60cm beyond the bath, shower and wash basin, up to 2.25m above the floor. Lights must be rated at least IP44.
Outside Zone
This is anywhere outside of the zones mentioned above where no water is likely to be present.
How To Position Downlights In A Kitchen?
Downlights are a contemporary lighting choice for a kitchen, enabling you to create better task lighting than you can with traditional lighting.
A kitchen is the heart of a home and needs to be suitably lit to create a light, airy and social space. The kitchen is a room thats role can often change throughout the day, especially if you have a breakfast bar that is used for a work space too.
Like the bathroom, you need to carefully consider first where your task lighting is going to be needed most. Food preparation is a key area for making sure it's well lit. Bearing in mind, that you don't want to create a shadowy work surface. You want to illuminate the areas where you are prepping and doing stuff, and not the back of your head!
You can then position the rest of your downlights around your key task lighting areas. If you have a breakfast bar or dining table in your kitchen, you might want to group three together over a table to create a light space for those tea and biscuits.
LED downlights are a fantastic choice for lighting a home. Creating a contemporary feel, with effective and efficient lighting throughout your home, no matter what the room.
FAQs
All of our downlights are fire rated to 30, 60, and 90 minutes. If you'd like to read more about Fire Rated Downlights, visit our blog 'Why Choose Fire Rated Downlights'.
We explore how to effectively arrange and position downlights. Creating the ideal arrangement while you save energy, cut costs and maximise space.
Pictured: @smelectricalservices showcasing our downlights.
Outside lights can transform the entrance to your home. Whilst providing a light and social space in a garden area throughout the seasons. When selecting outside lights for your home you need to pay careful attention to the IP rating to ensure it's suitable for those conditions.
In this blog, we discuss the IP rating of lights and more specifically, what IP rating is required for outside lights.
What IP Rating Means?
IP stands for Ingress Protection or International Protection Ratings. They are defined to the international standard of EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992).
IP rating is used to determine the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies such as tools, dirt and moisture.
An IP rating consists of IP followed by two digits. The higher the number the better the protection. Let's take a look at the below IP rating.
IP65: What does the first digit mean?
The first digit indicates the level of protection that it provides against solid foreign objects and dirt. Basically, objects and foreign bodies that could be hazardous if they came into contact with electrical conductors or moving parts, to airborne dirt and dust that could damage circuitry.
IP65: What does the second digit mean?
The second digit represents the protection of the equipment inside the light against various forms of moisture (drips, sprays, submersion etc). This is how well it copes against the external elements of weather.
What IP rating for outside lights?
The higher the IP rating the more protection it provides to external elements such as dirt, foreign bodies and weather. The minimum IP rating you should look for when purchasing outside lights is IP45 and above. Anything between IP45 and IP65 is suitable for outdoor use, with IP65 providing maximum protection against external elements.
IP Rating For Lights Under A Porch
The only exception for outdoor lighting with an IP rating of 66 or less is when your light is positioned outside in covered areas such as porches. In this instance, the light should be rated IP44 or higher.
IP44 rating means that it is protected against solid objects that are bigger than 1mm and water splashing from all directions. It is not suitable for exterior exposed walls.
IP45 and above would typically be considered splash proof. If you are looking for Patio or decking lights, we recommend an IP rating of IP45 or above as these areas are often cleaned by using a power washer.
The below shows an IP rating table of IP45 and above and what they protect from.
IP66 Rated Outside Lights
We have a wide range of suitably rated lights for outdoor use, whether you're looking for some subtle downlights to light a porch or some wall lights to welcome people into your home.
Our outdoor wall lights all carry a minimum of IP66 rating which are designed to be hard wearing against weather.
This Hopkin polished brass outdoor wall light is made with real solid brass and rated to IP66, perfect for outdoor use. It has a slightly vintage feel to it which makes it ideal for industrial settings and outdoor space.
If brass isn't your thing, our Kingly Aluminium wall light is well suited to most outdoor spaces. It carries a sophisticated finish that is timeless, classy and uber-cool.
Another fantastic addition to an outdoor space is the Carlisle grid prismatic bulkhead outdoor wall light. With a nautical feel, this light means business. Providing presence and gravitas to your outdoor space.
We carry a large range of IP65 rated downlights. Our 10W IP65 rated downlights are suitable for use in Bathrooms (Zone 1) and outdoor use. Downlights are ideal for under lighting on porches or patios, providing a well lit and social area.
