A Guide to Choosing Lighting Fixtures

I. First, Clarify "Space Function": Different Areas Have Vastly Different Needs

1. Living Room: "Main Light + Auxiliary Lights" Combination, Balancing Basic Lighting and Atmosphere

• Core Needs: Bright and uniform (basic lighting) + adjustable atmosphere (for parties, movie watching, etc.).
• Recommended Combination:
  • Main light: Ceiling light (for small apartments, saving space), chandelier (for large apartments, enhancing layering; note that the diameter of the lamp body should not exceed 1/4 of the living room width, and the height should not be less than 2.2 meters to avoid a depressing feeling).
  • Auxiliary lights: Spotlights (to illuminate decorative paintings/ornaments), downlights (to supplement light in corners), light strips (hidden behind ceiling/tv cabinet to create soft background light).
• Pitfalls to Avoid: Do not choose overly complex crystal chandeliers (they accumulate dust and are hard to clean, and make small apartments look crowded).

2. Bedroom: "Soft and Low Stimulus", Reject Direct Light

• Core Needs: Soft light (aiding sleep) + local brightness (for getting up at night, reading).
• Recommended Combination:
  • Main light: Ceiling light (choose a frosted lampshade to avoid glare), low-saturation chandelier (1.5-1.8 meters from the ground).
  • Auxiliary lights: Bedside wall lamps (for reading, avoiding taking up desktop space), night lights (for getting up at night without groping in the dark; choose warm yellow light with brightness ≤10lm).
• Pitfalls to Avoid: Do not install the main light directly above the bed (direct light in the eyes when lying down easily causes fatigue).

3. Kitchen: "High Brightness + Oil Resistance", Illuminate the Operation Area

• Core Needs: No shadows (see details clearly when cutting/cooking), oil resistance (easy to clean).
• Recommended Combination:
  • Main light: Recessed downlights (oil-proof, choose a waterproof rating of IP44 or above), panel lights (illuminate the whole area, choose a matte panel that is not easy to get oily).
  • Focus lights: Light strips under the cabinet (illuminate the countertop to avoid hand shadows blocking when cutting vegetables).
• Parameter Requirements: Color temperature 5000K-6500K (cool white light, clear color rendering), brightness ≥300lm/㎡ (for example, an 8㎡ kitchen, total wattage ≥24W).

4. Bathroom: "Waterproof + Safe", Choose Lights by Area

• Core Needs: Waterproof and moisture-proof (avoid short circuits), local high brightness (washing/makeup).
• Area-specific Lighting:
  • Dry area (washbasin): Vanity lights (installed on both sides to avoid facial shadows, choose a color rendering index Ra≥90 to see makeup clearly), downlights (IP44 level).
  • Wet area (shower area): Waterproof spotlights/moisture-proof ceiling lights (must be IP65 or above, fully splash-proof).
• Pitfalls to Avoid: Do not use ordinary lamps (easy to leak electricity in humid environments; look for the "waterproof rating IPXX" label).

5. Study/Work Area: "Focus + No Flicker", Protect Eyesight

• Core Needs: Uniform light (avoid light-dark differences), no flicker (no fatigue during long-term use).
• Recommended Combination:
  • Main light: Ceiling light (neutral light 4000K, brightness ≥200lm/㎡).
  • Focus light: Desk lamp (choose one with adjustable angle to illuminate the desktop, color rendering index Ra≥90, flicker-free certification).

II. Understand "Types of Lighting Fixtures": Different Styles, Different Applicable Scenarios

III. Focus on "Core Parameters": Don't Be Fooled by Merchants

1. Color Temperature (K): Determines the "Warmth/Coolness" of Light

• Warm yellow light (2700K-3500K): Warm and relaxing, suitable for bedrooms and dining rooms.
• Neutral light (3500K-5000K): Bright and clear, suitable for living rooms, kitchens, and studies.
• Cool white light (above 5000K): Refreshing, suitable for bathrooms and workrooms (do not use in bedrooms as it may affect sleep).
• Tips: Choose "color temperature adjustable" lamps (supporting 2700K-6500K adjustment) for more flexible scene switching.

2. Brightness (Wattage/Lumen lm): Not the Brighter the Better, Choose as Needed

• Wattage (LED lights): Choose according to the space area, formula: Wattage = Area (㎡) × 3-5 (for example, a 15㎡ living room, choose 45-75W).
• Lumen (more accurate): 1W ≈ 80-100lm, living room ≥300lm/㎡, bedroom ≥200lm/㎡, kitchen ≥500lm/㎡.
• Pitfalls to Avoid: Do not only look at wattage; inferior LED lights have false wattage labels. Prioritize the "actual lumen" parameter.

3. Color Rendering Index (Ra): Restores the True Color of Objects

• The higher Ra, the better (Ra≥80 is qualified, Ra≥90 is high-quality).
• Key areas to pay attention to: Kitchen (to see the freshness of ingredients), in front of the makeup mirror (to avoid makeup color difference), study (books do not fade).

4. Flicker and Blue Light: Protect Eyesight

• Flicker: Choose "flicker-free" lamps (aim the mobile phone camera at the light; no rolling stripes means it is qualified).
• Blue light: Choose "low blue light" certified lamps for children's rooms/studies (to reduce eye fatigue).

IV. Style Matching: Lighting is a Plus for "Space Beauty"

• Modern minimalist style: Choose ceiling lights with simple lines and metal chandeliers (mainly black/white/silver gray).
• Nordic style: Log-colored lamps, lightweight chandeliers (with fabric/rattan elements).
• Chinese style: Antique designs (palace lanterns, cloud pattern elements), warm yellow light + mahogany/copper materials.
• Light luxury style: Crystal/glass chandeliers, metal frames (gold/black), with simple carvings.

V. Practical Shopping Tips

1. Look at Material and Craftsmanship:
   • Metal lamps: Choose aluminum alloy (rust-proof), copper (durable but expensive); avoid iron sheets (easy to deform and rust).
   • Glass lamps: Choose tempered glass (shock-resistant); frosted glass is more advanced than bright glass and not easy to leave fingerprints.
   • Fabric lamps: Can be used in bedrooms but not in kitchens/bathrooms (afraid of oil/moisture).
2. Smart Functions are a Bonus:
   Support dimming and color adjustment (mobile APP/voice control), human body induction (for bathroom/corridor lights, which turn on when someone comes), timing switch (bedroom lights simulate sunrise to wake you up), improving convenience.
3. Energy Saving: Prioritize "level 1 energy efficiency" LED lights (save more than 50% electricity compared to ordinary lights, with a lifespan of 10,000 hours+).
4. Installation and Maintenance:
   • For complex lamps (large chandeliers), confirm whether installation is included (additional fees may be high).
   • Prioritize easy cleaning: Ceiling lights are easier to maintain than chandeliers; glass/metal materials are more stain-resistant than fabric/crystal lamps.

Summary