With fall approaching (yes, already!), it’s time to think about making our homes feel warm and inviting. This often means pulling out the cozy blankets, swapping light summer fabrics for heavier options like wool and velvet, lighting candles, and adding autumnal scents. While these touches can definitely set the mood, they won’t have the full effect if one crucial element is missing: layered lighting.
In my home, aside from the kitchen, I rarely use overhead lights. Compared to the soft, welcoming glow from table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, or picture lights, overhead fixtures tend to be too bright and harsh. They don’t create the kind of intimate, cozy atmosphere I want.
I do have chandeliers, but mostly as decorative pieces, and we used recessed lighting when our kids were younger, as it was handy when the room needed to be brightly lit for playtime. These days, however, we rely much more on table and floor lamps in almost every room. Paired with picture lights or sconces, they provide all the gentle, ambient light we need in the evenings—creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
If you haven’t added additional lighting like lamps or sconces to your home, I highly recommend it! They can completely transform the mood of a room at night. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- For a medium-sized living room, a combination of two table lamps or two floor lamps, along with one or two sconces or picture lights, should be enough to provide sufficient lighting in the evening. You can always add more if needed, but this is a good starting point.
- A simple approach is to place side tables with lamps next to your sofa or chairs, or use floor lamps beside your seating areas.
- Don’t forget about sconces or picture lights. These can be placed on either side of artwork or above built-ins and shelves. While hardwired fixtures are ideal, there are now more battery-operated options if you can’t install wired ones.
- If you’re planning built-ins, consider incorporating under-shelf lighting for a subtle, beautiful glow in the evenings.
- In the bedroom, a pair of table lamps or sconces on either side of the bed is essential. It may sound obvious, but many bedrooms still rely solely on overhead lights or tiny task lamps for nighttime reading.
- Lastly, be sure to use lightbulbs that produce warm light. This small detail can dramatically affect the coziness of a room. Steer clear of cool, blue-toned light by opting for bulbs in the 2,700-3,000K range (you can check the packaging for the Kelvin rating).
Adding layers of soft lighting will instantly enhance the warmth and charm of your space!
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