That, my friends, is the power of lighting. It’s more than pulling the room together; it sets the mood, tells a story, and changes you from sad to amazing. Here’s how you get it right.
The quickest way to cozy up your room and bring in some personality? Table lamps. No matter if you’re creating a reading corner or making the bedside functional and beautiful, or if you’re looking to add a little interest to your hallway console, these babies will do it all. And they’re easy to switch out as your style and feelings shift. Go for a unique shape, a luxe texture, or a punchy color in the base to express your current vibe.
Lighting isn’t just a necessary part of your space, it’s an emotional one. It can lift your spirits, create intimacy, and turn your morning coffee into a magical moment. So, how do you get that feeling? Layering your lighting.
Start With Ambient Lighting
This is the base layer—the soft light that fills your space. Think overhead fixtures, ceiling-mounted lights, and wall sconces. It offers general lighting throughout the room and lets you easily get from A to B without bumping your shin. A pretty chandelier over the dining table or an elegant pendant in the entry is a great way to create drama.
Always use a dimmer. Seriously. Being able to adjust how much light you need—and when you need it—will make a big impact.
Task Lighting: Light With a Purpose
This is the lighting that gets things done. It’s all about function. Need to make dinner without losing a finger? You’re going to need counter lighting below your kitchen cabinets. Want to crack open a book and not damage your sight? A table or desk lamp will be your best friend.
And, once again, that’s why table lamps are the best—they marry form and function—and are perfect for reading nooks and makeshift office spaces. Opt for something that sends light directly down or can be adjusted so you can call the shots on where the focus is.
Add the Drama With Accent Lighting
This is where the room gets interesting. Accent lighting is what draws the eye where you want it to go. Maybe it’s that gallery wall or the flea-market-find-on-the-cheap mirror in your living room.
This is what gives your space depth and visual interest. Picture lights, wall washers, strips, or a wall of LED lights work wonders behind shelves for that designer-finished look.
Let Each Room Tell a Story
Different rooms have different lighting needs, so start there. Keep bedrooms calm and cozy. Kitchens are bright and functional. Living rooms have a little of both. Layer ambient light, a table lamp or two, and an accent lamp to create a place where you can comfortably read at night.
And let’s not forget about the bathroom. Sometimes, all it takes is trading the single light source above the mirror with wall sconces on either side. Mornings suddenly become much easier, knowing you’re no longer putting on makeup in your own shadow.
Make It Personal
Lighting helps make the space feel like yours by adding your personal taste. And the best part? It’s easier to change a light than your kitchen cabinets. Mix it up. Bring in a vintage lamp with some pendants above the bar. A sculptural piece with something of a natural material. Brands like Serena & Lily bring the coastal vibe and sophisticated style to a new level, which is exactly how it should be. Plus, Serena & Lily’s lamps, like their design, continue to establish a fresh, coastal, and relaxed feel that every home could use a bit more of.
For a look that’s even fresher and more impactful, think outside the lampshade. To make your table look more interesting, add an extra shot of art or a side table. Remember, a large scale can be a good scale too; just remember to aim for LED light that’s 2700K–3000K when it comes to the white break in order to keep things light and cozy.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Lighting isn’t everything and isn’t always anything. Lighting can be done one step at a time. Switch one table lamp in your favorite reading spot to one that’s a little more you, more special. Change the extra light in your kitchen, hall, and living area to one with a personality. Add in an even dimmer switch. It could be as simple as switching up the layout and location of lights and bringing your space one step closer to how you like it.
Lighting isn’t just about seeing. It’s about feeling. And when done well, it has probably done more than its share of pretty work for any space. Even if it’s just brightening or softening, whether it’s in your kitchen or in your bedroom, the perfect light can change everything.
Ready to flip the switch?
