How To Select Light Fixtures that Work Together in One Room (without being matchy-matchy)

While many designers prefer to keep their tips and tricks a secret, I strongly believe that what you put out into the world you get back tenfold, and with that I am always willing to share my sources, and my design advice to anyone who’s interested. From my favourite vintage rug sources to how to combine pillow patterns, you have a question? I’m your gal.

But today? Today we’re going to talk about something crucial, and that’s lighting. It’s the one thing that seems to intimidate folks more often than not. But the truth is, mixing and matching lighting in one space (or, heck, throughout your whole home) so that it feels cohesive without being matchy matchy isn’t quite as difficult as it may seem. The secret: ensure that there is one element that ties everything together. It’s truly that simple! This post is in sponsorship with Capitol Lighting | 1-800Lighting.com, and I’ve picked a ton of their *stunning* fixtures to show you just how it’s done. 

– MATCH FINISHES –

Are you a lighting newbie? I hear ya – don’t panic. This tip is probably the easiest to implement – you can have as much fun as you want with styles, shapes, scales and the like. So long as the finishes are cohesive, they will automatically feel like a pair. Here are a few great examples…

Black & Gold

sources: chandelier | lamp

Bronze

sources: chandelier | lamp

Nickel

sources: pendant| flush mount

– MATCH SHAPES –

Now, this one is a little more difficult as you do have to pay attention to scale, but the rule of thumb is still pretty simple. If you ensure that all of your lighting fixtures follow a similar shape, you should be in the clear no matter their finish. Here are a few examples…

Architectural

sources: chandelier | lamp

Soft, Round & Sculptural

(as featured in my office, above)

sources: semi-flush mount | lamp

– MATCH STYLES –

If you’ve got a little more design savvy under your belt, this is another great tool to utilize when selecting lighting for your home. In the case of matching styles, you can have fun with shapes, textures, colours, and materials – so long as they’re each in keeping with a similar style you’re good to go. Here are a few great examples…

Country

sources: chandelier | lamp

Glam

sources: chandelier | lamp

Modern

sources: chandelier | lamp

– MATCH MATERIALS –

Lastly, you can match materials. Whether you opt to go au naturel with wood and stone, or keep it simple with all things sparkling glass, here are a few great examples…

Iron

sources: sconce | chandelier

Natural Materials: Wood & Stone

sources: chandelier | lamp

Glass

sources: chandelier | pendant

SHOP ALL OF THE LIGHTING IN THIS POST: 

Thank you to Capitol Lighting | 1-800Lighting.com for sponsoring this post. And a big thank you to you, my sweet reader for sponsoring my sponsorships. It really means a lot and gives me the tools to put together more in depth posts for you.