15 Cozy Lighting Ideas From Interior Designers

Add a Large Candelabra to Your Fireplace

Many homes and apartments have non-functioning fireplaces, which are ripe with opportunity for a super cozy moment. In lieu of real fire, opt for a large candelabra—like this artsy piece incorporated into this project by interior design firm Michael Mitchell Inc.

Display a Few Lamp Shelves

If you like the idea of incorporating light in a vertical space but don’t want to forego a traditional lamp, why not combine both? Here, interior designer Brad Ramsey did precisely that. Opt for a slender lamp and make sure to secure it on the shelf to keep everything tucked away and in its place.

Use a Fabric-Shaded Floor Lamp

For a soothing, soft glow, incorporate a floor lamp with a fabric shade to provide gentle, diffused light. It’s the perfect addition to a nursery (or really any bedroom where you want diffused light).

“The cozy illumination creates a soothing environment, ideal for bedtime routines, late-night feedings, or quiet moments with your baby,” says interior designer Amy Switzer. “The soft, warm light helps create a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and helping your little one drift off to sleep more easily.”

Add a Pendant Above the Bathtub

Every bathroom should feel like a sanctuary; lighting is one of the quickest ways to create the perfect space to escape and recharge. “I focus on layering lighting in every bathroom design; it’s all about creating mood and function,” says Carolyn Cerminara, founder and principal designer at Cerminara Design. “When there’s a tub involved, I always incorporate a beautiful pendant above it. It adds a touch of elegance and creates a serene, spa-like atmosphere perfect for unwinding.”

Incorporate an Artsy Lamp in Your Kitchen

Kitchens are understandably outfitted with bright overhead lights—you’ve got tasks to complete and food to prepare, after all. But when the shuffle’s done, and the last dish is put away, sometimes you crave the easy glow of a table lamp instead. Have fun with this by incorporating a statement lamp with character.

Outfit Your Space with Lanterns

When dusk settles in, let your back porch or patio come alive with a welcoming glow a la lanterns. Outline Interiors opted for a mix of modern glass and wicker-wrapped lanterns here, but you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Choose a style that blends into your space.

Choose Warm, Low-Wattage Bulbs

Lighting comes in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and colors. When creating a cozy lighting atmosphere, you’ll enjoy more of that ambient glow effect with a warm-leaning, lower-watt bulb versus high-watt options. “Opt for a warm bulb, using a warm white or soft yellow LED bulb with a color temperature around 2700K to 3000K to create a cozy, comforting ambiance,” says Switzer.

Add a Dimmer to Your Dining Room

Dining rooms are the perfect space to introduce a cozy, intimate vibe. Imagine a room filled with your favorite people eating incredible food, and the ambiance is just right—cozy lighting can help you achieve this vision.

“I love to play with shadows and create a more dramatic lighting effect since you don’t need bright light in this area,” Cerminara says. “A pro tip is to always use a dimmer so you can easily adjust the mood.” She also suggests ensuring the light fixture hangs high enough so it doesn’t obstruct the view across the table, but is still low enough to keep the space feeling warm and inviting.”

Hang Wall-Mounted Lights Above Bunk Beds

Wall-mounted lights offer personalized, adjustable lighting in bunk beds, combining function with coziness. “These lights offer just the right amount of illumination without disturbing the other sleeper, making them perfect for shared bedrooms,” Switzer says. “The focused light helps create a small, private oasis in each bunk, enhancing the sense of comfort and security.”

Hang Sconces in Nooks

Whether you’re adding a touch of warmth to a dining nook—as pictured in this design by Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture & Interiors—an alcove bed, or corner library, sconces are the perfect choice. They stay out of the way thanks to their size and location, but still provide a nice glow when you want to add a boost of cozy warmth.

Add Tiny Standing Task Lamps

Task lamps are the best choice when you need just a little light that won’t flood a space. While these are often incorporated via table lamps, petite floor lamps provide a creative spin on the idea.

Opt for Covered Versus Exposed Light

Exposed bulbs have been an interior design trend for a while. When used appropriately, they can offer the perfect touch. However, if you’re trying to achieve a cozy lighting vibe, Cerminara says to opt for a fixture that’s covered versus picking one with exposed light bulbs.

Tuck a Table Lamp Into a Corner

A lamp in the corner creates a cozy atmosphere by casting soft, diffused light without any harsh shadows. The focused glow also draws attention to the corner, creating a relaxed, serene space that invites you to unwind in quiet comfort.

Consider a Neon Art Piece

For a playful addition to your room, hang a “neon” sign like the one pictured in this design by Theresa Butler Interiors. You can opt for a white sign, which creates a bright and bold glow, or for something warmer, lean into orange or pink tones.

Add Hanging Pendants in Your Bedroom

Bedside lamps are a must for evening wind-downs and reading under the covers. Instead of a traditional table lamp, add a touch of designer flare via hanging pendants instead. This frees up space on your nightstand, lends cozy warmth, and provides an unexpected touch.