How to Mix Lighting Finishes to Give Your Space an Eclectic Feel

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any home. Get it right and it blends seamlessly into the background. Get it wrong and it can feel like a cliché and stick out like a sore thumb. Mixing the right lighting finishes can enhance how your space feels, while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

The secret to doing lighting well is to avoid cliches and instead use your lighting fixtures to add contrasting detailing and depth to your room. Mixing different types of lighting finishes gives your home a more unique feel, injecting a little of your personality into the room, while making it look more dynamic. 

At Siena Home, our lighting collection adds warmth and elevated elegance to any space. In this style guide, we’re sharing our advice on how to mix lighting finishes to give your space an eclectic feel with recommendations for customisable lighting.

Why Lighting Matters in Every Space

Lighting is an aspect of home décor that is often overlooked – but its impact can’t be ignored. The right lighting can set the atmosphere for your room and highlight different architectural elements of your space, from statement furniture to cosy nooks. 

Mixing lighting finishes adds visual interest to a room, giving it more depth and character. Incorporating different types of lighting, including table lamps and floor lamps can make your room feel cosier and more functional. 

Everyone’s definition of eclectic is different, the same way we all approach our spaces in our own ways. However, there are a few golden rules when mixing and matching different light finishes. While you’ll want to contrast different materials, it’s important to avoid overwhelming your space.

Your goal should always be to create a cohesive space. We recommend choosing no more than three finishes and two woods or metals. Styles like our marble ‘Aldo’ chandelier have a natural warmth that complement the gold finishing of our ‘Broana’ floor lamp. 

Layering different styles of lighting, including dimmable lights, adds character to your room. Although you want to use lighting to create an eclectic feel, it’s important to strive for balance to stop it from becoming overwhelming. 

Layering different light fixtures, including ceiling lights and floor lamps, can seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to update a space, incorporating at least two different types of light fixtures can make a visual statement for your space. 

If you’re buying multiple light fixtures, choose different heights and sizes for added depth. While it might feel more timeless to select lighting fixtures that are all the same colour and finish, opting for different styles instantly brings an eclectic look to your space.  

An overhead light, like our Moroccan-inspired ‘Andrea’ pendant chandelier, is the perfect counterpart to a minimalistic floor lamp. Most large spaces, including living rooms and dining rooms, are the perfect size for having three different types of light fixtures. 

Don’t overlook the importance of scale when choosing light fixtures. It’s easy for a room to go from eclectic to overwhelming if your lights feel imbalanced or out of proportion. Avoid choosing light fixtures that are two different extremes, like an oversized chandelier and a small fixture, such as our ‘Giro’ wall light.

Consider the Lighting Needs of Each Room

Before you start buying multiple light fixtures for every room in your house, it’s important to consider their individual lighting needs. While lighting can serve as décor, you don’t want to forget its functionality. 

A living room is one of the easiest spaces to incorporate different light fixtures and styles. As a high-traffic area, an overhead light, such as our ‘Aurora’ chandelier, can provide your main source of lighting. By comparison, smaller table lights can create a cosier atmosphere, providing a dimmer light that feels more intimate. 

By comparison, a home office or formal dining room is an opportunity to use more dynamic styles. Marble and exposed metals are a great option for these lighting needs, bringing a contemporary feel to the room. 

While a bedroom needs functional lighting, tactile materials like rattan can help you create a room that feels tranquil and relaxing. Our ‘Suki’ table lamp features a mushroom-shaped silhouette, creating a warm glow that’s perfect for reading in bed with a neutral colour palette that makes it easy to style with other light fixtures.

Mixing and matching different light finishes can give your room an eclectic feel, injecting a little of your personality into the space and making it feel more functional. At Siena Home, our luxury lighting is crafted by artisans and designed to beautifully illuminate your space with style. Shop our lighting collection or follow Siena Home on Instagram for more styling inspiration.