This fall and winter more than ever, many of us will be spending most of our time at home. Creating a comfortable and cozy space to relax and enjoy family time will help make the days spent indoors more enjoyable. While it’s fun to create a festive ambiance to match the season, it’s not always practical or feasible to completely change a room’s décor. Use these simple tips to create a space that will carry you through cozy autumn nights and beyond.

1. Layer Up

We all know that layering clothes in the winter is a great way to stay warm, but did you know layers of light can also help keep you cozy? Incorporating three layers of light, including ambient or overall, task and accent lighting not only improves the functionality of your space, but also adds a comforting, warm feeling to your home.

2. Consider Color

As the leaves change and the warm colors of fall make their way into our home décor, adjusting the color of your lighting can help create the perfect setting for evenings by the fire and family gatherings. LED light bulbs come in a variety of color temperatures, and some are even adjustable to fit different needs. To get a warm, comforting glow, look for a color temperature around 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin.

3. Swap Shades

It is common to switch your accent pillows and throw blankets throughout the year to fit with the changing seasons. Consider changing out your lamp shades to add more seasonal hues to your home color scheme. Incorporating a warm color tone or a new texture to your space with a lamp shade can really change the feel of your space.

4. Make a Statement

Adding a stunning statement fixture to your room is a relatively simple way to make an impressive impact. Choose one with a beautiful golden or brass finish to add warmth and style. Make sure to put your new fixture, and all your lights, on dimmers to increase functionality. An expert at your local ALA-member showroom can help you find control products that are compatible with the bulbs in your home.

5. Highlight Seasonal Hues

If you add seasonal décor around your home, use your lighting to highlight your favorite pieces. Add a small table lamp next to a pumpkin and pinecone display, or string LED fairy lights along a garland to really dazzle your guests. Take things a step further by painting a room or accent wall, then installing or adjusting existing spotlights to highlight the new splash of color. Don’t be afraid to rearrange furniture to make sure your hard work shines.

Get help incorporating all these ideas and more from an expert at your local ALA-member lighting showroom. Also, check out these tips to add function and style to your kitchen lighting as you prepare to cook holiday dinners.

Photo by Maxim Lighting