Paired Lighting

We often talk about the importance of layering light for ambient, task and accent use. Blending these layers ensures a tailored and flexible design for homeowners, no matter how they engage in a space. But how can you take your lighting layout design to the next level? One technique is by pairing fixtures to create a more sophisticated lighting palette. Let’s look at the benefits and strategies of paired lighting.

Left to right: Silo pendants for Dale Alcock Homes (Oslo display home), Platze wall lamps for Dale Alcock Homes (Oakley display home)

Light and shadow

Let’s go back to basics and look at why we install light fixtures in a room – it’s for the comfort and safety of the people in the space. For ambient illumination, a popular method has been to install a grid layout of downlights in the ceiling, however, we want to challenge this technique by positioning light only where it’s needed.

Left to right: Vega track lights, Mahina wall lights for Dale Alcock Homes (Easton display home)

If we flood a room with excessive light, such as with a traditional grid of too many downlights, it may start to feel more like an office space than an inviting home. By using pairs of light fixtures for ambient illumination in an intentional way, we can focus the light on specific locations, for example, on the dining table or next to a bed. In turn, this focused light still provides illumination to the rest of the space, but in a softer way via reflections bounced off surfaces or a gradient drop-off. This technique creates a room with focal points, rather than making the entire room a focal point.

Wellbeing and eye health

When a room is lit so that the whole space becomes the focus, our eyes are unable to have respite. We’re continuously learning about the detrimental effects of overexposure to artificial lighting at night, alongside the benefits of reducing this exposure. Not only do we simply not need bright illumination throughout the evening, but it helps to give our eyes a rest and start sending a signal to our bodies to wind down for bed.

Perri directional lights for 83 Faraday Street, Carlton

By strategically pairing light fixtures, we can avoid excessive exposure and focus light on smaller, more specific areas. While some may prefer a fully lit room with no contrast between light and dark, this approach often fails to provide eye relief. Bringing lights into pairs reduces glare from multiple sources and creates softer, more inviting spaces. Our understanding of lighting and health has evolved to give importance to considered lighting, including options for a softer or dimmable glow. Twin downlights, pendants, or wall lamps serve balanced illumination without unnecessary glare or a sense of overwhelm.

Aesthetics and style

Alongside wellbeing factors is the unquestionable visual interest that a duo of light fixtures brings. Where one downlight in a corner by itself may seem unbalanced, aligning two lights gives a sense of reasoning and purpose behind the placement. By considering pairs of lights in a lighting layout instead of a traditional (perhaps outdated) lighting scheme, you can create a truly tailored design. Paired lighting is only one way to apply light, so bear in mind it may not always be appropriate. However, this is a more contemporary approach to layered lighting, that provides both stylish visual contrast and practical flexibility for the homeowner.

From left to right: Burton Ball wall lights for Boutique Homes (Pasadena display home), Hoyann pendants for Kingsbridge Homes (Hartland display home)

Anchoring the expanse of an open plan design with doubled light fixtures elevates a simple lighting plan and contributes to the overall polish of the final project. The ideal distance apart is two times the width of the fixtures or less. If you choose to combine two different fixtures, ensure cohesion with similar materiality, colours, or scale.

Lastly, by pairing fixtures, you can keep the ceiling clutter-free, avoiding the visual chaos of a grid of downlights scattered across the room. This streamlined approach maintains a clean, cohesive look while still directing light exactly where it’s needed.

The dynamic duo

Before coupling fixtures, the crucial thing to consider is how the space will be used. Look for obvious focal points, such as a kitchen island or raised floor, where twin lights can be positioned. Are there any architectural elements that you want to showcase, for example joinery details, wallpaper, or a fireplace?

From left to right: Barkley wall lights for Kingsbridge Homes (Winchester display home), Celeste pendants for Home Buyers Centre (Berkeley display home)

Pendants or ceiling lights are ideal for illuminating fixed items - picture a pair of Melbas above a kitchen island. However, stick with directional fixtures, such as Perri, in areas that need flexibility. This ensures you can adjust the light beam depending on where it’s needed, for instance, when furniture is moved to a new position.

Track lights, like Vega, mounted over bookshelves or cabinets, are both functional and stylish. They can also act as perimeter illumination, which reflects off walls for a soft, less harsh glow that reduces glare.

In the bedroom, it’s safer to spread lights to avoid over-illumination. Stack a duo of round wall lamps above a bedside table for a contemporary look, and be mindful to use low wattage fixtures or dimmers. Visit the Wall Lamps section on the Amphis website for more inspiration.