Let’s talk lighting. Because if your home feels more like a dimly lit cave or, worse, a sterile hospital room, something has gone very wrong. Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in interior design, but it has the power to completely transform a space—making it feel warm, inviting, and expensive (even if it’s not).

So, if you’re squinting under the glow of a single overhead light or suffering from too many mismatched bulbs, don’t worry — we are going to work this out. Let’s break down the key principles of lighting, from different light sources to choosing the best bulbs.

1. The Three Types of Lighting (You Need All of Them!)

The biggest mistake people make? Relying on just one light source. To create a balanced and well-lit space, you need a mix of these three:

Ambient Lighting (a.k.a. the Base Layer)

This is your overall, general lighting—the kind that keeps you from bumping into furniture. It typically comes from ceiling fixtures like chandeliers, flush mounts, or recessed lighting.

Best for: Overall brightness in a room.

Pro tip: Avoid harsh, single overhead lights as your only source. They cast unflattering shadows and make everything feel flat. Layer up!

Task Lighting (for When You Need to See Clearly)

Task lighting is all about function—think reading lamps, under-cabinet kitchen lights, or desk lamps. It provides focused illumination for specific activities.

Best for: Reading nooks, office spaces, kitchens, and makeup stations.

Pro tip: Adjustable or directional task lighting is best, so you can point it exactly where you need it.

Accent Lighting (Because Drama is Good in Design, Not in Life)

Accent lighting is the cherry on top—it highlights architectural features, artwork, or any statement pieces in your home. Think wall sconces, picture lights, or LED strips.

Best for: Creating mood, adding warmth, and making a space feel thoughtfully designed.

Pro tip: Dimmable accent lights can change the whole vibe from “bright and functional” to “cozy and romantic” in seconds.

2. Choosing the Right Light Bulbs (Yes, It Matters!)

If you’ve ever walked down the light bulb aisle in a store and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But choosing the right bulb makes all the difference in your space.

Wattage vs. Lumens

Forget wattage—it only tells you how much energy a bulb uses. Instead, look for lumens, which measure brightness.

400–800 lumens → Perfect for accent lighting. Keep it on the low end for exposed bulbs.
800–1,500 lumens → Great for general lighting.
1,500+ lumens → Best for task lighting.

Color Temperature: Warm vs. Cool Light

Warm white (2700K–3000K) → Cozy, inviting, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. (3000K is where I like to be!)
Cool white (3500K–4100K) → Neutral and bright, great for kitchens and bathrooms.
Daylight (5000K–6500K) → Crisp, energizing—best for offices and workspaces.

Pro tip: Stick to warm light for relaxation areas and cool light for functional spaces. Mixing temperatures in the same room? That’s a lighting crime.

3. Common Lighting Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

Relying Only on Overhead Lighting

Fix: Add lamps, sconces, or LED strips to soften the glow.

Mismatched Bulb Colors in the Same Room

Fix: Keep all bulbs within the same color temperature to create a cohesive feel.

Ignoring Dimmers (Game-Changer!)

Fix: Install dimmer switches to control brightness and set the mood. They instantly make a space feel more luxurious.

Poorly Placed Task Lighting

Fix: Position task lights where they actually help—like under kitchen cabinets (instead of just behind you, casting a shadow over your chopping board).

Final Thoughts

Good lighting isn’t just about brightness—it’s about layering, warmth, and setting the right mood. By mixing ambient, task, and accent lighting (and choosing the right bulbs), you can create a space that feels inviting, functional, and effortlessly stylish.

So go forth, swap out those bad bulbs, add a dimmer switch, and give your home the glow-up it deserves!

Got a lighting dilemma? Drop a comment, and let’s shed some light on it together!