Ever walk into a room and something just feels… off? Maybe it’s too dim. Or it’s blinding. Or worse, it feels like a hospital. That’s probably the lighting.
Most folks don’t think twice about their lights until a bulb burns out or a fixture starts flickering. But here’s the truth: lighting changes everything. The mood of a room, how comfortable it feels, and how well you can focus all start with what’s above your head (or on your wall).
At True Beacon Solar, we’ve wired up homes all across Ottawa, Orleans, and surrounding areas. From cozy bungalows to modern builds, we’ve seen it all. And lighting? It’s one of the easiest ways to completely change the look and feel of your home without knocking down a single wall.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- What makes “good” lighting good
- Room-by-room tips on what works and what doesn’t
- The best types of bulbs and fixtures
- When to DIY and when to call the pros
Whether you’re renovating, just moved in, or finally replacing that 90s ceiling fan, this post will help you light your home the right way.
What Makes “Good Lighting” Good?
Here’s the deal, good lighting isn’t just about how bright a bulb is. It’s about how it feels. It should match the way you use the space, how you want it to look, and how much energy you’re okay using.
If you’ve ever sat under cold, bluish light and felt tense for no reason… yeah, that’s a lighting problem. On the flip side, too-warm light in a workspace can make you feel sleepy and sluggish.
So what makes lighting actually work for a room?
It Comes Down to Three Things:
1. Function
What are you doing in the space?
- Cooking?
- Reading?
- Entertaining guests?
- Watching movies?
Each task needs different lighting. The best lighting for your home will match how you use each room not just look pretty in photos.
2. Mood
Lighting creates emotion.
- Warm tones = calm, cozy, relaxed
- Cool tones = alert, focused, sharp
Color temperature (measured in Kelvins, or “K”) is the trick here:
- 2700K–3000K = soft, warm (think golden glow of a sunset)
- 3500K–4000K = neutral white, good for kitchens or bathrooms
- 5000K+ = daylight bright, best for garages or home workshops
3. Energy Use
Wanna save on your power bill without sacrificing comfort?
Then go LED all the way. They use way less power, last for years, and give you control over brightness and tone. Plus, they’re safer (less heat) and work with smart systems.
True Beacon Solar always recommends LEDs for upgrades, it’s a no-brainer for better energy efficiency and long-term savings.
Pro Tip from the Field:
Many homes around Ottawa still have old-school lighting that’s too bright in some spots and not bright enough in others. One of the easiest fixes? Dimmers and layered lighting. You don’t need more lights, you just need smarter ones.
Best Lighting by Room: What Works Where?
Every room in your home has a different job. So the lighting should change with it. What works in the kitchen isn’t gonna cut it in the bedroom and vice versa.
Here’s a no-fluff guide to choosing the right lighting for each space in your home, based on real installs we’ve done around Ottawa.
Living Room: Layer It Up
This is your hangout zone. Movie nights, family games, maybe even a nap or two, your lighting needs to keep up.
Best setup:
- Overhead lighting: Soft, warm-toned (2700K–3000K)
- Accent lighting: Floor lamps or table lamps in corners
- Task lighting: Reading lamps by the couch or chair
- Dimmer switch: A must. Let’s you shift from “daytime bright” to “evening chill” in seconds
Lighting tip: Wall sconces or LED strips behind the TV reduce eye strain and give the room a high-end feel without the high-end price tag.
Kitchen: Bright and Focused
The kitchen needs to be functional and clean-looking. You want enough light to safely prep meals but still make the space feel warm and welcoming.
Best setup:
- Recessed ceiling lights: Spread evenly across the ceiling
- Under-cabinet lights: Super useful and underrated
- Pendant lights: Over the island or dining table, go with a clean white tone (3500K–4000K)
- LED bulbs: Always. Long-lasting and cooler to the touch
Bedroom: Warm and Calm
Your bedroom should feel like a wind-down zone. That means warm, cozy lighting not blinding overhead lights.
Best setup:
- Overhead flush-mount or semi-flush: Soft, warm tone (2700K)
- Table lamps or wall sconces: One on each side of the bed
- Smart bulbs: Great for dimming slowly before sleep or scheduling a “wake-up” light in the morning
Lighting tip: Add a dimmer to your main light and skip the bright white tones. Warm lighting helps your body relax and get ready for sleep.
Bathroom: Bright but Soft
You need lighting that makes shaving, skincare, or makeup application easy but without shadows or glare.