Available in a number of finishes to suit your taste. Graphite Grey is a top seller, lending itself to outdoor use. All downlights are fire rated to 30, 60 and 90 minutes, and robustly built, these strong, safe colour-changing LED graphite grey downlights have 2 sprung clips for easy installation and a quick terminal connector on the driver for easy installation and wiring.
With the winter season closing in, it doesn't mean you need to stay inside. Our range of outdoor lighting can keep you enjoying your outdoor space and fresh air throughout the seasons.
FAQs
Yes, we do a range of spike lights so that you can move them whenever you like, and light any part of your garden where a wall isn't accessible to mount a light.
When selecting outside lights for your home you need to pay careful attention to the IP rating to ensure it’s suitable for those conditions.
A fused connection unit (or FCU) is an electrical outlet with an integrated fuse used for connecting permanently installed appliances such as fridges, dishwashers, and waste disposal units to a circuit. It is essentially equivalent to a fused plug and socket with a cable connected to an appliance, except it is permanently wired into the outlet and the fuses are often easier to change if needed.
Fused connection units are fitted with a fuse holder in the faceplate, protected by an easy-access cover. They usually take fuses from 3-amp to a 13-amp fuse and can safely run appliances up to a maximum of 3.1kW. Fused connection units can come in switched or unswitched varieties, and some also come with an indicator light.
As FCUs are equivalent to a fused plug and socket, and you can connect them by swapping out a regular plug socket for an FCU (providing it is a 1-gang socket). Alternatively, you can also run it on a separate cable from an existing regular socket on the main circuit, providing an additional level of isolation. FCUs can be completely hard-wired, with the cable to the appliance hidden in the wall, or with a visible cable permanently fitted into the faceplate.
Due to the need to safely de-rate the supply down from 32 amps, FCUs are unique to the UK.
Note: In the interest of safety, you should not undertake any work related to fused connection units, and should only be undertaken by a qualified electrician.
Where are Fused Connection Units Used?
Here are some examples of common uses of fused connection units:
- Integrated kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and fridge freezers
- Low-consumption hobs and ovens
- Cooker hoods
- Extractor fans
- Boilers
- Electric heaters
- Shaver sockets
- Waste disposal units
How does a fuse work?
Fuses in plugs are safety devices which are out in place to protect the lead, rather than the appliance. If too much current goes through them due to an overload or fault, they will blow. This is because they are deliberately made to be a weak link in the circuit. The blown fuse will then cut off the electricity, so the lead and the appliance do not overheat (which can cause a fire).
Types of Fused Connection Unit
There are several different types of fused connection unit, each with their own typical uses and advantages:
Single/Double Pole Fused Connection Unit
FCUs can come in single or double pole variants – the single pole isolating the live wire only, and the double pole isolating both live and neutral wires. The double pole is often used when a higher degree of isolation and safety is required, e.g. for higher-wattage appliances.
Unswitched Fused Connection Unit
This type of FCU only features a fuse holder, with no switch. An unswitched fused connection unit could be used for any appliance that has its own ON/OFF switch, such as a washing machine, or a device that operates continuously and must be difficult to turn off, such as a fire alarm or security lights.
Switched Fused Connection Unit
A switched FCU is an outlet where the cable to an integrated appliance is hard-wired and concealed in the wall (i.e. no plug, socket, or visible cable). It contains a fuse holder and a switch, allowing the unit to be turned on and off. This would typically be used for integrated kitchen appliances that do not have their own ON/OFF switch, e.g. a fridge freezer, which might require turning off for defrosting.
Fused Connection Unit with Flex Outlet
An FCU with a flex outlet is a wall outlet which has a flexible cable permanently wired into the faceplate, instead of being hard-wired into the wall. This might be used for appliances which may not normally be permanently integrated, but which may still require a safe means of isolation, such as an electric radiator or a hair dryer.
Replacing Fuses in an FCU
Fused connection units are fitted with a fuse holder in the faceplate, protected by an easy-access cover that allows fuses to be easily changed when needed.
Before replacing a fuse, it is essential that the issue that caused the fuse to blow is identified and corrected. Different types of fuse are required depending on the power consumption of the appliance, so if you need to change a fuse, it must only be replaced with another of the appropriate rating:
- Appliances rated at around 700W or below should be fitted with a 3-amp fuse.
