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As temperatures plummet and days become shorter, we can still brighten up our lives with the right lighting. “Ambient lighting is best for creating warmth and mood,” says Juliana Ewer, award-winning interior designer and owner of J Squared Home Designs in Houston, Texas. She loves lamps for atmospheric lighting in the bedroom and on end tables in living spaces, and floor lamps in larger rooms. It’s also helpful to choose lighting with dimmer switches for overhead lights to create a cozy feel. “Dimmer switches on overhead lighting are perfect to create soft lighting,” she adds. Also, be sure to use soft white bulbs, which have a warm glow. Check out these ambient lighting ideas that will make your home feel more inviting during the long winter months.
Floor Lamp
Karjoefar Standing Lamp
Buy NowA floor lamp can fill the space with soft lighting, says Ewer. Choose one with a fabric shade to produce a gentle, diffused glow. The Karjoefar standing lamp has a Mid-Century Modern design that looks fabulous in a bedroom, office, or living room. The lamp features a white linen drum lampshade that holds two included LED dimmable bulbs available in three color temperatures. It is easily operated by a metal pull chain or foot switch, and has a memory function that remembers the last light brightness and color chosen. The weighted metal base is sturdy, ensuring the lamp doesn’t lean or tip over. It is available in three color options: black and gold, nickel silver and beige, or bronze and white.
Table Lamp
Yarra-Decor Bedside Table Lamp
Buy NowTable lamps cast a soft, diffused light without any harsh shadows, either beside a bed on nightstands, next to a sofa, or tucked in a corner of a den or family room. The Yarra-Decor Bedside Table Lamp can warm up a bedroom, living room, office, or other space. This dimmable lamp offers three-level brightness options and can be adjusted by simply tapping anywhere on the metal base. It also features two built-in USB charging ports to conveniently charge mobile phones, tablets, headsets, speakers, or other electronics while the lamp is on or off. Finally, this sleek and minimalistic lamp comes in a variety of colors to match any décor.
Dining Room Chandelier
YISDESIGN 3-Light Linear Pendant
Buy NowFor a dining room chandelier to create a cozy, intimate vibe, it needs to have a dimmer. Some of the coziest chandeliers are made from natural materials like wood or bamboo. The YISDESIGN 3-Light Linear Pendant Dining Room Light Fixture fits the bill with its artisan handcrafted wood design available in natural, black, or walnut. This super modern LED chandelier has 3 linear pendants that can be adjusted to create multiple shapes. Although a dimmer switch isn’t included, the fixture can be dimmed by adding one.
Task Lamp
Brightech Leaf Pharmacy LED Reading Lamp
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Adding a small standing task lamp can create just the right amount of illumination and warmth to a room. The Brightech Leaf Pharmacy LED Reading Lamp, which is available in gold, silver, or black, has a three-way dimmer switch that can illuminate at 100 percent, 50 percent, or 25 percent brightness. The lamp is sleek and elegant with clean lines that will elevate any home environment. It has a weighted base to prevent tipping and an adjustable arm and head so you can point it wherever you want to shine the light.
Pendant Lights
AyshwillDec Wicker Pendants
Buy NowPendant lights can create a warm, intimate atmosphere with their focused glow. For the coziest feeling possible, choose pendant lights in natural materials like woven rattan, wicker, or wood. The AyshwillDec Wicker Pendant Light Natural Woven Pendants are handwoven fixtures that exude organic warmth. The eye-catching design will look great in a kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, or hallway. The cord is adjustable, and the lights are fully dimmable when used with a dimmable bulb and compatible dimmer switch (not included).
Wall Sconces
Beser-Win Plug in Wall Sconces
Buy NowWall sconces work well for adding ambiance and charm, as their light is soft and doesn’t overwhelm a space. The Beser-Win Plug in Wall Sconces are made with a linen shade to create a warm glow. Available in beige, white, and gray, these sconces offer three modes: warm white, soft white, and daylight white for different moods. The design is simple, modern, and stylish to look attractive anywhere from the bedroom to the living room or foyer.
Flush Mount Light
GLOBE Electric 2-Light Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Buy NowInstalling a dimmable flush-mount light can also create a comfy ambiance. The GLOBE Electric 2-Light Flush Mount Ceiling Light is designed with attractive dark bronze metal and a crisp white linen drum shade. This fixture delivers warm, diffused illumination ideal for bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, or entryways. Its low-profile flush mount design fits perfectly in rooms with standard or lower ceilings, blending into transitional, modern, or traditional interiors. It is equipped with dual E26 sockets for LED, incandescent, or smart bulbs (sold separately), and fully dimmable with a compatible switch.