Heitz lighting guide

A guide to choosing light

Six short chapters on planning each room, choosing a colour temperature, sizing a fitting and checking outdoor ratings.

01 · Room guide

Plan each room in three layers

Living room

Layer light at different heights

Several low sources of light work better than a single bright fitting overhead.

Warmth2700K · Warm whiteBrightness~150 lux
01AmbientA pendant or ceiling light for general light.
02TaskA floor lamp beside the sofa for reading.
03AccentTable lamps and wall lights to soften corners.
Tip · Light the room from two sides: a floor lamp beside the sofa and a table lamp opposite.Shop floor lamps
Dining

Centre the light over the table

A single statement fitting over the table, ideally on a dimmer.

Warmth2700K · Warm whiteBrightness~200 lux
01AmbientA chandelier or a pair of pendants over the table.
02TaskA dimmer to go from bright to low.
03AccentWall lights on a sideboard wall.
Tip · Hang pendants 75–90 cm above the table. Choose a width half to two-thirds of the table.Shop chandeliers
Kitchen

Clear light for work, softer light for dining

Use clear task light over benches and warmer pendants over the island.

Warmth3000K · Soft whiteBrightness~300 lux
01AmbientDownlights or a ceiling fitting.
02TaskPendants over the island or bench.
03AccentUnder-cabinet strip light.
Tip · Space island pendants 60–75 cm apart, in line with the bench edge.Shop pendant lights
Bedroom

Soft, low light within reach

Choose gentle light that can be switched on from the bed.

Warmth2700K · Warm whiteBrightness~100 lux
01AmbientA soft ceiling fitting, ideally dimmable.
02TaskBedside lamps or wall lights for reading.
03AccentA floor lamp in a reading corner.
Tip · Use bedside lamps in pairs, with the base of the shade near eye level when seated in bed.Shop table lamps
Front entrance

Light the door and the steps

Place a warm light either side of the door and along the steps.

Warmth2700K · Warm whiteBrightness~100 lux
01AmbientA pair of wall lanterns beside the door.
02TaskA porch pendant over the step.
03AccentPath lights to the gate.
Tip · Choose a lantern a quarter to a third of the door height, mounted just above eye level.Shop outdoor wall lights
Garden & path

Guide the way without glare

Low, evenly spaced lights guide the eye without flooding the garden.

Warmth3000K · Soft whiteBrightness~50 lux
01AmbientPillar lights on gate posts.
02TaskBollards along the path.
03AccentSpike lights under trees and plants.
Tip · Space path lights 1.5–2 m apart and keep them low, so light falls on the ground rather than in the eye.Shop path lights
02 · Colour temperature

Choose the right colour temperature

Measured in Kelvin (K). Lower values give a warmer light; higher values give a cooler, whiter light.

Choose the right colour temperature
2700K · Warm whiteFor living rooms, bedrooms and dining.
Room plan · to scale20 m²
5 m4 m
Ceiling fitting shown at ~72 cm. Add the length and width in metres, then multiply by 8 for the suggested diameter in cm.
03 · Sizing

Size a fitting to the room

Enter the room size in metres. The plan updates to scale.

Room length–5 m+
Room width–4 m+
Ceiling fittingSuggested diameter for a central pendant or ceiling light.~72 cm
Total brightnessCombined output for a living room, across all fittings.~3000 lm
Over a tableHang height above the table. Choose a fitting half to two-thirds of the table width.75–90 cm
04 · Outdoor & IP ratings

Match the IP rating to the location

The IP rating shows how well a fitting is protected against dust and water. For coastal homes, choose a corrosion-resistant finish.

IP20Indoors onlyLiving rooms, bedrooms, dining.
IP44Splash resistantCovered porches, bathrooms (zone 2).
IP54Dust and rain resistantWalls under eaves, sheltered gardens.
IP65Sealed against jets of waterExposed walls, gate posts, gardens.
IP67Can be briefly submergedIn-ground lights, near water.
05 · Before you buy

Check before you order

Four details to confirm on the product page before you place an order.

Check before you order
01Measure the spaceCompare the width and drop on the product page with your room, ceiling height and table.
02Check the bulbThe specifications list the bulb type, base and whether a bulb is included.
03DimmingA dimmable fitting needs a dimmable bulb and a compatible dimmer switch.
04InstallationHardwired fittings must be installed by a licensed electrician. Solar and plug-in lights need no installation.
06 · Custom sizes

Custom sizes and design help

Many of our fittings can be made to a different drop, width or finish. Every request is reviewed by our team.

01Send your measurementsInclude the product, the size you need and a photo of the space if available.
02We confirm the detailsOur team replies within 1 business day with options, price and lead time.
03Made to orderYour fitting is made to your measurements and shipped with tracking.
Not sure which size to choose?

Design help is free. Send a photo or floor plan and our team will recommend sizes, finishes and quantities.

Contact our teamReviewed within 1 business day
Made to your measurementsMade to your measurements