5 Ways to Improve the Ambient Lighting in Any Room

When it comes to creating a beautiful interior, there are few elements more important than lighting. Research shows that lighting can affect everything from your mood to your behaviors and choices. Plus, the right lighting is critical to properly showcasing a room’s aesthetic. But knowing that you want proper lighting and actually achieving it are two very different things.

There are several important factors to consider when determining the right lighting for a space, such as the room’s size, whether the space is intended for relaxation or productivity, and your overall aesthetic leanings. But regardless of your style sensibilities and intentions for a room, there are a number of universal tips you can apply to optimize the lighting of any space.

Add Multiple Light Sources

Different situations require different types of lighting to set the right mood. For instance, a romantic night in with a partner calls for warm, relaxing lighting, while an evening spent working typically requires the energy emitted from cool, bright lights. Adding multiple light sources allows you to easily adjust the ambiance of a space depending on the mood and activity you're trying to achieve.

Ideally, every major room in your home should have at least three light sources for optimal control. These sources can come in the form of ceiling lights, table lamps, or decorative wall lights, like our laser-cut Crystal Nest Vanity Light. However, it's best to include a combination of all three for maximum flexibility.

Swap Out Old Fixtures

Lighting is the foundation of any design. Because light fixtures are frequently the first thing that people notice when they walk into a room, swapping out old, outdated fixtures for new, beautiful pieces is a no-fail way to instantly refresh the entire look of a space.

And the beauty of light fixtures is that they come in infinite designs, so it’s easy to find the perfect one to complement your particular aesthetic. For instance, the structural, streamlined style of the Yale 3-Light Chandelier is perfect for pared-back aesthetics, while the chic elegance of the Mood 12-Light Pendant will seamlessly integrate into contemporary spaces.

Consider Your Bulbs

In addition to your fixture’s style, you should consider the type of light that the fixture emits, particularly the temperature. Lighting temperatures range from cool to warm, and some temperatures are better suited to certain aesthetics and moods than others.

For instance, if your home features a contemporary aesthetic with a cool color palette, then similarly cool bulbs will enhance your overall look. However, the same bulbs might look too harsh on a more traditional aesthetic comprised of rich, warm hues, in which case warm, yellow lighting is the better option. Additionally, warm lighting is ideal for winding down after a long day, making it great for the bedroom, while cool lighting energizes spaces, making it perfect for rooms that require productivity, like home offices.

Add Reflections

Your light fixtures aren’t the only form of light contributing to your home’s ambiance. Natural light plays a very important role in a space’s overall appearance. Natural light not only makes a space feel more expansive and welcoming, but it also saves on energy bills.

If you don’t have as much natural light as you’d like (or even if you do), then consider adding a few mirrors to your interior. This technique will expand your room’s visual space while reflecting more natural light around it. Depending on your aesthetic preferences, you can incorporate one or two oversized mirrors or several smaller mirrors grouped together to achieve the effect.

Assess Your Room’s Layout

Beyond determining your preferred lighting style, temperature, and sources, you should also assess the layout of your room to ensure you choose a fixture that enhances rather than hinders your aesthetic. Even if you love the style of a certain fixture, if it’s too big or too small for your space, then your overall design will suffer.

Spend some time taking stock of the major design elements of your room, noticing any areas that could use some more visual weight to balance out the look. For instance, if you have a corner that feels a little too empty, then a floor lamp is a great way to fill that space. On the other hand, if your space is feeling a bit crowded, then you might consider hanging a pendant light that won't encroach on your square footage.

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