If you ask a designer the most effective updates you can make to a room, they’ll probably tell you to paint and elevate the lighting. Trust us, swap the boob light in the hallway for a pretty flush mount and you’ll feel better almost immediately.
The next piece of the puzzle is to layer your lighting. In a kitchen, most builders will install recessed lighting for bright overhead lighting. Our recommendation is to layer in even more lighting: statement pendants over an island and sconces by the sink for task lighting.
This sentiment can be applied throughout your home: overhead lighting will often throw brighter light across the whole room, while smaller sconces and lamps provide task and mood lighting.
Let’s get into a round up of some of our favorites!
Overhead Lighting
We love the Loris Ceiling light from Hudson Valley Lighting Group as an alternative to traditional recessed lighting. In the right space, they’re beautiful and will elevate the room. Recessed lighting have their place, but it’s always fun to add an extra layer of design interest when you can.
In place of the dreaded boob light, try the Shaw Flush mount series from Visual Comfort. They’re low profile and perfect for shorter ceiling heights.
If you’re looking for an entry way or dining statement, go for a larger chandelier like this one from Anthropologie. When choosing a chandelier, it’s important to keep in mind the proportions of your space and table. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a chandelier that is one-half to three-quarters the width of your table. As for hanging height, position the bottom of the chandelier about 30-32 inches above the table, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on the size of your table and ceiling height.
Wall Lighting
Sconces are great for use above nightstands, over chairs to create a cozy reading nook, over the bathroom mirror, or as task lighting in the office or kitchen. Aynsley found and fell in love with just about everything from In Common With recently. The Ceramic Up Down sconce is her favorite though. We love anything customizable and they let you pick the shade and canopy tones. How cool is that?
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The Bryant Sconce from Visual comfort is a traditional wall sconce that will look good in many bathrooms. Nightstand lighting should be functional for reading, if you ask us. Article has The Leap Sconce which has great reach and can swivel.
Lamps
Of course, we can’t talk lighting without discussing lamps. Rebecca loves (and is the queen of finding) a good vintage lamp. If Facebook Marketplace is your jam or you love to hit up estate sales, keep an eye out for a good lamp body that you can pop a new shade onto. Kitchen countertop lamps are popular right now and the cutie Como Lamp from Serena and Lily would tuck into a corner perfectly. We also adore a sculptural moment and both the Amalia and Roshani lamps from Mitzi are excellent picks.
Good lighting is an essential component of any room design. By layering your lighting and incorporating statement fixtures, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. From overhead lights to wall sconces and lamps, there are endless options to choose from. We hope this lighting roundup has inspired you to elevate your own home’s lighting design!Â
