How to Optimize Your Home’s Lighting for Winter

Lighting is one of the most essential yet often overlooked elements of home design. The right lighting can dramatically impact how a home looks and feels. Thinking of updating your home’s lighting scheme? There isn’t a better time to do it than winter, because there is less natural light available. Plus, with the holidays and colder weather, you’re likely spending more time indoors. Here’s how to update your home’s lighting for the winter so you can have your brightest season yet. 

Get Rid of Fluorescent Bulbs

Whether it’s you on your best day or a delicious holiday dinner, nothing looks appealing under fluorescent lighting. “It can cast a cold, clinical light that feels stark and uninviting,” explains Nathan Orsman, architectural lighting designer. Instead, he suggests opting for vintage-style filament bulbs or smart systems, which he says “allows for customization, ensuring your home remains a cozy retreat throughout the winter.”

Not sure if your bulbs are fluorescent? The most common type found in homes, compact fluorescent llghts (CFLs), typically have a spiral shape. Keep in mind that because they contain mercury, CFLs must be disposed of properly or taken to a recycling center—they can’t just be tossed in the trash. Yet another reason to avoid them.

Say Bye to Cold Blue Lights

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to elevate your lighting scheme is to swap cool-toned blue light bulbs for warmer ones. “One common mistake homeowners make is opting for cooler, high-Kelvin bulbs, which emit a harsh blue light that feels uninviting,” Orsman notes. He recommends choosing a warmer color temperature in the 2700K to 3000K range to create a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for the season. “For a super cozy, warm glow, I would even go down to 2500K.”

Install Dimmer Switches

Bright lighting is helpful on dark winter days, but you may not always want it to be so intense. Why not have the flexibility to create a custom lighting scheme whenever you like? “Dimmers create such romance in the home and offer a lot of flexibility,” says Lindsey Zborowski, design manager at Wayfair. While any room can benefit from a dimmer switch, Zborowski suggests installing them in high-use areas like kitchens and living rooms.

Invest in New Fixtures

Whether you’re tired of an outdated ceiling light in your hallway or want a bold design element (that makes your home look expensive) in your kitchen or dining room, now might be the perfect time to look at some new lighting fixtures. “Outdated fixtures can detract from your design; swapping them out for modern or timeless options not only refreshes your decor but often accommodates energy-efficient bulbs,” says Orsman.

Mix It Up

Keep in mind that changing up your lighting doesn’t necessarily require installing new fixtures, which might not be an option if you rent. “Table and floor lamps add warm light without turning on the big lights,” Zborowski says.

Think layering here. “To achieve a warm, soft glow, consider layering your lighting with a combination of table lamps, wall sconces, and floor lamps,” Orsman says. “If you’re going for something super moody, consider layering portable lamps and LED candles for extra drama. This approach reduces harsh shadows, which can soften the light and create more of a story in your space.”

Don’t Forget the Outside of Your Home

Exterior lighting is easy to overlook, but it can make a big difference. After all, fumbling for your keys on dark nights can be frustrating, so updating your exterior lights can be a game changer. “Adding a splash of light outside can mitigate the absence of daylight and create a welcoming atmosphere that extends indoors,” says Orsman. “Thoughtfully placed outdoor lighting not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but invites a sense of warmth and comfort as it spills into your living spaces.”

Whether it’s smart lighting along your pathway or new sconces by the front door, a bit of extra lighting can have a major impact. A well-lit exterior is also safer, helping to prevent package theft and potential home invasions.