Luxury Lighting: Lighting Concept for High-End Spaces

Lighting is the element of interior design where savings are most frequently made, yet it is also the element that most significantly determines the overall effect. The same furniture can appear flat under a single ceiling light and expensive under a layered lighting concept. The reason is simple: materials such as brass, marble, velvet, and crystal thrive on reflections and shadows, and both only occur when light comes from multiple directions.

The three levels of a lighting concept

1. General Lighting

General lighting makes the room usable and sets the standard. It comes from above, from a chandelier or a ceiling light. This fixture is also the largest decorative piece in the room, so it may be grand. Ceiling lights chosen too small are the most common reason why a carefully furnished room appears unfinished.

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting illuminates where something is actually happening: the seating area, the reading chair, the chest of drawers. Floor lamps and table lamps are used here. Three to four such light islands give a living room more depth in the evening than any upgrade to the ceiling lighting.

3. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting highlights specific points: a wall, a picture, a niche. Wall lights provide this permanently, while lanterns and candle holders provide the dynamic light that no lamp can replace.

Light Color: why 2700 Kelvin

The light color determines the impression of quality. For living spaces, warm white light around 2700 Kelvin is the right choice; it makes wood, brass, and textiles appear rich. Neutral white or cool light from about 4000 Kelvin removes this warmth and makes noble materials appear grey. It is also crucial that all light bulbs in a room have the same light color. Mixed color temperatures are the error you see without being able to name it.

Dimming is not an option, but standard equipment

A room needs different light in the afternoon than at 10 PM. Plan for dimmable light sources and dimmers from the outset, at least for general lighting and the dining table. When purchasing, ensure that light sources and dimmers are compatible, otherwise LEDs may flicker at lower settings.

Reliable Hanging Heights

Above the dining table: Bottom edge approximately 70 to 80 centimeters above the tabletop, diameter about half to two-thirds of the table width.
In a room without a table underneath: Bottom edge at least 210 centimeters above the floor, so no one bumps into it.
In the stairwell: hang so that the fixture is equally effective from the upper landing and the entrance, preferably with multiple elements at different heights.
Wall lights: approximately at a height of 160 to 180 centimeters, next to mirrors at the eye level of the person looking in the mirror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which light color appears high-quality?

Warm white light around 2700 Kelvin. It makes wood, brass, and textiles look rich, while cool light makes them appear grey.

How many light sources does a room need?

In addition to general lighting, at least three more. Multiple small light islands create depth, a single ceiling light does not.

How high should a light fixture hang above the dining table?

The bottom edge should be approximately 70 to 80 centimeters above the tabletop. When free-hanging in the room, at least 210 centimeters of clearance from the floor should be maintained.

Consultation by an authorized dealer

Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and offer personal consultation, both online and in our showroom in Essen. For selecting size, hanging height, and effect, please write to us at info@casa-luxury.de. An overview of all luminaires can be found in our collection Lighting.

Further in the guide: Luxury Interior Overview · Decorating a Luxury Living Room · Decorating a Luxury Dining Room