Home Lighting Solutions for Dark Cosy Nights
As the sun sets earlier and earlier and the days grow ever shorter, finding the perfect lighting solutions for dark evenings becomes essential. The right lighting will make the world of difference in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home.
These days there are loads of energy-efficient options to reduce your environmental footprint and lower your energy bills. LED bulbs are a top choice, as they use significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
1) Lamps, lamps and more lamps
Step away from the big light!!! Yes, we are now in the darkest months but flooding your room with the “big light” is far too much.
We want to create layers of lights and the easiest way to do this is using lamps. I am a massive fan of rechargeable lights because not only can you move them around the room to suit your needs (rather than where the sockets are) but they can also easily be moved between rooms and even repurposed in the warmer nights as outside lights.
2) Dimmable Lights
I’m going to let you into a massive secret - dimmable lights are an absolute game changer in terms of being able to control the mood in your room. The best thing is that most switches can be swopped to a dimmable one (you just need to check your bulbs compatibility).
You don’t even need an electrician to make the change as it is one of the easiest electrical jobs to do (although obviously only do so if you are confident!)
One of my favourite suppliers is Corston Steel and they have recently released a switch with a clear plate made from 2mm transparent Perspex, which gives the illusion of the outlet being built into the wall. It comes with a paper template for you to either paint over with your chosen wall colour, or to use as a template for wallpaper; clever huh?
3) Fairy lights
There is no easier way to add magic to your home than fairy lights. They provide charm and add a therapeutic feel BUT make sure you choose ones with a warm yellow light to create a hygge-like atmosphere.
There are so many options and some of my favourite places to look for fairy lights are Lights4fun and Sparkle Lighting.
4) Aim your lights at the wall, ceiling & arts
Instead of simply aiming your all your lights down at the floor consider illuminating the walls, ceiling or artwork.
When you wash the walls/ceiling with light, you infuse every corner of the room with a warm glow, making it feel cosy yet spacious. If you plan to install spot lights into your ceiling, always add a few at the very edges so that you can elegantly cast light down the walls.
You can bring a splendid sense of drama to a room by illuminating a favourite painting or photograph with its own special spotlight - Pooky have an excellent guide on their website on how to do this properly Picture lights - how to illuminate your paintings and artworks (pooky.com)
5) Deep Clean Your Windows
Ok, not the most fun tip but definitely the cheapest and it will make a HUGE difference! A room with stained windows will feel dirty and limits visibility. Make sure you clean the outside and inside and you will immediately feel the benefit as the natural light floods your room.
Stock image of person cleaning
Now you are armed with this knowledge, it’s time to put it into action! Much to my husband’s dismay I’ve already got our Christmas decorations out of the loft so I’m off to start putting up my fairy lights.
Becky x