Let’s talk lighting…
How your home is lit sets the tone for your entire space. The right lighting can completely change how your home feels.
Even though a cozy space like this is very achievable, many people still rely on the big light. Words cannot express the dread I feel when someone’s bright 5000K overhead light is blasting down on me in their apartment.
Simply put: your apartment is not a hospital.
You do not need lighting designed for surgeons in a sterile operating room shining down on your living space. Cool white light can subconsciously affect how you experience your home, making it feel alert, harsh, and clinical instead of calm and relaxing.
Generally, I am used to seeing this common mistake in most apartments and homes, as pictured below.
Luckily, this is a very easy fix. First there is something crucial to understand.
Understanding Light Temperature
Light bulbs are measured in Kelvin (K). Most residential lighting falls between 2700K and 5000K.
Here’s a quick guide:
2700K … Very warm and cozy. Best for living rooms and bedrooms.
3000K … Warm but brighter. Often used in kitchens and dining rooms where a bit more visibility is helpful.
4000K–5000K … Cool-toned task lighting. Typically used in offices, garages, and workspaces.
In order to achieve a relaxed, cozy space, follow the guide below.
Step 1: Change Your Bulbs
When we return home at night, we want to relax and unwind. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by switching your overhead bulbs to 2700K.
Immediately, your space will feel warmer and more comfortable.
If possible, installing dimmer switches will make an even bigger difference. Being able to adjust your lighting throughout the evening adds flexibility and control over the mood of your space.
If changing fixtures isn’t possible, try Tulip Shades to soften harsh overhead light.
Step 2: Add Secondary Lighting
Next, start investing in secondary lighting.
Lamps and sconces are great for illuminating specific areas of your home while creating a softer overall glow. In the evening, try turning off your overhead light entirely and letting lamps light the room instead.
This instantly makes a space feel calmer and more intentional.
Great places to find unique vintage lamps are Etsy and Facebook Marketplace.
Step 3: Add Candlelight
Finally, add tertiary lighting.
Candles are purely for ambiance, but they make a huge difference. The small ritual of lighting a candle at night creates a moment of calm and signals the end of the day.
Try styling a candle on a small vintage plate next to a lighter for an effortless, relaxed setup.
I highly recommend these candles. They are inexpensive and relatively cheap to burn regularly.
With just a few simple changes, your space can shift from feeling harsh and overstimulating to warm and inviting.
So tonight, try this:
Turn off the big light.
Turn on your lamps with 2700K bulbs.
Light a few candles.
Your home will instantly feel softer, calmer, and more like a place to unwind.
