Lighting is an important part of any interior design project — in fact, it can completely make or break a space. So, I thought I would round up my favourite selections from the ever-popular lighting fixture supplier Visual Comfort, so that you have designer-approved picks for your home.
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About Visual Comfort
Visual Comfort & Co. is a high-end lighting manufacturer founded in 1987 and based in Houston, Texas. They specialize in decorative lighting — chandeliers, pendants, wall sconces, table lamps, and outdoor fixtures — as well as architectural lighting systems. Their products are known for quality craftsmanship, designer collaborations, and timeless style. They ship throughout the US, the UK, and the EU.
Why Lighting Is Important in Interior Design
Lighting plays a major role in how we experience a space. Is a room dark and moody? Light and bright? Cozy and warm? Much of that atmosphere is created through lighting. Beyond its functional purpose, lighting sets the mood, highlights design elements, improves spatial flow, and adds a decorative layer that ties a room together.
The Different Lighting Temperatures
Lighting temperature refers to the colour of light a bulb emits, measured in Kelvin (K). Choosing the right one — and using it consistently — can dramatically change how your space feels.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Warm Light (2700K–3000K):
Soft, cozy, and inviting. Creates a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. - Neutral / Soft White (3000K–3500K):
Balanced and versatile — not too warm, not too cool. Works well in most interiors and helps colours appear natural. - Cool Light (4000K–5000K):
Bright, crisp, and energetic. Often used in kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, or contemporary spaces where clarity is important. - Daylight (5000K–6500K):
Very bright and blue-toned. Good for task-heavy areas or hobby rooms, but often too harsh for residential living spaces.
A common interior design mistake is mixing warm and cool temperatures in the same room or throughout a home, which can make the space feel visually disjointed.
How Do You Know Which Lighting Temperature Works Best?
It often comes down to a mix of design intent and personal preference. Here’s a helpful guideline:
- Analyze the existing atmosphere.
- Is the space already very cool, modern, and white? Adding more cool lighting may make it feel sterile — even hospital-like. Warm light can add the softness and warmth the room needs.
- Is the space already warm with wood tones, beige walls, or warm textiles? A slightly cooler light temperature can balance the warmth and improve clarity.
- Consider how you want colours to appear.
Warm light deepens warm tones but can distort cool colours.
Cool light brightens cool tones but can wash out warm elements. - Think about the room’s purpose.
Cozy rooms benefit from warmth. Work or task spaces may need cooler light.
So yes — the “right” lighting temperature is more complex than it seems! It’s all about balancing mood, functionality, and the existing design elements in your home.
The Best Lighting Selections From Visual Comfort
Pendant Lighting For Your Kitchen Island
Pendant lighting for a minimalist kitchen
The Norman pendant is a simple yet versatile light fixture that makes the list because it works beautifully in many different spaces. It’s available in various finishes, and I appreciate the simplicity—sometimes the light fixture isn’t meant to be the main focal point, but rather a piece that completes the space and complements the other design selections.
Pendant lighting for a contemporary kitchen
Now this pendant is my vibe. It’s contemporary with a touch of Art Deco and a little bit of glam. It’s a beautiful piece. Visual Comfort’s designs always have a strong sense of presence, and this pendant certainly stands out without feeling gaudy or over the top. A truly lovely pick!
Pendant lighting for a traditional kitchen
Visual Comfort’s Xavier is a lovely pendant for a traditional space. I love the little tassel detail—it’s certainly a unique fixture that brings both class and a subtle edge to the room.
Pendant lighting for a modern kitchen
The Kenway pendant pendant is a cool option. It’s clean, sleek, and versatile, and it can work in many different spaces to add both light and visual interest.
Pendant lighting for a unique kitchen
Okay, this might be my favourite pendant—the shape is simply stunning! This is the type of fixture that brings plenty of personality and interest to any space, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. I’m truly itching to use this light in a project.
Chandeliers For Your Dining Space
chandelier for a classic home
The Canto Grande Four Arm Chandelier is classy, elegant, and truly timeless — so it absolutely deserves a place on this list. This piece works beautifully with many different interior design styles, making it a great option to consider for almost any dining space.
Chandelier for a modern home
The Grace chandelier from Visual Comfort is one I love because of the clean lines. It works well for those of you who like the minimal look, but still want something that draws attention.
