i was making huge mistakes with lighting that were making my apartment feel cold... here are a few things i changed and how my space feels so much more bright and cozy!
01- only using the overhead light... before i got lamps, i only used natural lighting, or overhead lighting... this creates harsh shadows and zero coziness, soooo not my vibe. the lamps are all from wayfair!
02- not using warm accent lights... i completely forgot about fairy lights, sconces, or LED strips, so when i put moody LED strips in the bathroom, it immediately felt so much more elevated! these are from amazon!
03- ignoring corners... dark corners like my kitchen made the space feel smaller + uninviting. i had to identify where my dark spaces were, and once i added intentional lighting, it was such a game changer! this lamp is from ikea!
... Read moreHey babes! Building on my last post about finally making my apartment feel cozy with lighting, I wanted to dive a little deeper into some of the things that really made a difference for me. It’s not just about adding any light, but about being intentional to get that perfect warm, inviting vibe.
First off, let’s talk more about those amazing floor lamps that completely transformed my space. I used to think one lamp was enough, but boy was I wrong! For that truly cozy living room corner, I discovered that having a mix of lighting at different heights is key. Think about adding a modern floor lamp next to your couch for reading or setting a mood. I found some fantastic options, including one from IKEA, that give off such a beautiful, soft glow. When you're picking one out, look for lamps with a warm white or amber-toned bulb – anything above 2700K can start to feel a bit too sterile. My absolute favorite is a dimmer-compatible lamp, because being able to adjust the brightness instantly changes the whole atmosphere. Sometimes I want it bright for cleaning, other times just a whisper of light for movie night!
And speaking of banishing that harsh overhead lighting, I totally get how hard it is to avoid. If you can't install new fixtures, try swapping out your existing bulbs for smart bulbs that let you change the color temperature and dimness from your phone. It’s a small change but makes a HUGE impact. I even found some clever ways to soften the light coming from my recessed lights by adding diffusing covers. It’s all about creating layers of light, so you're never relying on just one source.
Another game-changer for me was embracing accent lighting. Beyond the LED strips I mentioned for the bathroom (which still feel so elevated!), I've played around with fairy lights strung along bookshelves and even some small, battery-operated puck lights inside cabinets to highlight decor. For those super dark corners, especially in my kitchen, adding warm LED strip lights under the cabinets was a revelation. Not only does it look super chic, but it also makes the space feel so much larger and more functional without needing to turn on the harsh main light. And in my more decorated corners, like the one with my moon tapestry, I added a couple of cute globe lamps on a small side table. It instantly makes the spot feel curated and inviting, rather than just a forgotten void.
Don't forget the power of task lighting too! A cute desk lamp with a warm bulb can make your workspace feel less like an office and more like a cozy nook. It's all about tricking your eye into seeing warmth and depth. By being strategic with where you place your lights – whether it’s a stunning modern floor lamp, subtle accent lighting, or targeted task lights – you can truly transform any apartment from cold and uninviting to a haven of warmth and coziness. I hope these extra tips help you create your own dreamy, perfectly lit space!