Does Your Lighting Feel too Harsh? Here's How to Fix That!

Lighting is one of the most important parts of any home. After all, without good ceiling lights, how difficult would it be to see in your own home? However, if the lighting in your home feels too harsh, there are several ways to fix it and create a cozy home with lighting. 

Check Your Bulb Temperatures

The first, and easiest way to fix harsh lighting in your home is to figure out what color temperature your bulbs are. Many homeowners choose 4000K+ bulbs because they mistakenly believe the higher the kelvin, the more light it gives off. However, this is not accurate. The higher the Kelvin of a light bulb, the more blue/cool the light is.

Blue/cooler light is common in storefronts or hospitals, which could contribute to why the lighting in your home may feel too harsh.  We recommend using bulbs that are either 2700K or 3000K to give off a warm, cozy glow. Use Lighting Design's Bulb Guide to select the perfect light bulbs for your home to create an inviting space. Shop our bulbs here. 

Evaluate Your Current Lighting

Second, take a look at your home light fixtures. Where are they placed? How many lights are on each fixture? Some overhead lighting can be overwhelming for the space. For example, a two-tier chandelier may be perfect for larger spaces, but in homes with 8-10ft ceilings, a two-tier chandelier would be too much for the space. 

Try swapping out chandeliers or pendants that overwhelm the space. Instead, use lighting that is still beautiful but more practical, such as semi-flush/flush mounts, sconces, or lamps. 

Consider Dimmer Switches

Next, consider using dimmer switches on all main lights. Dimmer switchers are an often-overlooked but easy solution for harsh home lighting. Dimmer switches allow the homeowner to select the amount of light (also known as lumens) that a fixture gives off. 

This can be a nice feature to have in your home when you feel that the lighting is too glaring. For cozy evenings, turn the lights down for a warm glow. Be sure to check that the light fixtures and light bulbs are dimmer compatible. 

Use the Three Layers of Interior Lighting

And finally, try applying the concept of the three layers of interior lighting. The three layers of lighting are ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting is typically referred to as "general lighting." Fixtures such as chandeliers, recessed lighting, and ceiling lights fall under this category. Task lighting allows the user to complete tasks such as studying or preparing a meal. A desk lamp, the pendant over your kitchen island, or bathroom vanity lights. And finally, accent lighting highlights features of the home. This can be as standout as picture lights or as subtle as undercabinet strip lighting. Using the three layers of lighting in your home can allow you to leave some lights on while others are off, creating a very calming atmosphere. You can find out more about the Three Layers of Interior Lighting here. 

Harsh lighting is a common issue in many homes, but it doesn't have to be in yours. There are many ways to create comforting home lighting. Tell us if any of these lighting tips help you with your harsh lighting!