Lighting
Lighting Direct NZ stocks New Zealand's most comprehensive range of indoor and outdoor lighting, covering every room and every layer of a complete lighting plan. The collection spans pendant lights, chandeliers, table and floor lamps, wall fittings, downlights, spotlights, flush mount ceiling lights, and exterior fittings for gardens, security, and outdoor entertaining areas. Browse traditional, modern, mid-century, Scandinavian, and luxury styles online with free shipping on orders over $200, or visit one of our showrooms nationwide for expert advice.
How to choose lighting for your home
Choose lighting based on three practical factors: the function each room performs, the daylight already in the space, and a layered plan that combines ambient, task, and accent fittings. Match lumen output and colour temperature to the room's purpose, then select products that suit the ceiling height, interior style, and any IP rating the location requires.
The key decision factors at a glance:
- Room function and the activities each space supports
- Lumen output sized to the room, from 1,000 lumens for bedrooms to 8,000 for kitchens
- Colour temperature, from warm 2700K for lounges to crisp 4000K for kitchens
- IP rating, with IP44 for bathrooms and IP65 for fully exposed exterior positions
- Style and finish, matched to the existing interior or exterior of the home
Types of indoor lighting
Indoor lighting at Lighting Direct NZ covers six core categories: pendant lights, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps, downlights and spotlights, and flush mount ceiling fittings. Each category serves a specific function in a layered plan, from feature pendants over a dining table to soft accent wall lights in a hallway and focused downlights over a kitchen bench.
- Pendant lights for kitchen islands, dining tables, and stairwells
- Wall lights for bathroom vanities, bedside reading, and hallway accent
- Table lamps for bedside tables, console tables, and reading corners
- Floor lamps for ambient corners and reading nooks
- Downlights and spotlights for focused task light in kitchens and bathrooms
- Flush mount ceiling lights for bedrooms, hallways, and rooms with lower ceilings
Types of outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting at Lighting Direct NZ covers exterior wall fittings, security floodlights, exterior lanterns, and 12 or 24-volt garden lighting. Each fitting must carry the correct IP rating for its location, with IP44 suitable for sheltered areas and IP65 or higher required for fully exposed positions in coastal and high-rainfall parts of New Zealand.
Coastal NZ homes should choose corrosion-resistant materials such as marine-grade stainless steel or treated aluminium to handle salt-air exposure over time. Low-voltage 12-volt and 24-volt garden lighting works well along pathways, garden beds, and feature plantings for soft, weather-rated illumination year-round.
Where to use lighting in a New Zealand home
Plan lighting room by room across a New Zealand home, matching fitting type, lumen output, and colour temperature to the activity each space supports. Lounges and bedrooms suit warm 2700K ambient light, kitchens and bathrooms suit crisper 4000K task light, and outdoor entertaining areas need IP44 or IP65 fittings that handle local NZ weather conditions.
Installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician in accordance with New Zealand wiring regulations.
Frequently asked questions about lighting
What is layered lighting?
Layered lighting combines three light sources in the same room: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting fills the space with general illumination, task lighting focuses brighter light on work zones, and accent lighting highlights features such as artwork or architectural detail. A layered plan delivers a more functional and atmospheric room than a single central fitting.
What is the difference between warm white and cool white?
Warm white and cool white describe colour temperature, measured in Kelvin. Warm white at 2700K to 3000K creates a cosy atmosphere and suits lounges, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Cool white at 4000K delivers crisper, brighter light for kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices where task accuracy matters most.
How many lumens does each room need?
Bedrooms need 1,000 to 2,000 lumens, lounges need 3,000 to 5,000, kitchens need 4,000 to 8,000, bathrooms need 2,000 to 4,000, and hallways need 1,500 to 3,000. For larger rooms, splitting the total lumen output across multiple fittings gives more even coverage than one central light.
What is an IP rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, a two-digit code that rates how well a light fitting resists dust and water. IP44 suits bathroom zones two and three and sheltered exterior areas. IP65 or higher is required for fully exposed outdoor positions, including coastal homes and decks open to wind-driven rain.
Do I need an electrician to install lighting?
Yes. Hardwired lighting installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician in accordance with New Zealand wiring regulations. Plug-in table lamps and floor lamps do not require electrical work, but any fitting connected directly to mains wiring is a regulated electrical task in New Zealand.
