Before You Redesign… Fix Your Lighting

Tatum
7 hours ago
2 min read

Hello Decor Friends,

Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked design elements in a family room… lighting. Not the “flip a switch and hope for the best” kind. I mean intentional, layered, mood-setting lighting that makes your space feel warm, welcoming, and pulled together.

If you’ve ever walked into a room and thought, “Why does this feel flat?” , chances are, it’s not your sofa. It’s your lighting.

Why Layering Light Matters

Layered lighting simply means using more than one source of light at different heights and intensities. When you rely on a single overhead fixture, it casts harsh shadows and flattens the room. It might technically brighten the space, but it doesn’t enhance it. Your family room works hard. It’s where you relax, host friends, watch movies, fold laundry, maybe even answer a few emails. One light source can’t possibly support all of that. Layering allows you to adjust the mood and functionality based on what’s happening in the room.

Think of lighting as the jewelry of your space. It highlights the features you love and softens the ones you don’t.

1. Ambient Lighting (The Base Layer)

This is your overall light source — ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, or a central chandelier. It provides general illumination so the room feels open and airy, but here’s the key: it should not be your only source of light. Use it as your starting point, not your entire plan.

2. Task Lighting (The Practical Layer)

Reading in your favorite chair? Working on a puzzle? This is where table lamps and floor lamps come in. Place a lamp beside a sofa or armchair to create cozy reading zones. Add one on a console table to brighten darker corners. Task lighting brings purpose to specific areas and makes your family room more functional.

Designer Tip

Vary the heights of your lamps. A mix of taller floor lamps and lower table lamps adds dimension and keeps the room visually interesting.

3. Accent Lighting (The Magic Layer)

This is where the personality shows up. Think picture lights, small decorative lamps, wall sconces, or even LED strips inside built-ins. Accent lighting draws attention to artwork, architectural details, or styled shelves. It creates subtle shadows and depth, making your space feel layered and intentional instead of flat.

This is often the layer that turns a “nice” room into a “wow” room.

A Few Practical Tips

Use warm light bulbs (around 2700K–3000K) for a cozy, inviting feel.• Install dimmers whenever possible. They give you control over the mood.

Don’t center everything around the ceiling. Spread light around the room.• Add lamps even if you think you have enough light — you probably don’t.

And here’s something important: lighting affects how your paint colors look. A beautifully chosen wall color can fall flat under cool, harsh bulbs. When you layer warm light throughout the room, colors feel richer and more intentional.

Your family room should feel like a place people want to gather. Layered lighting helps eliminate harsh shadows, highlights your favorite pieces, and makes the space feel comfortable at any time of day. So if your family room feels “off,” before you replace the rug or rearrange the furniture… try adding a lamp.

You might be surprised how everything suddenly feels just right.