Just moved in? Looking to revamp your space? Tired of the big light?

Lighting is a huge part of our interior spaces, so don’t settle for your run-of-the-mill desk lamp from the nearest superstore. 

Use different light bulbs, lamp shade and placement strategies to turn your apartment into exactly the kind of space you envision — all with some simple lighting techniques!

Here are some ideas to get started. 

How to implement different lighting aesthetics

Bright & airy

To achieve the bright and airy look you’re going for, start with your biggest source of light: natural light!

Use your apartment’s windows as much as you can and leverage all that daylight streaming in through them. Use light and breezy curtains that won’t block any of the light, or forgo curtains altogether! Keep your windows clean and shiny and move any furniture that’s blocking the light’s path. 

Use mirrors to reflect light into dark corners of your apartment. A mirror across from a window will show all the light from the window, as will mirrors across from lamps — use those reflections to your advantage! 

Finally, use white light instead of yellow light in your lamps and lights. White light looks brighter and more crisp, and it will illuminate and reflect off the white or light paint on your walls. Go for LED lights that save energy, or grow lights that will help your indoor plants thrive!

Dark & cozy

In a dark and cozy aesthetic, the big overhead light is the number one enemy. 

Use multiple smaller sources of light rather than one big overleaf light — that way, you’ll channel the quaint bookstore or cozy study vibes you’re going for. Small lamps, accent candles (the electronic kind), small string lights and heavy lampshades will light your room well while keeping the light mellow and warm. 

Yellow light will yield better results here, so avoid bright white bulbs if you can! You can also make your lights seem more muted if you use thick or darkly-colored lampshades. Yellow light bulbs also come in LED options, so definitely use those if you go the multiple-lights route. 

Finally, make use of your curtains or blinds to control the amount of light in your space. Blackout blinds work wonders in the evenings, but you can also go for heavy drapes and layers of thinner curtains to achieve a similar cozy effect. 

Minimalist

Minimalist lighting is all about using what you already have — in this case, it’s your walls and ceiling. 

Direct wall-mounted light sources to open walls that will bounce and reflect the light as much as possible. Use LED strips under your kitchen cabinets or behind dressers to discreetly-yet-effectively illuminate your space. Keep your walls and counters clean and reflective so that even your surfaces become sources of light! Mirrors, too, are a big winner here.

If you have a lamp or desk light, place it where it will spread as much light as possible without being blocked by other furniture or items. Use light lampshades that allow light to pass through easily or that will reflect light further. Glass lights or lamp shades work really well in minimalist lighting situations!

Maximalist

When it comes to a maximalist approach, lighting options become a perfect chance to add a statement piece to your space. After all, you’re going to need light anyway, so why not make it another great décor piece?

Again, the big light is a no-no. Instead, use ambient and decorative lighting to your advantage. 

Ambient lighting is useful lighting that should illuminate the spaces you most often frequent, such as your desk, reading area, dinner counter or bedside table. Use yellow light and some cool lampshades to highlight those areas and make them useful spaces.

Decorative lighting is where you can really make a statement. Add neon lights or wall-mounted decorative pieces to not only add light, but to also add dynamic decoration to your living spaces. 

Bohemian

If you’re going for a Bohemian sort of space, then you’ll want to find a happy middle ground between maximalist and traditionalist. 

Bohemian — or “boho” — style is all about expression, individual creativity and art, with a heavy focus on natural and organic elements.

When it comes to lighting, capitalize on natural light in the day and use warm, cozy lighting paired with statement lampshades to illuminate your space at night. Glass lamps, wicker light cages and paper lamp shades all make for great lighting pieces while still letting enough light through to light up your apartment. 

Southwestern

Southwestern interior styles have a lot of contrast and boldness — dark, heavy patterns, thick fabrics, sharp edges, bulky furniture and rich colors are the name of the game here.

Use yellow lighting to reflect off those darker colors and create a warm space, especially if your furniture involves leather, wood, rope, natural fibers or cowhide. 

Lampshades with metal or wooden elements go really well with Southwestern décor, since they’ll reflect some of that nice warm glow back onto themselves. Use lampshades with cutouts on them to make a cool statement piece on your wall!

Mid-Century modern

Your lighting is a good chance to highlight shapes in your mid-century modern apartment. Find funky glass lamps or lampshades that will themselves softly glow when lit, or incorporate brass that will reflect light back in a warm, glowy manner. Use light to highlight geometric shapes and take advantage of the warm design tones with some cozy yellow light.

Whatever your interior aesthetic, lighting is always going to be a big part of your design decisions, so take advantage of the opportunity to make your space uniquely yours! These lighting hacks are a good place to start, but you can always find inspiration from magazines, blogs, social media accounts and more to add to your design repertoire.

Good light!

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Featured photo courtesy by Reinaldo KevinReinaldo Kevin on Unsplash