The importance of good lighting
- The International
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
With light as both a necessity and a design element, Maja de Silva explores how thoughtful lighting shapes atmosphere, emotion, and everyday life in the home.
Photographs: Maja de Silva
Text: Maja de Silva
Light is one of the most essential elements in our lives. It surrounds us constantly, yet we rarely truly notice it. Most of the time, it simply exists in the background—quiet, reliable, taken for granted. But the moment it disappears, we become aware of how deeply we depend on it. When darkness falls, we immediately notice the lack of light. We crave it. We seek it. Light shapes not only what we see but also how we feel, function, and experience the world.
Sunlight, in particular, is everything. It is the source of life itself, the reason we can exist on this planet. It influences our natural rhythms, our energy levels, and our overall well-being. We celebrate it instinctively: sunbathing in summer, admiring golden sunsets, waking up early to catch a soft sunrise. Sunlight brings out colours, warmth, and a sense of optimism. And when the sun is gone, we find ways to replace it—we light candles, make fire, and create artificial light to bring comfort back into our spaces. Today, we are incredibly fortunate to have access to a wide range of lighting solutions: beautiful lamps in endless shapes, materials, and colours, each with the potential to transform how a space feels.
Light truly fills our lives. For context, pause for a moment and look around you. How do you experience the light where you are right now? Is it soft and calming, or harsh and cold? Is it energising or overwhelming? Notice how it affects your mood and your body. Now think about different environments—your home, your workplace, a café, a restaurant, or a museum. The lighting in each space creates a distinct atmosphere. Some spaces feel welcoming and inspiring, while others feel flat or uncomfortable. This difference often comes down to how thoughtfully the light has been considered. I invite you to experience light more consciously and to start shaping your own spaces with intention.
“Light surrounds us constantly - quiet, reliable, and often taken for granted. Yet the moment it disappears, we feel its absence deeply. Light shapes not only what we see, but how we feel, how we function, and how we experience the world.”
A few tips for your interiors
We all need good lighting, but what does that actually mean? From an interior designer’s perspective, good lighting serves multiple functions. Let’s start with the living room. This space typically requires a combination of practical and atmospheric lighting. Ceiling lamps are important—they allow you to clean, stay active, and feel awake, especially during the darker months (particularly here in Denmark). These can be spotlights or a statement ceiling lamp, ideally with dimmers to easily adjust the mood.
From there, build layers. Light up corners with floor lamps and don’t be afraid to mix and match styles. There are so many beautiful designs available, and combining them creates character. Shades are especially powerful—whether plain, colourful, textured, or patterned, they add warmth and personality. Table lamps are another great option, and you can often find unique second-hand pieces that bring soul into your home. One key detail to keep in mind is proportion. The size of a lamp relative to the surrounding furniture can make or break the look. A well-proportioned lamp can become a strong statement piece, shaping the room and creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.
Most importantly, choose lamps you truly love. Trends come and go, but personal style lasts. If you stay connected to what feels right for you, your lighting choices will continue to bring joy for years to come.
In the bedroom, lighting plays a huge role in comfort. A good ceiling light is still important, but it should feel gentle and beautiful. If space allows, a floor lamp can help create a cosy reading corner. Bedside lighting deserves special attention—larger lamps with shades on night tables often look stunning and balanced. You can match shade colours with accents in the room's accents or keep things neutral for a calm, timeless look. Smaller lamps can work as well, provided they are part of a thoughtful composition. Ever wondered why hotel rooms feel so effortlessly elegant? The secret is almost always layered, well-balanced lighting.
Lighting as a design element
Multiple light sources are the key to shaping a space. Play with forms, materials, and colours, and use dimmers or smart bulbs to easily shift the mood throughout the day. Don’t treat lamps as boring, purely functional objects. Think of them as essential design elements—sometimes even pieces of art. After all, they illuminate your home and accompany you through every moment. We spend so much time choosing sofas, tables, and décor, yet lighting deserves just as much care and attention.
Light up your home thoughtfully, and you’ll notice how it gently transforms not only your space, but also how you feel within it.