- Appliances rated from around 700W to around 3000W require a 13-amp fuse.
In the UK, plug fuse ratings have now been standardised to either 3 amps or 13 amps. However, some older appliances still take a 5-amp fuse, which are still available for purchase. When replacing a fuse be sure to check the manufacturer’s specification.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]A fused connection unit (or FCU) is an electrical outlet with an integrated fuse used for connecting permanently installed appliances such as fridges, dishwashers, and waste disposal units to a circuit. It is essentially equivalent to a fused plug and socket with a cable connected to an appliance, except it is permanently wired into the […]
When planning your kitchen layout, getting the right set up for the functionality you require is so important. Whilst having too many sockets and switches in the room will look strange, not having enough outlets can cause problems. There’s nothing worse than needing to plug in two appliances on a work top, but only having one socket.
If you are planning a home renovation, or re-doing your kitchen, now is the time to think about which outlets you require, how many of them and where they need to go. You don’t need to be too concerned with the finish just yet.
Create a Diagram
On your floor plans, indicate where you need power sockets in your kitchen. Think about the worktops, and what you are likely to be doing on them. If you are likely to use appliances like blenders, be sure to plan in enough outlets.
If you can, use double sockets, to give yourself more options, and look to have at least one socket, every 2-3 metres along the wall.
Be sure to include sockets for ovens, fridges, washing machines and other larger appliances. These will need double pole sockets, double pole switches and may require a switched fused connection unit. Ovens sometimes need to be hardwired into the wall using a flex outlet, but this is not always the case.
Some cookers need a 45A switch at the wall, however cooker control units offer a 45A switch for the oven as well as a plug socket for appliances, without taking up too much space.
If you have a social space in your kitchen, for example a table, kitchen island or a breakfast bar, consider adding a socket nearby for laptops and phones. You may even want to add in a USB socket for quick and easy charging.
What height should the sockets be?
Generally, it’s good to install sockets that are at the worktops, about 10-15cm above the surface. If you have a kitchen/diner with a table and want to have an outlet for easy access for chargers and laptops, position it 45cm above the floor.
For large appliances like fridges and dishwashers, the height depends on the size of the space and size of the appliance. Your kitchen fitter may need to see the space to advise you.
Which sockets and switches do I need in the kitchen?
This depends really on the individual kitchen, but here are a few important ones:
- Light switches: You’ll need switches to control all of the lights in the room. These are likely to be 2-way switches.
- Worktop sockets: place a 13A socket every 2-3 metres.
- Appliance sockets: Behind every major appliance. (Some method of isolation is needed.)
- Cooker switches: You’ll need a 45A switch. Consider using a cooker control unit.
- Appliance switches: You’ll need double pole switches for appliances like washing machines.
If you are renovating your kitchen, now is the time to think about which outlets you require, how many of them you need and where they need to go.
With the darker nights drawing in, the endless light evenings that required minimal lighting are sadly over. It's a time to reflect on your current lighting strategy in your living room to create a cosy, warming and most importantly well lit room for relaxing, eating or working.
There are many different options for how you choose to light your living room. This can depend on individual requirements and how your room is used. We talk you through our living room lighting guide to help you select the right lighting for your living room.
There may be occasions where you want to light a living room with no overhead lighting. This might particularly be the case if you have a beautiful ceiling that you don't want to encroach onto.
Whilst it's not the traditional way to light a living room. This does provide an opportunity to be creative with different forms of lighting.
One form of lighting is likely to not be enough, especially on those dark mornings. Layering lighting is key when not using overhead lighting.
A floor lamp is a fantastic way to get a lot of targeted light onto one area. Perfect for task lighting, this is ideal for reading nooks or layering with additional lighting to light the entire room.
Wall lights are a match made in heaven with floor lamps. They provide better distributed light while a floor lamp can brighten the areas that need it most.
Another inexpensive way to light your living room without the use of overhead lighting is table lamps. They provide effective light sources, and strategically placed they can provide an adequate amount of light without the need for overhead lighting.
Layering Lighting
As touched on above, layering lighting is a great way to achieve the desired level of lighting through the use of different lights.
For it to work effectively in your living room, you need to find the right balance between downlights, pendant lights, floor lamps and wall lights.
