Still using one big overhead bulb? 3 lighting experts explain how layering light sources can bring your home to life, and how you can try it yourself tonight

Date:
Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Description:
I asked three lighting experts how you can layer strip lights, lamps,
recessed lights and bulbs to create a bespoke setup that suits the way you live.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter If youve not heard of layered lighting, youre in for a treat. Sure, a single ceiling fixture is the easiest way to illuminate a room, but adding a variety of light sources in different places in a room a technique known as layered lighting can completely
change the way your home looks and feels, making it more inviting and more practical, without the need to redecorate.

To find out why layered lighting is worth trying, and how you to get started, I spoke experts from lighting companies Paulmann , Govee , and Philips Hue . Hue and Govee are two of the biggest names in smart lights, while German company Paulmann produces a range of rechargeable lights that attach to backplates mounted on the wall with screws or adhesive ideal if you rent or dont want to get involved with wiring.

A well-designed environment combines different layers of light Jerry Lin, Govee We believe lighting should do more than simply illuminate a room, explains Jerry Lin, Product Manager at Govee. A well-designed environment combines different layers of light to create depth, balance and atmosphere, helping people adapt their spaces for any moment of the day. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Tom Amelung, Junior Product Manager at Paulmann Licht, agrees that lighting
is about much more than just function. It shapes mood, enhances texture and brings colors to life, he says. Without a considered lighting scheme, even
the most beautifully designed interior can feel flat and uninspiring. When thoughtfully layered, however, lighting creates depth, adds warmth and brings balance and harmony to a room. Tom Amelung of Paulmann says layered lighting can bring a space to life (Image credit: Paulmann) Think beyond the ceiling
So what are the layers that you should be thinking about? At its core,
layered lighting is about combining four key types of light: ambient, task, accent and decorative, so that they work together seamlessly, explains
Philips Hue s spokesperson. The result is a home that not only meets
practical lighting needs, but one that also adapts effortlessly to different activities, moods and times of day. You may like The best smart lights in 2026: smart lighting for every home Philips launches new ceiling light that mimics natural sunlight Philips Hue unveils new lamps, upgraded candle bulbs, and smarter switches to upgrade your lighting Did you know TechRadar now has membership? (Image credit: Future) Become a TechRadar Insider by simply clicking 'Join Now' at the top of this page. Have a question? Please email membership@techradar.com Your central ceiling light can be part of that mix, but you need to think beyond it. Introducing table lamps, floor lamps, wall lights or light strips adds dimension, highlights architectural features and furnishings, and enhances the richness of colors and textures throughout the room, adds Hues lighting expert.

Amelung suggests trying spotlights as well, thinking outside of the standard grid arrangement that you might already have in your bathroom or kitchen. A uniform grid of spotlights might feel like the easy option, but it often creates flat, overly bright spaces, he says. Instead, position lights based
on how the room is used. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from
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Position lights based on how the room is used Tom Amelung, Paulmann That doesnt mean placing lights directly above seating, though lights placed directly over your sofa can be harsh and uncomfortable when youre trying to relax. The same is true in a bedroom, where softer lighting is a better
option to avoid making the space feel clinical.

Place lights above worktops, not behind you, to avoid casting shadows while cooking, adds Amelung. Directional options, such as Paulmanns directional recessed and spotlight options, are ideal for targeting key areas. Think beyond just a big central ceiling light to make the most of your space (Image credit: Signify) Smart ideas Smart lights are particularly effective for layering thanks to their versatility. Using connected light fittings lets you transform a space throughout the day without moving anything around. Want to use a corner of your living room as a study during work hours, then use the whole space for relaxing in the evening? With smart lights you can do exactly that, helping delineate spaces that serve multiple purposes. What to read
next Which Philips Hue lights do I need? Here's my simple guide to the smart lighting range 6 low-cost, big impact Philips Hue accessories to upgrade your smart lighting setup The 9 best smart home upgrades for renters

One of the greatest advantages of smart lighting is its ability to transform
a space throughout the day without requiring any changes to the rooms layout, says Philips Hues spokesperson. Instead of moving lamps, changing bulbs or adjusting fixtures manually, smart lighting allows you to easily adapt brightness, color temperature and ambience to suit different activities and moods. Layered lighting lets you adapt your space depending on the time of
day (Image credit: Paulmann) Your home and the way you use it is unique,
and smart lights let you personalize your layered lighting setup to suit the way you live.

With intelligent features such as Govee DaySync, your lighting can automatically adjust its temperature and brightness to match your daily routine, shifting naturally from morning to evening, says Govees Jerry Lin.
At the same time, advanced color management systems such as Govee LuminBlend+ let you explore more lighting experiences, from subtle pastel tones to immersive ambient scenes to strike the perfect mood every time.

Ultimately, smart lighting gives people the flexibility to create spaces that feel more connected to the way they live, says Lin. Go for it! Are you
feeling inspired? I asked Philips Hue where I should start if I want to begin experimenting with layered lighting tonight.

When layering a room, the use cases could be many, said Hues spokesperson. Say, for example, in a bedroom a layered set-up might look like an overhead fixture for clarity, bedside lamps for reading, soft accent lights for atmosphere, and hidden strip lights that trace architectural lines.

Once everything is dimmed, the room feels cohesive rather than cluttered,
with each source playing a distinct role.

Ready to go? Each expert has suggested four products to help you begin experimenting with layered lighting, including recessed spotlights, table lamps, floor lamps, smart ceiling lights, and gradient light strips. Want
even more inspiration? Take a look at our complete guide to the best smart lights . Lights for layering Paulmann Downlight Cole Round 23.95 Shop Now Paulmann LED Downlight Smart Home 83.95 Shop Now Paulmann LED Downlight 3-Step-Dim Nova 68.95 Shop Now Paulmann LED Downlight Nova Plus Coin Basic
Set 116 Shop Now Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Light Large 319.99 Shop Now Philips Hue Go Portable Accent Light 79.99 Shop Now Philips Hue Signe
Gradient Table Lamp 199.99 Shop Now Philips Hue Omniglow Strip Light 3 M 119.99 Shop Now GOVEE Floor Lamp 3 169.99 Shop Now GOVEE Lantern Floor Lamp 139.99 Shop Now GOVEE 38cm Smart Ceiling Light Pro 99.99 Shop Now GOVEE TV Backlight 3 139.99 Shop Now Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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