There’s nothing more inviting than a room that’s warm and welcoming. With different combinations and lighting techniques, you can set the mood in your bedrooms and living rooms and turn a dark and dreary space into one that’s enticing and enjoyable to spend time in. With this in mind, here are a number of ways you can transform your home just by using light.

 

1. Hidden Lighting

Hidden lighting certainly sounds mysterious and alluring, but it’s easily achievable with a little bit of planning. Decide on a location to install this type of lighting; for example, behind furniture or architectural features to provide an indirect light source. Imagine a soft glow emanating from behind the couch or headboard without the glare, and you have the right idea. Strategically placed, it can add a subtle illumination for that perfect comforting feeling.

 

2. Choosing The Right Light Bulbs

The humble lightbulb, often overlooked, is the epitome of any lighting setup. Selecting the right bulb type from the numerous different types can be challenging.

●      Incandescent bulbs are one of the most common light bulbs that emit a yellow, warm light. However, these bulbs generally have a shorter life span and are not energy efficient when compared to some of their counterparts.

●      Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs, yet they are more energy efficient. These bulbs produce a brighter white light that’s a lot sharper to the eye.

●      Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are more energy efficient and have a long lifespan. They’re best known for their cooler white light.

●      LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) These bulbs are highly energy efficient and last a long time. LEDs are available in many shapes, forms, and color temperatures, making them exceedingly popular.

●      Incandescent filament bulbs are designed to look like incandescent bulbs using an LED filament. These bulbs have become popular as they provide a vintage aesthetic and are more energy-efficient compared to their predecessors, the filament bulb.

●      Smart Bulbs offer a great convenience factor as you can control them remotely through WiFi or Bluetooth connections. They also have various capabilities that allow you to change colors and pre-programmed settings.  

●      Candelabra Bulbs come in a variety of different types of bulbs, from filament to incandescent and even LED. They’re designed for chandeliers and some wall-mounted fittings and look like a candle, giving your room a homely feel.

A combination of different types of lightbulbs can also help create the look you seek. Experiment with these different types of bulbs to get that cozy feeling in your bedroom or living room.

 

3. Adding Dimmers

Dimming switches are great as they give you many lighting options. You can install dimming switches into your lights of choice and control the mood with a single switch. Alternatively, some smart bulbs have dimming capabilities, removing the need to install any switches.

Low lighting can create that cozy feel in your bedroom or living, contrasted by a slightly brighter table lamp. Play around with different settings for the perfect atmosphere.

 

4. Picking The Right Lighting Types

Your bedroom and living room should have a variety of lighting options. Having different lighting types will help you set that homey feel within the room.

Here are some lighting techniques and options to consider:

Floor lamps and table lamps are convenient as they can be moved around a room. Tabletop lamps can be placed on a nightstand or pedestal and are great additions to any room, as they can add to the decor or become a centerpiece. Floor lamps are just as versatile and can be placed strategically to illuminate a specific area, creating a warm and inviting feel.

String Lights are easy to hang almost anywhere and add a certain mystical charm. The lighting is soft and non-invasive, making it the perfect addition to your bedroom or living room. If they twinkle, even better! 

Candles are often overlooked when trying to create a certain ambience in a room. However, they’re a great option for soft, warm light, particularly on cooler evenings. The fiery, flickering light adds charm and perceived warmth to a room, enhancing that cozy feeling and drawing you in. Candles also come in a variety of scents, with vanilla bean, musk, woods, spices, and resins, all of which enhance the mood.

A fireplace is another great way to make a room feel more cozy. The flickering of flames never fails to make a room feel more inviting and snug. If you don’t have a wood fire, there are electric and gas alternatives that are easy to install and cost-effective too.

 

5. Lamp Shades

Lamp shades not only add style to your living space or bedroom, but they have other functions, too. Choosing a lampshade can determine the strength, color, and pattern of your lighting, depending on the type of material and design you pick for your home.

When selecting a lampshade for your floor or table lamps, consider the following:

 

Texture: Patterned or textured lampshades can provide intriguing patterns that add a different element to the room. This light play can add depth and a cozy feel to the living space.

 

Material: The type of material or fabric of a lampshade makes a huge impact on the lighting in a room. Different materials will allow a certain amount of light depending on the thickness or opacity of the fabric. Experiment with a variety of materials to see how they illuminate your living room or bedroom. The color of the shade will also impact the intensity of the light. Use lighter colors to make the light pop or darker colors to dim the light.

 

Light Up Your Lifestyle

Lighting plays a huge role in how your home feels. Fortunately, getting that cozy feel for your bedroom or living space is easily achievable using any of these lighting techniques. To get the best effect, it’s a good idea to experiment with a few different options until you find the ones that create that warm, welcoming glow you’re going for. The best part about lighting is that it’s easy to change and that the results are instantaneous!