As an HGTV host and interior designer with a decade of experience, I’ve found that the immense impact of household lighting is often overlooked, yet I’ve never had a client that didn’t revel in the glow of ambient lighting that I incorporate into every home I style. Households should be set up to provide both functional and ambient lighting at just the right time of day in order to maximize our moods. Warm, glowy, low lighting sets the cozy scene for relaxation, quiet, comfort and security, or “ambience,” hence the name.
There are the important and ubiquitous recessed lights for tasks and function, and then there are the inspiring pretty pieces that enhance the overall design and shift the actual feeling of a home. The latter are the ones that offer the most ambience, and homeowners should take time to arrange lights in a way that offers the type of low evening light that allows us to unwind. Beyond the chandeliers, table lamps and sconces, there are surprise elements such as LED light strips, color-changing smart bulbs, dimmers, candlesticks and even ambient light alarm clocks.
I’ve scoured the internet and trade shows for years to find just the right pieces for my clients, and now I’m sharing my favorite finds for lighting fixtures and lamps that can really set the mood.
These paper shaded lanterns are mesmerizing with their soft glow. The shapes and folds draw you in even when they’re not electrified, and the fact that they can be staggered at different lengths offers endless variety. They feel like an art piece day or night, and when lit, the warm gleam and shadow enhances the texture of each piece. Especially for the minimalist or modern decorator, these are winners.
We love these in our living room. At night, we ask Alexa to “turn on living room lights,” and we are instantly transported to the perfect nighttime vibe. I even use it during gray or stormy days to enhance the ambience and enjoy a more relaxed vibe. My kids love to change the color to suit their mood or put on a little light show. My favorite trick is using the candlelight setting for a bit of flicker and fun. We place one lamp in each corner of the room for balance and to maximize the effect, and we’ll often bring them to our outdoor table for a touch of alfresco elegance.
The Ikea Fado is a more stationary and simplified version of a smart table lamp, and its whimsical orb shape and diffused light are soothing and sweet. It adds so much character to a desktop or bedside, and the soft glow is super calming. Its simple white design makes it easily adaptable to all kinds of decor, and the price can’t be beaten if you’re new to experimenting with ambient light.
I love the mystery and intrigue of ombré glass. Applied to lampshades, the glow and ambience is enhanced. A simple and pretty pendant like this one would be gorgeous over a bar or bedside table, and it's sure to offer a moody moment any time of day. At night, the obscured bulb offers just the right amount of light to relax.
Playing to several senses, this diffuser enhances any environment with essential oils and soft illumination. In addition to the physical and mental benefits of low light for relaxation, you’ll be able to utilize the power of natural oils and extracts to soothe, comfort and set the tone for a peaceful evening. Start a new ritual every evening, and experience the lovely long-term effects of diffusing ... and defusing.
These multicolored, remote-controlled LED light strips aren’t just for kids. They're fun to look at and play with and create an entire atmosphere for evening activities. Do a little research on chromotherapy, and you can tap into the properties each color brings to suit your mood. They’re easy to apply, they follow all kinds of lines and curves and they create an instant ambience.
I love a piece that serves double decorative duty. This pretty sunburst can energize a space during the day and serve as a night light in the dark. It’s such a sweet addition to a kid's space, playroom, bar or basement and can absolutely add a nice touch to any gallery wall. I love the inspiration and light that it brings.
These flame-free candlesticks are dead ringers for the real deal, and create the most magical and elegant experience without the worry. Run a series across tablescapes, mount them on mantels or nestle them on nightstands for instant ambience. They’re also amazing for seasonal and holiday decor. They work well on wreaths, garlands or windowsills and definitely add a holiday air to your home.
We can’t ignore the mechanisms that adorn our walls, and I’m a big fan of making them as beautiful and functional as the household lighting they control. One of my favorite finds is this vintage-inspired rotary dimmer switch in antique brass. It looks lovely on a wall, incorporates easily into any decor and provides a pretty purpose. We’re no longer limited by boring switch plates to serve modern technology, and we can recapture the timeless elegance of antique light switches.
Both fun and functional, marquee lights grab our attention and light up the darkness just enough to add ambience. Spell out something fun on an expansive wall or stick to a symbol or letter to light up a little nook. Marquee lights add a little bit of "Moulin Rouge"-esque romance to a room and make your space (and you) the star of the show.
Candles are underutilized, in my humble opinion. You have to take extra care with any flame, but it’s a special kind of ambience that’s hard to truly re-create. This piece's long and narrow scale and kitschy design add so much character and interest to any table, providing several stunning candlelight sticks. It takes the guesswork out of table decor and will absolutely be a conversation piece.
Instantly upgrade your home and amp up the ambience with these battery-operated wall-mounted sconces. Not only are they dimmable with three color temperatures and a remote control, but they also come with all the equipment you need to mount them in five minutes. The brass metal is eye-catching day or night, and the soft natural shade provides a muted shine with plenty of texture.
The way light dances through each cutout of these hanging lamps is so whimsical and fun, and feels like tiny flickers of flame. Adding a decorative element to your walls and surroundings, they’re fun to switch on for an elegant evening experience and plenty of ambience. Even during the day, they’re beautiful to behold as dangling works of art. A few of them staggered in a corner would create incredible interest in any neglected nook.
The vintage vibes of this wall-mounted candle holder are next level. The antique brass details and extendable mechanism are both beautiful and functional. The single candlestick it holds can be placed perfectly for just the right touch of magic. There’s nothing like the ambience created by the flame of a candle, and when it’s brought to you by such a beautiful decorative piece, it’s a major win. We envision a couple of them flanking artwork over a mantle or a singular piece floating near an armchair for instant elegance.
These little lights turn your tub into an experience as your water turns technicolor. Waterproof and low profile, they’d be a super-fun addition to bath time for kids and grown-ups alike. They can even be mounted in the shower. There’s a current trend toward chromotherapy as a level up from ambient lighting, and we’re seeing tubs and showers with integrated lighting to enhance a desired experience. These little lights give a colorful glow at a fraction of the cost.
It’s so smart to wake up with the sun, but our busy schedules don’t often allow us that luxury. Thanks to technological advancements, we can create a sunrise anytime, and there’s no better way to start the day. I use this little beauty every morning, making it much easier to rise and shine into the colder, darker months. They also help ease us into wakefulness without the jarring glare of a loud alarm clock. You can set the light to varying degrees of ambience, and I often find it fun to turn it on low at night to ease into the evening hours.
I adore a product that serves double duty. These appealing round grow lights keep your plants healthy and thriving, and they provide soft, low light when turned on in the evening hours. I envision them in an indoor elevated herb garden under a window, adding an aura of sunset that perfectly suits quiet nights at home.?
These lights not only have a tiny footprint but also illuminate your steps with a warm white light. They are sensor lights that fit perfectly into one outlet and turn on automatically when the light gets low. I love to keep these in bathrooms and hallways so no one is forced to turn on harsh lights if they get up during the night. With this pack of eight, you can create calm and glowing guiding lights throughout your home at a total bargain.
