Lighting is the most important element of interior design – not only because lamps and shades look beautiful, but because light determines the mood of a room.
Our latest blog series looks at different vibes and atmospheres you can create with clever lighting choices – as well as some other simple decor change-ups. And we’re starting with a moment of calm…
After the joyful chaos of Christmas, things can feel a little bare when the decorations come down. But there’s no reason why January (or any other month) should feel bleak: instead, accentuate the positives of a quiet month and enjoy a well-earned period of calm.
Lighting for calm: the key principles
Layer light for mood
Lighting design is all about layering – especially when you want to be able to create different moods. Above all, avoid relying on a single ceiling light. Instead, mix and match multiple sources – table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights – that can be adjusted until you find the combination that makes you feel happy and relaxed. (See our guide Layering light in the home for everything you need to know.)
Stick to warm tones
For most people, harsh, cold light creates the opposite of calm: it makes you think of work or dentist waiting rooms. What you want is a soft, harmonious glow, so opt for bulbs that give off a warm, golden hue. LED bulbs with a colour temperature of around 2700K are perfect. (See more about this in our guide Understanding warm lighting - plus a guide to colour temperature)
Use dimmers
Dimmer switches let you adjust the light to match whatever it is that de-stresses you – brighter for reading, softer for an evening wind-down. They’re a small change that makes a big difference.
Highlight the hidden corners
Give neglected spaces a bit of love: a rechargeable table lamp in an alcove or a soft glow from a wireless wall light can transform forgotten corners into homely little pockets of tranquillity.
![A blue kitchen with shelves and a table lamp next to a marble sink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0550/1075/4765/files/claire.totman.designs_1_600x600.jpg?v=1738142262)
Phileas rechargeable table lamp styled by Claire Totman
Instant calm-er: the quick and easy way to create a tranquil space
No matter how busy your life or how crowded your home, a simple change you can make today can have a huge impact…
1) Mark out a calm zone with a rechargeable lamp
A key to finding moments of calm is to have a space of your own: a little haven that’s just for you, where you don’t have to think about work, or chores, or screens. Fortunately, another of lighting’s magical powers is its ability to create zones within a large space.
So even if you don’t have a private room to retreat into, you can carve out a spot for yourself anywhere – perhaps an armchair with a small side table – and use a lovely table lamp to mark it out as your zone for reading, daydreaming, or sipping a cup of tea in peace. Even better, rechargeable lamps mean that you can place your calm zone anywhere, without worrying about plugs and wires.
2) Add some greenery
A connection with nature is proven to be good for our wellbeing, and reminding yourself of the natural world is great for putting things in perspective. Houseplants work wonders: add to your calm zone a leafy fern, a peace lily, or, if you’re not particularly green-fingered, an unkillable snake plant.
3) Calm the senses
There’s nothing like the flicker of candlelight to soothe the soul: pair with calming scents – the classics include lavender, eucalyptus and sandalwood – for sensory bliss.
And then there the ears, stream a ‘Spa’ channel on your smart speaker at volume 2 and let it wash over you. Alternately, everyone has a different notion of calming music, but if you’ve never heard Officium by Hilliard Ensemble with Jan Garbarek then it might just change your life.
![candle and gold picture frames on the wall](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0550/1075/4765/files/myoldpub_600x600.jpg?v=1738142401)
Creating calm: longer-term interior design ideas
For a more lasting transformation, try weaving these calming elements into your home’s design:
Daylight: Follow the Scandinavian example
Many people find their mood is very sensitive to sunlight, so it pays to think carefully about how you maximise it, especially in the short days of winter.
In Scandinavia, natural light is a valuable commodity, so people are very good at designing their homes to make the most of it. Interiors are kept as airy and open as possible, with walls and paintwork typically in white or a soft, pale grey. And, unlike some countries where heavy curtains or shutters are designed to keep the world and the weather out, Scandinavians like to look outdoors, especially in winter: if windows are dressed, they wear sheer, pale muslins and voiles year round.
Declutter ruthlessly
Scandinavians are also very good at creating clever and stylish storage systems – and keeping stuff out of sight when not in use is a proven route to a calm home. So if you want to turn down the visual ‘noise’ to a minimum and keep your surfaces clear, channel your inner Marie Kondo and clear out anything that doesn’t spark joy.
Go neutral (or not) on walls and floors
We tend to associate calm interiors with neutral colours – think soft whites, greys, and taupes – but it’s a subjective matter: you may prefer colours for a serene backdrop. Pale pinks and yellows are warmer alternatives to neutrals as base colours for a scheme, while pastel blues and greens are cooler.
Choose natural materials
Wood, linen, rattan, stone… natural materials bring a sense of texture balance and harmony to a space. Lamps and lampshades are a perfect way to bring them into your home.
Kitchen zen
If cooking is something you enjoy rather than being a necessary chore, then it’s well worth investing in turning your kitchen into a really happy place. Use smart storage to keep clutter to a minimum and treat yourself to good-quality implements and utensils. Once again, lighting is critical in the kitchen – read some practical tips on how to light a kitchen here.
Turn your bathroom into a spa
The bathroom is one space where no one can get at you. Turn your bathroom into a tranquil retreat with proper fluffy towels, some essential oils, spa music and above all, soft lighting. Yes, this is another place where rechargeable table lamps can make all the difference – pop one on a stool and turn off the main light and you can slip into a warm, bubbly heaven.
Lighting for a calm home: Pooky picks
Phileas rechargeable table lamp
Helios rechargeable wall light
Wall lights are perfect for layering light – and the Helios’ shape and design means that it diffuses light, creating a soft, calming glow. It also now comes in a cordless rechargeable version… so no more digging wires into walls and calling round the electrician... just a couple of tiny screws, which even the most DIY-challenged of us can manage!
Rattle table lamp in natural cane
Natural materials provide texture and a calming connection to the natural world. The Rattle table lamp is made from a gorgeous natural cane. Or you may prefer table lamps in wood or marble.
Straight empire lampshade in natural linen
![Ceramic lamp with linen shade](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0550/1075/4765/files/neutral_shade_in_linen_1_600x600.jpg?v=1737024399)
Perfect if you love the calming effect of neutral colours, plus the texture and warmth of natural linen. Browse literally hundreds more lampshades by colour and material here.
With some simple but clever lighting choices and a few calming touches you can create a home – or at least a cosy corner – that feels like a sanctuary. Settle back and find lots more inspiration on our interiors blog here.
See also:
Effortless interiors inspiration: four ways to use rechargeable table lamps for cosy living
Around the world in interior design: Feng Shui
Classic interior design styles and how to light them – Zen
Classic interior design styles and how to light them – Japandi