Good interior lighting can create various moods, highlight your interior décor, and provide good light - without burning up the power bill.

The days of a light bulb starkly hanging on a cord in the centre of a room are long gone. Nowadays you have a vast choice of lighting products, increasingly using various energy-efficient lighting technologies. But which products work best - in what parts of the house?

The lighting requirements of the rooms in our houses vary - depending on what the room is used for. Different light levels are required in various parts of the house – and even within some rooms. The colour of the light is also important – it can change the mood of a room and can make a difference to dining, reading and other activities.

Choosing the right lighting products can also save money on your power bills.

Bathroom

A relaxing bath with soft lighting is one of life’s pleasures. But not being able to see to shave or put on make-up is not. You need moderate background lighting, and brighter, directional lighting for mirrors. The light should shine on your face - not on the mirror.

To achieve this blend of a functional yet relaxing space consider using separate switching for different lights or adding a dimmer to the main lighting.  There are now efficient bulb replacement options for most bathroom lights and an ever increasing range of stylish fittings designed for both efficiency and good looks.

Lounge

You need intense light to read or to do close-up tasks, but if you lit your whole lounge to that level the glare would be uncomfortable.
An easier approach would be relatively soft background lighting using ‘warm white’ CFLs or new- generation halogen bulbs to create a relaxing mood. You can also use efficient infa-red coated (IRC) halogen spot lights or reading lamps with CFL or new-generation halogen bulbs to provide the flexibility to set the mood for any occasion.

Kitchen

For a kitchen you need background lighting (brighter than in the lounge) because a higher level of shadow-free light is required – so you can see in the cupboards. Extra task lighting will make sure bench tops, stoves and walk-in pantries are well lit.

Hallway and stairs

You need moderate light levels, but lights in these locations are likely to be left on for many hours, especially in winter, so it’s important to use energy-efficient bulbs.

Replace standard incandescent bulbs with CFLs if the lights are likely to be left on for long periods.  If the bulbs can be seen and looks are an issue, choose decorative or covered CFLs (if the bulb is hidden by a lampshade, what it looks like doesn’t matter).  If the lights are only on for a brief time and instant light is desirable, new-generation halogen bulbs turn on just like a standard bulb but last twice as long and are 30% more efficient.

Outdoors

Outdoor lighting can range from a simple porch light to spot lights for lighting up deck or entertainment areas, or to create dramatic effects for illuminating driveways, paths and garden areas. For lights likely to burn for a long time, use energy-efficient options in suitable outdoor fittings.
 

The rightlight.govt.nz website shows you more about the available options for the various rooms in your home. Consumer NZ worked with the Electricity Commission to develop the information you need to make informed choices about the best energy efficient lighting for your home, available on the rightlight website.