What do you think of when you hear the word cozy? You may have fluffy pillows and throw blankets scattered around. You might also have the perfect rug to complete the room and turn it into a cozy haven. However, there still may be something missing. The key to creating a cozy atmosphere is layered lighting.
How to Layer Lighting in a Room
If you’re sitting down, think of your room in layers. To create a cozy atmosphere, you must allow light to hit the different layers of your room: below knee level, below eye level, eye level, and above eye level. Here are some examples.
- Sunlight hitting the floor near the window
- Floor lighting along the stairs
- The lamp on a side table
- Under-the-shelf lighting on the bookcase
- Uplighting underneath artwork
- Downlighting above the television
- Task lighting on the ceiling
Layered lighting provides a sense of comfort because you have the stability of light around you in all areas of the room. Plus, you benefit from having light wherever you need it.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is a centralized light that lights an entire room. Think of the light from a fireplace during the winter or a candle lighting up a dark room. Another example of ambient lighting is a chandelier. Choose one designed for only one or two bulbs for a cozy atmosphere.
Finding the Right Bulbs
Layered lighting is key, but the right bulbs help too. Normally, soft, warm lights are better at creating a cozy environment because they encourage relaxation. Look at the number of kelvins when buying bulbs. You’ll want to stay within the range of 2700 to 3000K for soft white and 3000 to 4000K for neutral lighting.
Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches allow you to use as much or as little light as you need. They’re a perfect way to create ambiance as well as to save money on energy bills. Furthermore, with dimmer switches, you can use whatever light bulb you want. If warm lighting is too dark to use all the time, use brighter bulbs instead and dim them when you want a cozier atmosphere.
Get Creative
Lights are necessary to perform basic tasks at home, but they also serve as structural elements in your home’s décor. Look around and use your imagination to see all of the places you can layer the lights in your house. There’s no better way to create a cozy atmosphere at home.
If you need lighting installation services to create the cozy atmosphere you’ve been dreaming about, call us at Wire Works in Lansing, MI today.
