Getting barn conversion lighting right is a challenging task and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. While it might seem like something to decide once the project is finished, it’s important to create a lighting plan from the very beginning.
Lighting doesn’t just serve a functional purpose; illuminating dark, forgotten alcoves provides charm and character, which goes hand in hand when setting out to convert a barn. But, as no two barns are alike, establishing a unique plan will save both time and money further down the line.
Find out how to light up impressive vaulted ceilings, zone large spaces, and inject modern personality into a restored building with the varied collection of real projects below.
1. Showcase striking features using statement lighting
No matter the size or shape of a barn, the attraction many of us feel to these types of projects is the inherent impressive nature of their spaces. From vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and original features, draw the eye to these elements using clever statement lighting.
When converting and extending his Grade II-listed barn, Jamie Le Gallez (director of SOUP Architects) retained a section of the triple-height space and exposed granite wall.
A statement Tom Dixon pendant light, hung from the very top rafters, down beside the mezzanine library and into the living area, creates a magical sense of drama that the right barn conversion ideas can highlight and showcase.
Recreate the look above with this gorgeous golden pendant light, which features a mirror-like effect when switched off and a melted-glass appearance when illuminated.
2. Zone large spaces with barn conversion lighting
One of the major difficulties when designing barn conversion interiors can be how to split up and divide large expanses of space without disrupting the essence of the building.
A good lighting design can be incredibly helpful for projects like this, as mixing various types of illumination will provide differing 'moods' and 'zones' throughout the floorplan.
Discuss with your electrician colour temperature, size of the fitting or sconce, height of wall lights, and how each 'zone' will be controlled to achieve a space that works for your lifestyle without ruining the barn aesthetic.
3. Introduce natural light where possible in your barn conversion
The most natural way of bringing in light and views from outside is to utilise existing openings, as barn conversion planning may prevent more windows being punched through walls.
"Introducing natural light into these buildings can require forethought depending on the size and amount of existing openings," warns Hannah Wooller, Head of Heritage and Conservation at Hudson Architects.
"While you might be able to come up with interesting ways of bringing in light from above – through glazed roof tiles, a mesh covered rooflight, etc – you should approach rooflights with caution.
"Not only can glazing get expensive and increase barn conversion costs but installing rooflights can also move away from the architectural language of the building, making it look domesticated and tarnishing the character if visible from the exterior. Historic England and conservation officers will also have strict design guidance on the matter too."
4. Set a cosy mood with layered lighting
Where smaller spaces are being created in barn conversions, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and snugs, combine different types of lighting that can be dimmed or controlled depending on the task.
For instance, reading in bed or sitting on the sofa requires a direct light (usually called task lighting), while getting ready or watching TV requires more ambient lighting that washes over every surface. The trick to getting this right in new spaces in a barn conversion is setting out a plan early with your electrician.
This Cornish barn conversion smartly utilises downlights concealed in the ceiling and a large pendant in the centre of the room as ambient lighting. Task wall lights don't just brighten the space next to the bed, but also provide a wash down the raw finish of the internal timber cladding (from The Main Company).
Our top picks for layered lighting
Want to recreate the look above? Choose this modern industrial-style pendant light, made from durable metal.
With a ribbed ceramic base and a soft fabric shade, this lamp brings style to your bedside table.
Voted the best spotlights in our buying guide, these dimmable LED bulbs are perfect for any task.
5. Keep practicality in mind in kitchen and bathrooms
"Consider the height and location of task lighting in relation to the activities in a space," says David Nossiter, Director of David Nossiter Architects.
"In a domestic property, this is likely to consist of lighting designed to shine onto surfaces such as kitchen worktops or dining tables, or to provide a halo of light on a side table next to a comfortable chair, by a bed, or for reading. In bathrooms, you will require lighting that is both flattering and practical – for example, on each side of a mirror."
This comforting kitchen-diner in a barn conversion feels welcoming thanks to a mix of kitchen lighting ideas. The warm ambient lighting – note the wall uplighters as well as the diffused pendants – is cleverly complemented by down-facing wall lights that illuminate the worktops, creating a clear and functional workspace.
David is a chartered RIBA architect, an RIBA Conservation Registrant and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. A Director of David Nossiter Architects with expertise in residential architecture, David received acclaim for the conversion of a dilapidated Listed barn into a contemporary dwelling.
6. Create a modern influence on new spaces in your barn conversion
Although barns have a certain old-world charm, that's not to mean modern elements can't be brought in through the choices in lighting style. In fact, the large, contemporary pendants installed in this barn conversion beautifully punctuate exposed beams and pared-back interiors.
"In a tall domestic space, the lighting should seem intimate as well as celebrating the scale of the space," suggests David Nossiter. "Avoid putting too much lighting at high level, as this can overwhelm a space and make the occupier feel isolated."
Play around with heights and levels of interesting lighting to really hone in on these more modern elements – think long-drops for pendant lights, high curves for floor lamps, or even adjustable arms on spotlights.
This works particularly well when looking for lighting ideas for vaulted ceilings to bring a small touch of the contemporary into an older property.
7. Pick out key features with indirect lighting
"Provide background or accent lighting to celebrate the qualities of spaces," suggests David Nossiter. "It is better to accent light a few features, such as the timber structure in a barn.
"Allow shadows to have an equal importance to the lit areas. You might like to have accent lighting to highlight corners of rooms providing ambience. These lights could also light a surface, or they could bounce light off a surface such as the corner of a wall."