Chandelier for a contemporary home
Okay, this chandelier is seriously cool — talk about a conversation starter. It’s an art piece all on its own. Now, this fixture isn’t for every interior; it’s best suited for those looking to make a bold, ultra-contemporary statement. But honestly… I love it.
Chandelier for a traditional home
Visual Comfort’s Marigot is a lovely option if you’re looking to introduce some traditional elements into your home. I love the beaded detailing, and the overall style has a slightly edgy feel that creates both impact and a true design statement.
Flush-Mount Lighting Fixtures
light fixtures for a contemporary home
Visual Comfort’s Cappello 10″ Flush Mount is a stunning piece. I love its simplicity, yet it still adds so much character. This fixture is perfect for contemporary spaces, and I can easily see it working beautifully in powder rooms, hallways, and more.
Covet Medium Ring Semi-Flush Mount fixture is truly unique. In all my years in the interior design field, I feel like I’ve seen it all — so many pieces start to look the same or feel like copies. This light, however, immediately caught my eye. It has edge; it’s contemporary, clean, and full of character. If you’re looking for a flush-mount fixture with real personality, this is an excellent choice.
Light fixture for a classic and transitional home
The Callaway 18″ Flush Mount is a classic, understated light fixture. It’s not the most exciting piece, but it’s undeniably versatile and has a clean, polished look that works beautifully in many different spaces. For that reason, it earns a well-deserved spot on this list. It also comes in a 22″.
Light fixture for a traditional home
The Rosehill Semi-Flush is such a beautiful light fixture. I can see it working perfectly in a little girl’s room, a nursery, or a more classic interior design style. It’s absolutely gorgeous — perhaps a bit feminine for some — but I personally love it.
The Best Floor Lamps
floor lamp for a contemporary space
I love the Fielle floor lamp—I mean, just look at it, it’s super cool! This fixture is another one that feels like a piece of art; it can stand on its own and make a true statement in any space.
Floor lamp for a classic home
The Riley floor lamp is a very classic model. It has a bit of a Ralph Lauren feel to it, which I really like, and overall it brings a sense of class, tradition, and flair to a space.
floor lamp for a traditional space
This Lotus floor lamp is simply stunning. I love the details and the shape—it’s a piece that makes a statement and beautifully complements spaces that embrace intricate design.
floor lamp for a contemporary home
This Visual Comfort floor lamp is super sleek and contemporary. Its clean design allows it to fit seamlessly into any space, adding both light and a subtle pop of style. It’s a really cool piece, and I think many people would love it.
The Best Vanity Lights
vanity light for a glam bathroom
This crystal vanity is a sleek way to add a touch of glam to a bathroom. I love the shape of the lights—it’s unique and cool. It makes a statement without being overly loud.
Vanity light for a contemporary space
I love this vanity light, and it comes at an affordable price. It’s sleek and adds an artistic element to the space—another great pick from Visual Comfort.
This wall sconce is another stellar choice. I love the stone detailing—it feels very organic and stylish, giving off a high-end vibe. Truly love it.
Vanity light for a minimal space
Okay, this vanity light is really cool! It’s unique—I haven’t come across a vanity light like this, and I’ve shopped for lighting for a long time. As a designer, it’s rare to find something that truly stands out, but this one definitely caught my eye.
Here’s another simple vanity light that I really like. It’s cool, modern, and sleek—definitely worth including on the list.
Vanity light for a classic bathroom
I love the details on this wall sconce. There’s something playful about it, and it works beautifully in a variety of spaces and styles.
How a Designer Choose and Layers Lighting
Selecting light fixtures can feel overwhelming—I get it! There are so many options out there, and you want to make the right choice. Here’s the designer’s approach to selecting light fixtures:
- Determine the lighting temperature
Decide what colour temperature will work best in your space (scroll to the top of this post if you missed that discussion). - Decide the function of the light
Is this fixture purely decorative, purely functional, or both? Knowing its purpose will guide your selection. - Determine its role in the space
Will this fixture be a focal point, or more of a supporting element? Do you want it to draw the eye, or is there another feature in the room that should stand out instead? - Choose the style accordingly
- If the fixture is meant to be a focal point—like in a dining room—you can select something that creates impact while complementing the other elements in the space.
- If the fixture is primarily functional, such as a kitchen track light, choose a design that supports the overall style without overpowering it.
By following these steps, you can ensure your lighting enhances both the function and the style of your space.
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