When designing a lighting plan for your home, you may be wondering if you can mix and match different lighting styles. The short answer is yes! Mixing lighting styles and types in the same room can allow you to accentuate different areas, create visual interest, and achieve the right ambiance. However, while mixing is possible, it does require some strategy and planning to pull off cohesively.
Factors to consider
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when mixing lighting styles:
- Purpose – Consider the purpose and use of each light. Task lighting is focused on illuminating a work area while accent lighting adds drama. Ensure each light serves a specific purpose.
- Location – Position different lighting styles appropriately, like pendant lights over a kitchen island or recessed cans to wash the ceiling in light. Locate them thoughtfully so they work together.
- Style – Mixing extremely disparate styles like industrial and crystal chandeliers can look disjointed. Find styles that share some cohesive qualities and aesthetics.
- Finish – Consider the finishes of fixtures like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, etc. A unified finish can tie varied lighting styles together.
- Light color – Mixing very warm and very cool light temperatures can look mismatched. Try to stick within a close Kelvin range.
- Brightness – Balance brightness levels so that one light doesn’t overwhelm another. Dimming capabilities help achieve this.
Tips for mixing lighting successfully
Follow these handy tips when combining lighting styles for a cohesive look:
- Repeat a shared design detail like a material, shape, or finish throughout the different lighting styles.
- Incorporate 3-5 lighting layers for variety – ambient, task, and accent.
- Use an odd number of fixtures rather than an even number for visual interest.
- Space out fixtures thoughtfully rather than clustering them too closely together.
- Employ a healthy contrast between fixtures but not too extreme. Think pendant lighting over a dining table paired with recessed lighting.
- Work from the largest fixtures like chandeliers down to the smallest like candle votives.
- Choose a general style like modern or traditional to guide your overall direction.
Consider a color story
Creating a cohesive color story with your lighting choices is an impactful way to blend styles seamlessly. Here are some examples of lighting color schemes that work well together:
- All black lighting fixtures for a dramatic, bold statement.
- Brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze for an elegant mix.
- Aged brass, copper, and antique bronze for vintage warmth.
- Seeded glass, white shades, and crystal for traditional glam.
- Colorful fixtures in analogous hues like blue and green for eclectic flair.
Room-by-room guide
Approaching each room individually will help you mix and match with purpose. Here are lighting style blending ideas for popular rooms:
Living Room
- Crystal chandelier + recessed lighting + brass reading lamp
- Semi-flush mount + track lighting + picture light
- Pendant light + floor lamp + sconces
Dining Room
- Drum chandelier over table + wall sconces + undercabinet lighting
- Linear pendant + candlesticks + recessed lighting
- Multi-light chandelier + lanterns over sideboard + spotlighting
Kitchen
- Island pendant lights + under cabinet lighting + recessed cans
- Sputnik chandelier + track lighting + lanterns over sink
- Flush mount over table + LED cabinet lighting + hanging bulbs
Bedroom
- Semi-flush mount + swing arm sconce + string lights
- Chandelier + recessed lighting + table lamps
- Ceiling medallion + pendant light + candle lighting
Bathroom
- Wall sconces + vanity lighting + recessed cans
- Pendant light + LED mirror lighting + lanterns
- Semi-flush mount + monorail lighting + strip lighting
Choosing fixtures
When selecting specific fixtures, consider scale and proportion to ensure cohesion. Here are some foolproof pairings:
| Larger Scale Fixtures | Smaller Scale Fixtures |
|---|---|
| Chandelier | Sconces |
| Pendant light | Recessed lighting |
| Linear pendant | Under cabinet lighting |
| Semi-flush mount | Table lamps |
| Drum light | Picture lights |
Conclusion
Blending lighting styles comes down to creating balance and cohesion while still allowing each fixture to shine. Carefully consider the finish, style, scale, location, color, and purpose of each light. Choose a mix that highlights different zones and uses while pulling it all together through a shared color scheme, repeated design element, or common style. With smart planning and placement, you can successfully mix various lighting for depth, dimension, and the perfect ambiance in every room.
