Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Home

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Feeling a little lost in the dark? Discover how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home with our expert lighting tips.

Nothing puts us off like an interior that feels… well, off. And 90% of the time, it’s the lighting to blame. Do you know why? Because lighting is often an overlooked design element. Today, we’re here to give it the attention it deserves. Keep reading for our top tips—and watch how the script flips in your interior design.

Quick Overview of Lighting Up a Home (the Right Way)

Above all else, a bright home should have a well-thought-out plan. One that includes equal parts of all three types of lighting: Ambient, Task, and Accent.

Ambient is the primary light (e.g. ceiling light, floor lamp, etc.). Task lighting is focus-enhancing light to illuminate your everyday tasks. Like desk lamps and under-cabinet fixtures. Finally, the Accent is the decorative light. Think wall sconces flanking your favorite artwork.

Together, let’s break down the lighting scheme for every room to help you find the missing piece of the puzzle in your interior.

1. Living Room Lighting Ideas

Statement Floor Lamp: Try a unique-shaped floor lamp that looks just as lovely even when turned off—we’re combining illumination and decor together! If minimalism is your thing, a sculptural lamp is the perfect choice. It adds visual interest while making your living room all the more inviting.

Table Lamps: Instead of relying on an overhead fixture for all tasks, place a few table lamps here and there for a warm, inviting glow. You can add one over a sofa side table and definitely one in a cozy reading nook. The gentle light is ideal for relaxing, chatting, and lounging with friends or family—perfect for a living room.

Pro Tip—Pair the lamp over the side table with a mirror to reflect (and enhance) the light.

Custom LED Lighting: Install custom strip LED lighting to highlight a coffered ceiling or illuminate the underside of a console table. Combine it with scented candles for the ultimate luxurious effect—or install a lantern with candlelights, if you’re feeling adventurous.

2. Bedroom Lighting Ideas

Pendant Fixtures: A particularly great idea for rooms with mini nightstands. Free up the counter space by installing a pendant light on either side of the bed. For those who love contemporary, sleek interiors, consider replacing the nightstand altogether with a pair of suspended statement pendant lights.

Asymmetrical Look: If you share a room with someone, you’d want to consider both member’s personalities. One might want a boho-inspired pendant fixture, while the other would love a modern table lamp. You’d be surprised at how amazing an asymmetrical lighting scheme looks!

Statement Overhead Lights: A lighting fixture doesn’t have to be made of crystal or glass to add a powerful punch of design to the room. Case in point: A sleek drum lampshade with black-and-white striped patterns. Though a simple design, the stunning motif will create a head-turning statement in any room.

3. Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Backlit Mirrors: A bathroom lighting idea making waves this year. Backlit mirrors cast light evenly across your face, making tasks like make-up application and shaving easy, not to mention a very precise reflection of yourself. Such mirrors also look super aesthetic—even when not in use!

Statement Chandeliers: Who says chandeliers are limited to living rooms and entryways? Definitely not us. In fact, we’re suckers for statement chandeliers over areas like a soaking tub. Be sure to install them with warm white bulbs, and, even better, with a dimmer!

Nontraditional Lighting: Embrace a one-of-a-kind look for your bathroom. We love the idea of a pair of candlestick lamps perched on the vanity counter. Top this with a traditional pagoda fixture to add a unique decorative touch.

4. Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Under Shelf Lighting: LED strip lights below the upper cabinets are a smart way to direct illumination towards your work surface. As modern kitchens move from closed cabinetry to open shelving, there are still plenty of options for task lighting.

Toe Kick Lights: Perfect for very early risers or late-night snackers. These lights (installed under the bottom of your lower kitchen cabinet) illuminate the floor so you know where you’re going—without the need to turn on the big light! No more bumping your toe into the island stool when filling your water jug before going to bed.

Table Lamp: The empty spot on the kitchen island is the perfect location for a lovely lamp—whether you need more light in the kitchen or are simply looking for a place to display your new favorite fixture! Bonus points if you find one with a metallic finish. It adds such a luxurious touch. Seriously.

A Tip For All…

Temperature, color, and brightness. The three secrets to a customized, well-balanced lighting scheme for every room.

• 2200K to 2500K: Warm light with a pink tone. Perfect for mood lighting (but too warm for ambient lighting).
• 2700K to 3000K: Pleasant light with a yellowish tone. Well-suited for functional and general lighting.
• 4000K: Crisp, neutral light that mimics the daylight. Works well for rooms like a home office (but too cold for homes).
• 5600K: Neutral light with a similar temperature to daylight. Not the best choice for a home’s environment.