Best setup:
- Vertical sconces: One on each side of the mirror
- Overhead light: Soft diffused light (3500K)
- Recessed ceiling lights: For extra coverage in larger bathrooms
- Damp-rated fixtures: Super important for safety near water
Lighting tip: Avoid placing a single light above the mirror. It’ll cast harsh shadows down your face not ideal.
Home Office: Sharp and Bright
Lighting can make or break your focus, especially when you’re staring at screens all day.
Best setup:
- Desk lamp with LED bulb: Cool white tone (4000K–5000K) to stay alert
- Overhead lighting: Recessed or flush-mount, evenly spaced
- Natural light: Use it where possible, but don’t rely on it alone
Lighting tip: Make sure your light source doesn’t reflect on your screen. Aim desk lamps from the side not behind or straight above.
Types of Bulbs and Fixtures, What You Should Know
Let’s be honest, light bulb aisles can feel like a trap. Soft white? Daylight? CFL? LED? Watts? Kelvins? It’s no wonder people grab the same bulb they’ve always used and just hope for the best.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice the first time.
Bulb Types (What to Use, What to Skip)
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
This is your best bet 99% of the time.
- Low energy use = lower power bills
- Long lifespan = fewer replacements
- Works with dimmers, smart systems, and just about every fixture
- Available in every brightness and tone you can imagine
CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light)
These used to be the energy-saving option, but now they’re outdated.
- Shorter lifespan than LEDs
- Contain small amounts of mercury not ideal for families with kids or pets
- Slower to brighten up
Skip these. If you still have them, it’s probably time to upgrade.
Halogen
Brighter than traditional bulbs, but still less efficient than LED.
They also burn hotter, which makes them less safe in enclosed fixtures or small spaces. You might still find these in older homes, but they’re slowly being phased out of the market.
Color Temperature Guide (a.k.a. Why Some Rooms Feel “Off”)
Here’s the cheat sheet on color temperature and why it matters:
| Temperature (Kelvin) | Look & Feel | Where It Works Best |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K – 3000K | Warm, cozy glow | Bedrooms, living rooms, dining |
| 3500K – 4000K | Neutral white | Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways |
| 5000K+ | Bright daylight tone | Garages, workshops, home offices |
Lighting tip: Stick to one temperature per room. Mixing warm and cool lights in the same space makes everything feel weird.
Fixture Types, What to Use Where
We get asked this a lot during renovations or upgrades. Here’s a quick list of the most common home lighting fixtures and when to use them:
- Recessed lights: Great for modern, minimal ceilings. Best used in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Pendant lights: Eye-catching and ideal over islands, dining tables, or entryways.
- Flush or semi-flush mount: Perfect for low ceilings or hallways.
- Wall sconces: Add a soft glow to bedrooms, bathrooms, or along stairs.
- Track lighting: Great for highlighting art or adjustable lighting in a workspace.
Need help choosing fixtures during a renovation? We’ve worked on everything from new builds to 70s rewires, and we’ll help you find the right setup without overcomplicating it.
What About Smart Lighting?
Smart lighting isn’t just a “techy trend” anymore. It’s showing up in more and more homes and for good reason. It gives you control, saves energy, and adds some serious convenience.
But is it worth it? Let’s break it down.
What Is Smart Lighting, Anyway?
Smart lighting lets you control lights using:
- Your phone or tablet
- Voice commands (via Alexa, Google Home, etc.)
- Timers or motion sensors
- Scenes and presets (e.g. “Movie Night,” “Morning Routine”)
And you don’t have to go all-in from day one. You can start small like with your bedroom lights and add more over time.
What Makes It Smart?
You can:
- Dim your lights without touching a switch
- Change the color or warmth of the light
- Set lights to turn on when you get home or off when you leave
- Schedule lighting routines when you’re away (hello, vacation security)
If that sounds like overkill, think about this, ever been comfy on the couch and didn’t want to get up to turn off the kitchen light? Yeah. That.
Smart Bulbs vs. Smart Switches: What’s the Difference?
Smart Bulbs:
- Screw in like regular bulbs
- Controlled individually through an app
- Easy to install, no electrician needed
- Great for renters or low-commitment upgrades
Smart Switches:
- Replace your existing light switch
- Control all bulbs on that circuit
- Can be used with regular LEDs
- Requires proper wiring, best installed by a licensed electrician
True Beacon Solar Tip: We recommend smart switches if you’re planning long-term upgrades or want a cleaner setup that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi for each bulb.
Do Smart Lights Save Energy?
