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Choosing lighting is a notoriously overwhelming decision. Your head can easily feel like it’s spinning as you look in all directions in a store or scroll through endless pages of lighting products for your home. One of the great lingering debates regarding home décor is whether overhead lighting or lamps are the more attractive and effective option.
To solve the overhead lighting vs. lamps question once and for all, we turned to several lighting and interior design experts. We asked them to evaluate the pros and cons of both overhead lights and lamps and to provide tips and tricks for designing lighting depending on specific space and needs.
Pros of Overhead Lighting
Overhead lighting fixtures that attach to the ceiling—such as flush-mount lights, chandeliers, pendants, recessed lighting, and track lighting—appeal to those who prioritize practicality. This is due to their efficiency and ability to fill the entire room with light, says Lior Kahana, operations manager at 123 Remodeling in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Overhead lighting is unbeatable for general illumination. It’s functional, covers larger areas, and is a must for spaces like kitchens or bathrooms where clarity matters,” says Kahana.
For those looking to perform tasks in which they need high visibility, overhead lighting is the best bet. “It’s great for cleaning up or for creating an energetic, bright vibe that’ll keep everyone awake,” says Rebecca West, author of Happy Starts at Home and interior designer with Seriously Happy Homes in Seattle, Washington. In general, she finds that some people prefer the convenience, ease, and safety of overhead lighting.
Cons of Overhead Lighting
Overhead lighting is often criticized for lacking ambiance and being too severe and intrusive. “The downside is that it can feel harsh or clinical if used alone without dimmers or accent lighting to soften it,” says Kahana. Another major concern is how overhead lights can cast unflattering shadows.
Pros of Lamps
Some people prefer table lamps and floor lamps for the soft light and cozy setting they provide. “Lamps bring a sense of warmth and intimacy, which some people crave, especially in spaces meant for relaxation,” says Kahana. West agrees: “Because lamp light is filtered through a shade, it’s softer and warmer than overhead lighting and creates a cozy, inviting vibe.”
Lamps are also advantageous from a design perspective, as they can add personality and charm to a room such as creating a focal point. “They can bring a lot of texture, color, and art to a room,” says West. “I always say the best lamps don’t just add functional light—they also add unique personality to a design.”
The flexibility aspect of lamps is also beneficial. “They’re portable, allowing homeowners to alter the lighting based on time of day or the specific task at hand,” notes Brad Smith, CEO and interior designer at Omni Home Ideas in Dallas, Texas. Finally, they don’t require structural changes to a room or professional installation.
Cons of Lamps
It’s important to consider some of the concerns with lamps, too. First, they can be a safety hazard given their cords. “If you have anyone in the family with mobility issues, try not to make them walk through a dark room just to turn on a light,” says West. She also points out that if a lamp is the only source of light in a room and there is no way to switch it on and off from the entry, it can be an inconvenience.
Also, lamps often don’t adequately light up a room. “Lamps don’t cast light very far, so it’s important to use plenty of lamps so the room is evenly lit when needed,” says West. “When choosing lamps (assuming getting a functional amount of light is your goal) opt for white or cream lamp shades that will let light through.”
Why Most Experts Recommend a Combo
When asked which type of lighting they favored, every expert we spoke to said that using a combination of both lamps and overhead lights was the best way to go. “Most designers, including myself, will try to include both in every room so it can be adjusted as needed based on the time of day, activity, and who’s using the room,” says West.
Marco Manazzone, CEO of Zzone Homes in Ontario, Canada, sums up the reasons why so many experts vote for using both. “Overhead lighting provides essential illumination for larger spaces, making it practical for daily activities. However, I enjoy using lamps to create a cozy atmosphere and add decorative elements to a room. This layered approach allows for flexibility in lighting, accommodating different moods and tasks throughout the day,” says Manazzone.
Lighting Preference by Room
By understanding how the lights will be used in each room, you can decide which light fixture to buy. Here are lighting recommendations for rooms, according to experts.
- Overhead lighting: Best installed in kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, hallways, and in large spaces.
- Lamps: Help create a calm, cozy environment in bedrooms and living rooms. They are also beneficial in a home office for closeup tasks like reading and writing, eliminating harsh glare from overhead lights.
Lighting Design Tips
With all the lighting products available, it’s helpful to keep the following design tips in mind:
- Determine how you will use the lights, along with any restrictions to their use, such as electrical outlets and furniture placement.
- Layer the lighting accordingly, says Kahana. This means combining overhead lights with lamps to create depth and versatility. “Use overhead lights for general illumination but pair them with lamps to create dimension and soften the overall feel,” she says.
- Mix styles and scales of light fixtures. “Pairing a sleek modern pendant with a vintage table lamp adds depth and character,” says Kahana.
- Think about placement. “Lamps near seating areas or corners can create cozy pockets of light, while overhead lights should be positioned to illuminate without casting harsh shadows,” says Kahana. Lighting isn’t just functional, but an integral part of the mood and story of the room, she says.
- Install dimmers. Manazzone suggests dimmers to provide extra flexibility. “Install dimmer switches for overhead lights to adjust brightness based on mood and time of day,” he says.
- Consider bulb color temperature. When designing with either or both types of lighting, consider the color temperature of bulbs, says Smith. “Use warmer lights for relaxation in bedrooms and cooler lights for concentration in offices.”