Once you understand the three different types of lighting, task lighting, accent and ambient lighting you can work around your requirements and layer accordingly.
To effectively layer your lighting, keep these key considerations in mind;
- Use plenty of floor lamps, they give you additional flexibility on where you want your lighting to be placed.
- Remember that ambient lighting doesn't have to come from overhead lighting alone. Wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps can all contribute to it.
- Don't forget natural lighting comes into play too! Especially if you have large bay windows or street lighting near to your windows.
Ambient Lighting
Adding some ambient lighting to your living room setup can help to set the overall mood for the room. This can be achieved in a number of different ways.
Ambient lights most commonly hang from the ceiling. This could include pendant lights or chandeliers, among others which help to create a rooms ambient lighting.
Using a dimmer switch for ambient lighting gives you control over lowering the brightness of your lights. This is particularly useful as the role of your room changes as the day goes on.
Colour Temperature
The colour temperature of your bulbs is another important consideration to have when creating the lighting plan in your room.
The colour temperature describes the appearance of the light. Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin on a scale from 1000 to 10000.
It's dependent on your personal preferences for your living room, but generally speaking a colour temperature of 1800K which is sunset white is perfect for living rooms. This emits a vintage style light which is beautiful and warm. This colour works well in a living room as it can help to create ambience and warmth.
A slightly cooler, but still warm colour temperature is 3000K which is a warm white light. The warm inviting glow it creates makes it perfect for a living space. However, if your living room is a place you work in quite regularly you might want to opt for something closer to daylight.
The living room is one that can adapt and change as the day goes on, so it needs a careful lighting strategy that can help you go from work to relaxing if required.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]We talk you through a living room lighting guide to help you select the right lighting for your living room. From no overhead lighting to layering lighting.
When renovating or decorating your home, the details can really add to or detract from the overall look. A period feature in a contemporary setting can stick out like a sore thumb, and a contemporary feature in a period or vintage setting can do the same.
Sockets and switches are a common feature throughout properties, and often appear in very visible places, so if the plan is to have a consistent style throughout the room, then the faceplates need to match the décor style.
What is contemporary décor?
Contemporary décor styles tend to not only suit homes but also commercial spaces like offices too. As a style, it is defined by simplicity, clean lines and subtle sophistication. These interiors often focus around the space, rather than particular focal points (statues etc.)
Neutral colours are the most common colours in contemporary design. Mainly blacks and whites. Strong visible lines are key to creating a contemporary look. These lines don’t necessarily need to be straight, as curves can be used, but they need to be strong and clear. Lines can be found in the architectural detailing, colour blocks and wall art.
What sort of socket and switch finish suits contemporary properties?
When looking at contemporary sockets and switch finishes and styles, consider the characteristics, compared to the characteristics of contemporary décor.
Neutral colours are blacks and whites, so you may want to choose either a white metal or a black metal finish. If you have mainly white features and appliances, and lighter colours then white is likely to be a safer bet, but if you have slick, shiny black appliances or a large black television, then a reflective, yet deep coloured Black Nickel finish is likely to complement its surroundings.
Brushed Chrome is also a versatile finish, which can work well for contemporary sockets. This is one to consider. Polished Chrome may fit in, but this tends to work well with more of a vintage or art deco style.
What sort of socket and switch plate style suits contemporary properties?
Whilst there are plenty of different plate designs on the market, the two key options are traditional (raised) plate and flat plate. Flat plate does tend to fit in with a contemporary style much better, however traditional plate can work too. Flat plate only suits walls that are completely flat, however flat walls tend to be common in ultra-modern and contemporary properties.
The other options for plate types are screwed or screwless. Screwed sockets are sockets that have the screws visible at the front, and screwless have concealed fixings so have a completely flat front.
What sort of switch type suits contemporary properties?
Our article Rocker Switch Vs Toggle Switch covers the differences between rocker and toggle switches. Appearance-wise the three main types are rocker, toggle and dimmer switches. Toggle switches tend to suit period properties, however a toggle switch in white metal or black nickel can still look contemporary, but offers a unique twist.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]When renovating or decorating your home, the details can really add to or detract from the overall look. A period feature in a contemporary setting can stick out like a sore thumb, and a contemporary feature in a period or vintage setting can do the same. Sockets and switches are a common feature throughout properties, […]