Designers Reveal Two Essential Lighting Shifts for Fall

As the days grow shorter and the clocks fall back, many households find themselves in need of brighter, warmer spaces. With the end of Daylight Saving Time, the transition into the darker months can leave homes feeling dreary. To combat this seasonal shift, interior designers recommend two essential lighting strategies to enhance ambience and comfort.

Layering Lighting for Warmth

Effective lighting design is crucial for creating inviting spaces, particularly when natural light diminishes. Experts advocate for a layered approach that incorporates multiple sources of light. According to Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish, “The key to a well-considered lighting scheme that supports you throughout the year lies in layered illumination.”

This method involves blending various light sources, such as table lamps, wall lights, and picture lights, to establish a warm atmosphere. Designer Lauren Gilberthorpe emphasizes this point, stating, “As evenings draw in, I always introduce more low-level lighting. Table and wall lamps create a cocooning atmosphere that overhead lighting alone cannot achieve.”

In addition to the variety of light sources, using more substantial lighting fixtures can enhance warmth. Christina Cruz of Christina Cruz Interiors suggests swapping light task lamps for more substantial designs. “In the winter, table lamps become the primary source of light over recessed fixtures, creating a warmer, more intimate glow,” she explains. Portable lamps also play an important role, as highlighted by Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, who recommends using cordless table lamps to add cozy illumination to spaces that may lack outlets.

As the sun sets earlier, Kathy Kuo, a prominent designer, advises adding extra table lamps to frequently used rooms. “Your cozy family room or restful bedroom can truly never have too many lamps,” she asserts.

Optimizing Bulb Temperature for Comfort

In addition to increasing the quantity of light, designers stress the importance of selecting the right bulb temperature. As darkness descends earlier in the day, Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. suggests leaning into warm lamp light. “I swap cooler bulbs for ones closer to 2700K and add timers or smart plugs,” she advises. This adjustment helps create a welcoming environment as the days grow shorter.

Designers like Lucy Harris, founder of Lucy Harris Studio, recommend using timers to automatically turn on lamps before dusk. “I find turning on table and floor lamps with a very warm bulb at least 2700K warms up a room and makes it feel inviting,” she explains.

The choice of bulb tones also plays a significant role in setting the mood. Lauren Gilberthorpe notes that warmer bulb tones soften the room and complement natural materials. This subtle shift fosters an intimate, inviting atmosphere, reflecting the essence of the season.

Incorporating mirrors can further enhance lighting effectiveness. Allison Lind of Allison Lind Interiors suggests that mirrors can bounce light, enhancing both natural and artificial sources. “When it makes sense within the confines of the design, I love to add a mirror as part of the lighting plan,” she states.

Implementing these two key lighting shifts can significantly transform a home during the fall and winter months. As households adjust to shorter days and longer nights, these strategies not only enhance visual appeal but also create an inviting environment, ensuring comfort and warmth when it is needed most.