Layer Your Lighting

01

Give your overhead light some company. Combine general room lighting with table lamps, floor lamps, and accent lights. Each serves a purpose, and together they create a softer, more welcoming atmosphere.

02

Create little pools of light. Spread lamps around the room at different heights. A table lamp beside the sofa, a floor lamp near a reading chair, and a small light on a bookshelf help draw your eye through the space.

03

Choose a warm glow. Look for bulbs in the 2700K–3000K range. Kelvin (K) describes the color of the light: lower numbers mean warmer, more golden light; higher numbers mean cooler, whiter light. Choose 2700K for a softer, cozier feel or 3000K for a slightly crisper warm white. Keep bulb color temperatures similar within the room for a cohesive feel.

04

Put light where you need it. A reading chair needs light directed toward the page; a desk needs light on the work surface. Give these spots their own lighting so the whole room doesn’t have to be brightly lit.

05

Highlight something you love. A picture light over artwork, gentle shelf lighting, or a small lamp on a favorite cabinet adds depth and brings attention to meaningful details.

06

Make adjusting it easy. Compatible dimmable bulbs and dimmers let you soften the room as evening arrives. Smart plugs or remote-controlled outlets make it easier to turn several lamps on without walking around the room.

07

Soften the source. Fabric shades and diffused bulbs help reduce harsh glare. From your usual seat, check that you’re enjoying the glow rather than looking directly at a bright, exposed bulb.