In this gorgeous barn conversion, the owners highlighted the timber rafters by adding warm indirect lighting along the bottom.
8. Use wiring cables as an industrial feature in your barn conversion
The joy of wiring (or rewiring) a blank canvas like a barn conversion means that the positions of everything from the fittings, cabling and sockets are at your discretion. If an exposed wall will feature, consider creating a point of interest with an exposed cable and switch, like in this converted blacksmith’s.
The polished brass faceplate catches the eye when contrasted against the red brick, while the black cabling harks back to the structure's original industrial nature. This barn conversion lighting idea combines practical functionality with stylish design.
9. Illuminate a barn conversion's exterior
"Don't forget about outside lights either, but please be aware of the issues of light pollution in the countryside," advises David Nossiter.
Maximise kerb appeal and impact on arrival with a smart outdoor lighting scheme. Many barn conversions don't come with a drive or, much less a patio area, so ensure that these elements are part of the lighting plan.
Use outdoor wall lights, such as up-and-down lighters, to highlight a unique stone or brick exterior, or install floodlights with motion sensors to deter unwanted visitors in rural areas.
Our top outdoor lighting picks
Brighten up your garden using this colour-changing ball light.
Perfect for creating ambience, this outdoor wall light casts light both up and down.
Featuring voice control and remote access, this smart light offers both style and security.
10. Use spotlights to brighten dark areas
“In barn conversions, where rooms can be long, deep or naturally darker because of their original agricultural structure, ceiling spotlights need to provide clarity without creating harshness," says Massimo Buster Minale, Founder and Creative Director of Buster + Punch.
When it comes to choosing your spotlights or downlights, Massimo recommends opting for a warm-white temperature. To soften the effect, choose an adjustable spotlight so you can direct the light across your walls, beams and architectural details – rather than just straight down.
He adds, "To avoid the cold, clinical feel that spotlights alone can create, it’s essential to layer light. Pair ceiling spots with wall lights or low-level accent lighting to introduce warmth and depth. These softer, ambient layers allow you to dial back the main lighting in the evenings, creating a more atmospheric glow while still keeping the space practical and well lit.”
Massimo Buster Minale is an architect, industrial designer and the founder and creative director of Buster + Punch. Established over a decade ago, his London-born label has grown into a leading global name in interior detailing, acclaimed for its use of solid metal to turn everyday fittings into bold design statements with an unmistakable attitude.
11. Add industrial pendants for a modern contrast in a classic barn
If you want to strike the perfect balance between old and new, add industrial pendant lighting to your barn conversion. Massimo Buster Minale recommends positioning them over key areas, such as your kitchen island and dining table, to naturally define these functional zones within open-plan living spaces.
He adds, "Oversized pendants help anchor the space around high, open ceilings, giving structure whilst also complementing rustic architecture. Choosing solid metal finishes such as brass, steel or matt black adds a bold, contemporary contrast against timber beams and exposed stone.
"These materials introduce a modern industrial edge while still feeling authentic to the building’s heritage, creating that striking, characterful blend between rustic structure and refined, modern lighting.”
12. Emphasise the architecture with beam spotlights
"Exposed beams are the star of any barn conversion and LED spotlights give you brilliant flexibility to show them off properly," says James Kendall, Operations Director at KES Lighting & Home.
He explains that the most effective technique is mounting small LED spots onto the sides of beams to throw light upwards. Not only does this enhance the natural texture of the wood, making the architecture feel dramatic, but it also adds shadow and depth.
James adds, "The fixtures need to sit flush with the beam side and never project below it, keeping them invisible from normal sightlines. Colour temperature is crucial too. For homes I stick with warm LEDs between 2700K and 3000K because they enhance the natural warmth of timber rather than making everything feel cold and commercial."
As operations director at KES Lighting & Home, James Kendall is well placed to offer expert guidance on all aspects of home lighting. James understands just how transformative great garden lighting can be, and has the experience and expertise to transform any space.
Where to start with barn conversion lighting
"Until you have a firm lighting design you should hold off on choosing and buying lighting fittings," advises Homebuilding's Associate Editor Natasha Brinsmead.
"A lighting plan should include everything from the obvious elements – such as the location of fittings and switches – to the less often-considered details, like how the wiring will run, what the room is used for, and where natural light enters the space"
"Lighting is often neglected or added as an afterthought to the design of a new home – but it shouldn’t be, given its importance," continues architect Allan Corfield, founder of Allan Corfield Architects. "Ideally, lighting design should be ‘layered’, meaning that there are multiple light sources at different levels within the room (floor, wall or ceiling mounted) designed to fill different roles.
"These should be individually controllable if possible, to allow completely different moods, or ‘scenes’, to be created depending on the occasion. Usually these scenes are pre-programmed and changed via switches or voice control."
Allan is a RIBA chartered architect and has overseen the design of over 350 low energy homes across the UK. He is one of the UK's leading experts on modern methods of construction including SIPs (structural insulated panels), is part of the Structural Timber Association, Passive House Trust and a member of the self build industry body, NaCSBA.
James Kendall concludes, "Lighting should feel sympathetic to the building. Natural materials, soft finishes and warm tones tend to sit well alongside the existing timber and stone. When the lighting is layered and considered in this way, it brings out the character of the barn and creates a home that feels both atmospheric and beautifully functional."
If you're still feeling undecided and need further inspiration, take a look at these modern lighting ideas that combine style and substance, selected by our assistant editor. Or, if you want to ensure your communal areas are well lit, check out our favourite living room lighting ideas that are both warm and relaxing.
