Alternative to wall lighting!

[Dr Murdoch]

Moved into my current house last December. The previous owner loved wall lights! In the living room, bedroom etc.

This creates very dull rooms at this time of year, therefore I'm thinking of installing a conventional ceiling light in our bedroom.

Am I missing a trick? If I want bright lighting i'm assuming its will be via a pendant or several spots?

Is there a positive or negative with either of the above?

[inabox]

Personally, I feel that downlights (spots) are best for working areas, but feel a little clinical in areas for living, such as bedrooms. They are very directional and cast shadows. Try to aim for at least two artificial sources of light per room, preferably at different heights to make the room feel bright and warm. Maybe keep some wall lights and add pendants?

[ianrb]

Have been removing all the wall lights from my house for the same reason. I have replaced them with a mixture of downlights, which give illumination when I'm "looking for my car keys" or any other activity when I want a bright well lit room, low level standing lights, which are great when I want some atmosphere in the room, and a couple of dimable spotlights next to the chairs I sit in while reading.
The particular combination of lights may not suit you, but having flexible lighting is ideal for me and may be what you need.

[BaldOldMan]

Can you change the bulbs ?

I have downlights in the kitchen, utility and bathrooms, but only lamps in the living and bedrooms and get plenty of light.

I deliberately didn’t put pendant lights in - the only one in the house is over the dining table.

I have Hue bulbs everywhere, so I can dim them to whatever level I want and only rarely have them on full.

[Howard-]

inabox said:

Personally, I feel that downlights (spots) are best for working areas, but feel a little clinical in areas for living, such as bedrooms. They are very directional and cast shadows. Try to aim for at least two artificial sources of light per room, preferably at different heights to make the room feel bright and warm. Maybe keep some wall lights and add pendants?

Agreed. I was pleased that the lounge in our new house had wall lights in addition to ceiling lights. The more light sources you have, the more varied ambience you can create.

I fitted downlights in our bedroom but we still have bedside lamps which are used when we're just relaxing, and not getting dressed or sorting out clothes or whatever.