Yep, they can. By setting schedules, dimming lights, or automatically turning them off when nobody’s around, you cut down on wasted energy. It might not be huge savings at first, but over time, it adds up especially with a full pv system or other home upgrades..
Bottom line: Smart lighting can be super convenient and energy-smart but only when it’s installed the right way.
When to DIY and When to Call a Pro
We love it when homeowners take charge. Swapping out a bulb? Absolutely. Changing a fixture? Maybe, if you feel good about it. But once you’re dealing with wires, breakers, or safety rules? That’s a good time to pause and bring in a licensed electrician.
When DIY Is Totally Okay
Here are a few lighting changes you can usually do yourself:
- Replacing old bulbs with LEDs
- Screwing in smart bulbs
- Adding a lamp or plug-in light
- Swapping out a glass shade or fixture cover
Tip: Check that your new bulb matches the fixture’s wattage and color tone.
When It’s Time to Call a Pro
These ones? Leave them to the experts:
Putting in a ceiling light or fan
Heavy fixtures need a strong electrical box. If the box can’t hold the weight, it could fall, or cause a fire.
Installing a dimmer switch
Old dimmers might not play nice with LED lights or smart systems. And with older Ottawa homes, the wiring behind the wall can be tricky.
Creating new lighting zones
If you’re adding a new switch, running wires through walls, or touching the breaker panel, that’s a job for a licensed contractor.
Smart home upgrades
Smart panels, switches, timers, they’re great, but they need to work with your current setup and meet local rules.
Why Cutting Corners Is a Bad Idea
Lighting isn’t just about looks, it’s tied to your home’s power and safety. A bad setup can:
- Trip breakers
- Overload circuits
- Cause fires
- Void your insurance if it breaks code
And when it’s time to sell? Messy wiring is a big red flag for home inspectors and buyers. Better to get it done right the first time.
FAQ: Lighting Upgrades – Straight Answers for Homeowners
What’s the best lighting setup for energy savings?
Switching to LEDs is the top choice for energy savings. They use less power, last longer, and give you more control over brightness and ambient lighting. If you’re pairing them with solar or battery systems, you’ll squeeze even more value out of your energy setup.
Do lighting upgrades qualify for any tax benefits or rebates?
Yes, certain upgrades like outdoor lighting and energy-efficient interior fixtures may qualify for rebates or incentives. If you’re installing them as part of a full electrical or lighting plan, you may also be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
How do I know if my home’s wiring is safe for new lighting?
Our licensed electricians check everything especially the ceiling fixtures and junction boxes before any work begins. We’ll make sure your setup follows Ontario codes and can handle all the different types of lighting you plan to install.
Can I mix warm and cool lights in one room?
It’s possible, but usually not a great idea. Mixed color temperatures can mess with your design elements, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens or the dining room. Keep the color consistent within each space for a cleaner, more comfortable vibe.
Will smart lighting work with my old switches?
Some smart systems need modern wiring. If your setup is outdated, we’ll upgrade it safely. This is especially helpful if you’re looking to use smart dimmers in areas like bedroom lighting or home offices where smooth control matters most.
What’s the difference between watts and lumens?
Watts measure power use. Lumens tell you how much light a bulb gives off. You can now get bright light using a lot less power, thanks to LED tech. We help you pick bulbs that match your room’s size and purpose, not just numbers on a box.
Does new lighting add value to my home?
Yes, lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel updated. Well-placed general lighting, smart controls, or even a statement vanity light in the bathroom can add a lot of appeal for buyers (and your own day-to-day living).
Can weather affect outdoor lighting installs?
For sure. We watch for storms, snow, or freezing temps before working on landscape lighting and other outdoor jobs. We install year-round, though, and work around the forecast to keep your project moving.
Are lighting upgrades part of a renovation project?
They should be. Planning a lighting plan during your reno means you can choose fixtures, like a sleek flush mount light in the hallway or a chandelier over the dining table, before drywall goes up. We coordinate with other trades so everything fits perfectly.
What kind of financing options do you offer for lighting upgrades?
We offer flexible financing options, especially when lighting is bundled with solar, battery backup, or whole-home electrical upgrades. Whether you’re updating living room lighting or adding smart switches throughout the house, we can break it down in a way that works for you.
How do I choose between all the different lighting options out there?
Great question. It starts with understanding the types of lighting:
- Ambient light for overall illumination
- Task lighting for work areas
- Accent lighting to highlight a focal point like art or a fireplace
We help you build a setup that blends them all, so your space looks and feels just right.