13 ways to improve lighting in a room

There 13 simple approachable methods to help improve the lighting in your room. 

1. Have 3 sources of light

Aim to have 3 sources of light in all rooms. This can be a general light, which maybe a pendant light. A specific light, by using a table lamp. And ambient lighting, by using things like moods lights or candles or decorative lighting. 

2. Using a dimmer

Using a dimmer can quickly change the mood of a room. Having different lighting modes throughout the day will make the use of maximum brightness seem that bit more special. Of course, it can depend on the time of day as well and help you save on your electricity bill

3. Think about the scale

Even though, I believer the use of table lamps can be a great way to add lighting. Especially in darker areas of a room, sometimes a larger lantern or an oversized pendant lamp or even an oversized floor lamp can bring more of a focal point in any room. 

For larger spaces, such as a dining room or a family room, a chandelier would be a great focal point. In a smaller-scale room, think about a distinctive floor lamp or table lamp, or even a vintage-inspired sconces flanking a piece of wall art.

4. Choose the right lamp shade for your lamp

Now, white lamp shades will obviously let more light through. But this can cause a cooler tone to appear. Choosing color lamp shade can give a tint of color. Going for warmer tints like orange and yellows can produce that more warm effect. 

5. Use CFLs and LED bulbs

Using LED bulbs are really good for energy efficiency. CFLs tend to emit a more ‘harsher’ light, but try full spectrum versions for light that enhances blues and reds. Using LEDs can have a more positive effect on your energy bill, especially if you are using two or more sources of additional light, to natural light. 

6. Brighten up dark corners

Use table lamps and floor lamps to brighten up the dark corners of your room. Areas such as closets, shelves, kitchen counters, cupboards are often neglected, but drastically improve. 

7. Using mood lights

Use mood lights to create an ambiance. Candles can work as well. But I find candles can be hard work at times. Having to constantly replace and find a lighter etc. When having an on and off switch is much simpler. Dunno, call me lazy .


8. Use mirrors

Try to add more mirrors or reflective surfaces in your home. Mirrors, glossy floors, and metallic finishes will bounce light around a room. This works very well, as I always use this method, especially in the bedroom. You can also use mirrors to reflective natural light as well as artificial light. 

9. Sort out your old or 'tired' metal fixtures

Sort out your old or ‘tired’ metal fixtures and components. For example, ugly fixtures or old chrome or silver handles that have rusted or worn out. Or even that hideous frosted glass, 1970s ceiling fixtures that wash the room in dingy yellow light.

Changing that old yellow light shade or replacing the fixture all-together can completely change the look of a room.

Replace fixtures that are meant to be clear. Replace old or chrome fixtures, so that they are more reflective. 

Now I am aware this requires more spending, but if you invest in this, it will pay off and make your place more bright and elegant. 

10. Using natural lighting

Maximize the use of natural light where possible. By keeping your windows clean and smear free. This is probably one of the cheaper and simplest methods that really makes the difference.

11. Use lighting in a unusual way

Try and be a little creative with methods of lighting. Think outside the box. You could also uplight a plant by hiding a small spotlight next to a large container and turning it at about a 45-degree angle up toward the foliage. Or have a hanging pendant by your bedside, or have light highlighting your bookshelf or highlighting artwork. 

12. Remote control lighting

This is becoming more popular. Now we are in 2020, the concept of ‘smart homes’ is gaining popularity, with people replacing household items and services with app controled replacements. Lighting being one of the most popular.

For example, say you are watching TV downstairs left an upstairs light on, you can use your mobile device (smart phone or tablet) to turn it off. Or you’re going on vacation and don’t want the house to look vacant.

Of course you can change the amount of light emitted with remote dimmer functions, as well as changing the color of the light as well. 

You more sophisticated devices can save preset functions, that have a range of lighting patterns and modes that automatically activate at particular points of the day or evening. 

13. Redesign the light in your living room/media room

Living rooms or rooms that are TV-focused need less overhead light and more ambient lighting, such as lamps etc. This is to help reduce glare on TV screens. ‘Good task’ lighting also means the room can have low level lighting, but someone wishing to read can have ample lighting, which can easily be done by a table lamp. Consider natural sources of light when planning a media room and install good light-controlling window treatments so a sunny day doesn’t dampen your entertainment pursuits with harsh rays.


So, that’s it. These are 13 tips and tricks I came across online to help improve the lighting in your rooms, and overall, throughout your home. Now, of course some people may not be able to implement some of the tips in their home. Maybe due to factors like living in a small flat, or having low ceiling and pendant lighting is not an option. Or even this you have children or pets, so table lamps you would have to be very careful. 

The point is, experiment and be creative. Let us know below in the comments section what tips you have adopted and trialed out, and if they worked well or not. 

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