11 Cozy Lighting Ideas to Warm Up Your Winter

With frigid weather and shorter days, maybe you’d do just about anything to feel that summer heat again. And even if those warm, sunshine-filled days feel far away, you can still add a warm ambiance to your home that helps you forget the snow covering the street. With the right lighting, you can transform your home into a cozy oasis, even when the sun sets before 5 p.m.

How can I make my lighting cozier?

To make your space a bit cozier, start with the right type of lighting. But first, think about what “cozy” means to you. Do you want to illuminate a space that your overhead lights just don’t reach, or do you want to make your home appear like the night sky? What feels cozy can be a bit subjective, so don’t be afraid to break out of cutesy colors and patterns that just don’t do it for you.

That said, one thing is for sure. Colors play a big part in how warm and cozy your home appears, as lighting and mood are closely related. If you need to get work done, then a natural glow or task-ready white can be energy-boosting and help you stay focused. Once nighttime arrives and you’re ready to relax, a warm light – maybe a red or orange hue – can help you unwind before bed. So alongside your personal preferences, it’s worth taking a look at what science has to say.

11 cozy lighting ideas you can set up in minutes

Spend the nighttime hours in familiar, enveloping comfort. With these 11 cozy lighting ideas, you can immerse yourself in a soothing warm glow well after sunset.

1. Table lamps

When it gets darker earlier, and you’re spending more time indoors, you may find that overheads just don’t cut it as you read, craft, or do a crossword puzzle. Table lamps add an extra layer of light, known as task lighting, that can help you see details far better than your room’s primary light source. Depending on the task, you may be able to utilize a warm yellow glow that feels relaxing and homey instead of a bright light best suited for small details. Add a table lamp to a desk, bookshelf, side table, or beside your bed. These fixtures come in so many different designs that they double as home decor pieces by day.

2. Floor lamps

Floor lamps are an easy-to-install alternative if you want to brighten your home but don’t want to place more ceiling fixtures. Just screw in the light bulb of your choice – even one that projects the starry night sky, a cozy experience in itself – then sit back and watch your space come to life.

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3. LED strips

Versatile, multicolored LED strips go quite anywhere you’d like. Simply snip the strips to the desired length, peel off the backing, and apply them. No electrician, no mess – just instant coziness.

And for the winter holidays, LED strips make for a great Christmas light: Line your stairs with LED strips and set them red and green for an immersive celebration that stirs up cozy December memories.

4. Wall sconces

Wall sconces are an excellent option for cozy lighting that doesn’t occupy floor or desk space. Chances are you’ve seen them on HGTV – they’re the floating lamps that gorgeously adorn your walls. Choose plug-in sconces for quick installation wherever you need that extra dash of coziness – next to your bed, lining your hallway. Just mount it and plug it in to entirely reimagine your space.

5. Dimmer switches

Overhead lighting can be way too bright for every occasion, but you may want to know you can turn up the brightness when needed. Try dimmer switches: This setup allows for all ranges, from full-on brightness to a cozy, dim, and relaxing atmosphere. Move the switch up or down to change the brightness to match your mood. Just be sure to install dimmable bulbs, so these fixtures work correctly.

6. Rope lighting

Rope style fixtures impart a luminous glow anywhere you need that extra bit of comfort. Set them up under your dining table, countertops, or around your mirrors for that spa-day effect. The rope is very flexible, so you can wrap them around your banister or spell a word on your bedroom wall. What’s cozier than a bright, uplifting quote every time you turn on the lights?

7. Twinkle lights

Since it’s far too cold to stargaze in the middle of winter, you can bring the cozy night sky indoors with twinkle lights. String them along your ceiling or hang them with your favorite photos to create a gorgeous, unforgettable glow. You can also use them for serene ambient lighting in your room as you de-stress after work. Or enjoy your nighttime routine, journaling, or reading under them – let them take you far away from home without moving at all.

8. Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns make for great decorative lighting. Try a large one as an overhead fixture, or layer a few lanterns to illuminate your space in a fun yet tranquil way that doubles as cozy decor. Choose between neutral tones or add a pop of color with pink and purple lanterns. No matter what, they’ll uplift your spirits and make you feel right at home – even in the dead of winter.

9. Candles

After a long day at work, you deserve to kick your feet back and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Candles are perfect for that: The flickering flame sets just the right tone to unclutter your mind and calm frayed nerves after a long day. They’re also great for your next date night at home or relaxing shower lighting. Opt for scented candles that require real flame, or try an LED candle – scented or unscented – that can safely operate in any environment without supervision.

10. Light-diffusing shades

Let in the light rather than blocking it. These shades create a gentle environment instead of an intense, unfiltered brightness. While these are often associated with window dressing, a lampshade can be diffusing as well, transforming the harsh brightness of your fixture’s bulbs into a familiar, scene-setting glow. Plus, they come in all kinds of colors and sizes, so you can add them to your bedroom, office, kitchen – wherever you want a little bit of coziness.

11. Ambient mood lighting

Fully surround yourself with coziness with ambient mood lighting. Through a collection of lighting types, you can recreate the ideal cozy experience indoors, filled with a warm glow that helps you forget about the frigid temperatures outdoors. Try placing your mood lights throughout your space.

To get started with ambient mood lighting, turn to the BlissRadia. By day, its unassuming orb shape blends into the decor. By night, it illuminates your space with whatever cozy hues and patterns you desire. Seamlessly transition from yellow light for homework to a calming lavender as you catch up on the newest episodes of your favorite TV show. You can choose from literally millions of colors – whatever color helps you feel snug and comfortable, you’ll get it through BlissRadia.

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