Lighting buying guide

Few rooms have only one function and creating the right atmosphere will often require a combination of different lighting. John Lewis has practical lighting solutions for all areas, including outdoors.

Watch our videos to find out how you can enhance your home with decorative lighting, and how to select the best functional lighting to meet your needs.

Entrances

You’ll need a good general light to make the hallway warm and welcoming. This is probably where you open the post so make sure the light is bright enough for you to read by. Hallway lights can often be left burning for long periods, so consider using energy saving bulbs. Pendant lights can get in the way if the ceiling is low or the hall is narrow so consider wall lights or recessed downlights in this area.

Staircases

For safety reasons, staircases should be well lit and the light directed to define the edges of the steps. The simplest way to do this is to hang a bright pendant lamp at the top of the stairs which will create a shadow that adds definition to the stair risers.

Living rooms

The living room is the focal point of the whole house where we carry out different activities which require different types of lighting. In general, you will need a combination of general overhead or wall lighting, supplemented by portable light sources such as table or floor lamps or even well-positioned ceiling spotlights. Task lamps are ideal for close-up work such as reading or studying.

To create a relaxed mood, you could use accent lighting hidden behind cornices, bookshelves and glassware displays. Alternatively, try highlighting pictures and paintings with a picture light. Plants and ornaments can also be highlighted with spotlights.

Uplighters are another source of accent lighting and are ideal for a dark corner. When watching television a soft ambient light is recommended as an aid to relaxed viewing.

Bedrooms

Many bedrooms contain televisions and computers and lighting should be planned around these. If you read in bed, you will need table lamps, directional spotlights or swing arm brackets. For applying make up you will need a table lamp or may want to consider an illuminated mirror. You may need a task lamp if your bedroom doubles up as a study. The bedroom is also an ideal place to install dimmer switches to adjust the light levels for various moods and times of the day. Spotlights directed towards wardrobes can help when selecting clothes. Chandeliers can add a focal point and a touch of glamour too.

Use good general lighting supplemented by task lamps. Avoid headaches when using a PC by blocking out sunlight effectively with curtains and using uplighters to provide soft, general light.

Bathrooms

Bathroom lighting needs to be functional and planned with safety in mind, so you need an IP44 rating or above. The bathroom is divided into three zones, 0, 1 and 2. (See diagram) to determine likely exposure to water. Each fitting is given an IP (Ingress Protection) rating which relates to its water resistance. Only light fittings suitable for the relevant zone should be used. Avoid lighting which is too bright as the polished surfaces may cause glare; diffused wall or ceiling lights are a good idea.

Any type of mains voltage lights which are used outdoors must 
be waterproof and durable. Like bathroom lighting, an IP rating
is given to indicate the level of protection against penetration by moisture, dust and solid objects. This consists of two numbers, the second of which relates to water tolerance. The relevant IP numbers are:

IPx3 - protected against spraying water of up to 60° from the vertical (eg rain)

IPx4 - protected against splashing water from any direction

IPx5 - protected against water jets from any direction

Moisture conducts electricity, so outdoor lights must be installed with special care to ensure safety. Outdoor wiring must be protected and all metalwork must be earthed. We recommend the services of a qualified electrician to install outdoor lighting and sockets and that a residual circuit device is fitted. If outdoor waterproof sockets or watertight switches are installed in the garden we recommend that they are located under a canopy or otherwise sheltered from rain.

When buying a light for outdoors or for the bathroom you need to check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The higher the rating, the more protected it is. For outdoor or bathroom lighting you need a minimum IP44 rating. The first digit refers to the degree you’re protected from any contact with moving parts, and the degree the light is protected from anything getting inside. This ranges from ‘0’ (no special protection) to ‘6’ (dust tight).

Timers

Timers will turn on electrical appliances such as lamps to make the house seem as if it's occupied when you're out. Mechanical timers allow you to set your own programme so the light switches on and off at set times during a 24 hour period. Some work over a 7 day period so that you can vary the times each day. Electrical timers can be programmed digitally.

Photocells

These are often referred to as “dusk to dawn” sensors and
can be attached to light fittings or lamps, turning them on at dusk and off again at dawn.

SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms vary from feeling low and lethargic to more serious feelings of despair and anxiety. Other symptoms can include overeating and sleep problems, especially difficulty waking on dark mornings. SAD is caused by lack of bright light in winter and is recognised by the medical profession and the World Health Organisation.
The most convenient and cost effective treatment for SAD is bright light therapy. Various bright light devices are available for treating the condition and we stock a range of lighting for sufferers, including Bodyclocks, which wake you naturally with a simulated sunrise and a portable lightbox called the “Bright Spark” which can be used on top of a computer monitor.

The Bodyclock is a dawn simulator which uses your body’s natural response to sunrise and sunset to help synchronise your circadian rhythm (sleep/wake pattern).

Tungsten

This type of bulb is currently being phased out under both Government and EU Regulations in favour of more energy efficient types.

• Colour rendition: give a warm light
• Lifetime: 1,000 hours; based on an average use of 3 hours per day
• Dimmability: Fully dimmable
• Warm-up: Instant light
• Finish: Clear (Opal no longer available)
• Energy Rating: E - G
  
  

Also available in special types for fridges, cooker-hoods etc. These bulbs get very hot and care should be taken when replacing. Let bulbs cool before handling.

Halogen

Similar to tungsten bulbs but more energy efficient and longer lasting. These are the current replacement for clear bulbs.

• Colour rendition: give a bright, white light
• Lifetime: 2,000 hours; based on an average use of 3 hours per day
• Dimmability: Fully dimmable
• Warm-up: Instant light
• Finish: Clear
• Energy Rating: B - C
  
  

Also available in low voltage capsule types for armed lighting (may require specialist dimmers).

These bulbs get extremely hot and care should be taken when replacing. Let bulbs cool before handling.

There are four main cap types:

• BC (bayonet cap) -B22
• ES (Edison screw) -E27
• SES (small Edison screw) -E14
• GU10 (twist-lock)
  
  

The cap type will also be indicated in the product description. 
We sell a range of bulbs online.

All light fittings must be fitted in accordance with the current 
IEE wiring regulations and building regulations. We recommend you employ a qualified NICEIC-registered electrician, and that the product's fitting instructions are always followed.