Lighting Guide

How to light a home.

The right light changes everything about a room. This guide covers the basics so you can buy with confidence.

Brightness: lumens, not watts

Lumens (lm) measure light output. As a rule of thumb:

100–400 lmAmbient mood lighting

400–800 lmBedside & accent lamps

800–1,500 lmTask lighting — desks, kitchens

1,500–3,000+ lmMain room lighting

Colour temperature: the feel of the light

Measured in kelvin (K). Many of our smart and RGB products let you change temperature on demand.

2700–3000KWarm white

Cosy and relaxing — best for living rooms and bedrooms.

3500–4000KNeutral white

Clean and natural — good for kitchens and bathrooms.

5000–6500KCool white

Crisp and energising — garages, workshops and task lighting.

Layer your lighting

Designers use three layers. A room with all three always feels considered.

01Ambient

Overall room light — ceiling lights, floor lamps.

02Task

Focused light for activities — desk lamps, under-cabinet strips.

03Accent

Mood and character — LED strips, wall art, table lamps.

IP ratings: where a light can live

IP20

Indoor dry areas only.

IP44

Splash-resistant — bathrooms, covered outdoor.

IP65+

Rain-safe for gardens and exposed outdoor areas.

Dimming & smart control

Dimmable lights need either a compatible dimmer or built-in control (remote or app). Smart lights skip the wiring entirely — control brightness, colour and schedules from your phone or by voice. Check each product page for what's supported.

Plug-in vs hardwired

Plug-in, USB, battery and solar lights work straight out of the box. Anything wired directly to mains must be installed by a licensed electrician — it's the law in Australia.