Brighten your home and your mood with the right lighting choices…

Lighting doesn’t just illuminate a room—it shapes its entire atmosphere. In our blog series on mood-enhancing lighting, we’ve explored how to create calm and cosiness. Now, we’re turning up the brightness with lighting ideas that bring energy, joy, and positivity into your space.

Whether you want to start the day feeling refreshed, boost your focus, or create an uplifting and sociable ambiance, the right lighting can work wonders. Here’s how to harness light to invigorate your home and spirit.

Lighting for joy: the essentials

Let the sunshine in

Natural daylight is the ultimate mood booster, so maximise it wherever possible. Keep window treatments light and airy to let the sunshine flood in, and position furniture to make the most of bright spots. If a room feels dim, consider swapping heavy curtains for sheer fabrics or using tie-backs to open up the space. Skylights and glass doors can also help bring in more natural light if you’re planning renovations.

Focus on where you start the day

The way you begin your morning can set the tone for the rest of the day, so make sure spaces like your kitchen breakfast bar or bedroom are bright, inviting, and filled with energising light. A well-lit breakfast nook where you sip your first coffee or a sun-drenched bedroom helps lift your mood from the get-go. Position lamps or pendants strategically to ensure these spaces feel fresh and lively.

Use mirrors and reflection

Mirrors and reflective surfaces amplify both natural and artificial light, making a room feel more spacious and radiant. A well-placed mirror opposite a window can double the daylight in your space, while metallic or glossy furniture accents bounce light around beautifully. Try adding mirrored or glass lamps to further enhance the effect.

Go for layered, adjustable light

A mix of light sources ensures you can adjust the mood to suit different times of the day. Start with a strong foundation of overhead lighting, such as pendant lights or statement chandeliers, then build in layers with table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights. Dimmer switches are always good, allowing you to control the brightness level to match your energy needs.

Instant energy boosters: Quick lighting fixes

Need a rapid lift? Try these easy changes to instantly brighten your home and mood:

1) Choose bright and bold lampshades

Colour affects mood, and vibrant hues can have an energising effect. Swap neutral lampshades for bright, bold colours like sunshine yellow, vivid coral, or sky blue. These not only add personality to a room but also create a warm, glowing effect when the light is switched on. For a more subtle pop, try patterned shades with cheerful tones.

In addition, swapping out a neutral lamp base for one in a bold colour can make a surprisingly big difference – so find a mix and match of colours that sparks joy.

2) Use LED Bulbs with a Higher Colour Temperature 

For daytime areas like kitchens and home offices, choose bulbs with a colour temperature of 3000K–4000K. These mimic natural daylight, helping to keep you alert and motivated.

3) Use cordless rechargeable lights

Rechargeable table lamps and wall lights offer ultimate flexibility, allowing you to brighten up any corner of your home without worrying about plug sockets or trailing wires. They’re perfect for adding warmth and light to reading nooks, bedside tables, or shelving units, bringing a sense of ease and adaptability to your space.

4) Incorporate accent uplighting 

Small uplighters placed near walls or under furniture can create a dynamic effect, making a space feel more expansive and lively. This technique is particularly useful in darker corners or behind furniture to add an unexpected glow. Cordless rechargeable wall lights make this a doddle – just attach them to the spot and there’s no need for electricians and rewiring.

5) Create a focal point with a statement light 

A striking pendant light or quirky floor lamp can serve as a sculptural art piece while also brightening the space. Look for designs with fun shapes, coloured glass, or an artistic edge to enhance the room’s personality.

Longer-term ways to brighten your home and mood

Opt for lighter wall colours

Light, warm-toned paint colours reflect light better and make a room feel more open and airy. If you’re looking to refresh your space, try soft yellows, peaches, or pale blues to create an uplifting backdrop.

Incorporate natural elements

Materials, colours and textures that mimic the outdoors helps to create a more positive atmosphere. Wooden lamp bases, woven rattan shades, and organic materials bring warmth and a connection to nature, which is a proven happiness-booster.

Make social spaces brighter

For rooms where you entertain or gather with family, use lighting to set a lively, welcoming tone. Cluster pendant lights over dining tables, add wall sconces for ambient glow, and position table lamps to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation.

Pooky Picks: Lighting for joy and energy

Here are a few lights and shades that might be just right for your happy place…

Twinky rechargeable wall lightLarger Twinky rechargeable wall light in antique brass

Banish gloomy corners with a twinkle of light... The rechargeable cordless tech means installation is as easy as hanging a picture – and it comes with a handy remote control too.

Waldo bedside table lampWaldo bedside lamp with vermillion stripes

A little dose of joy first thing at the morning and last thing at night – the Waldo is a slim version of the classic ginger jar shape and hand-painted a la ‘Wally’ (or ‘Waldo’ as he’s known across the Pond).

Wonky wave shadeWonky wave natural woven palm basket shade

This fabulous shade is woven in one of the many rural villages in Zimbabwe where these crafts still thrive. We work with the brilliant Collaborative Craft Projects cooperative organisation that brings work to these communities and helps keep these age-old artisan skills alive. They are beautifully made from natural materials and each piece is unique.

Ariel chandelierLarger Ariel chandelier in black and brass

A showstopping centrepiece to make you smile every day? Try a chandelier…

With a few thoughtful lighting tweaks, you can transform your home into a bright, cheerful sanctuary that lifts your mood and fills your space with positive energy. 

Find more inspiration and expert tips on our interiors blog and browse all our lamps and shades to find the lighting for your happy place.

See also:

Creating the mood: Lighting for a calm home

Creating the mood: Lighting for warmth and cosiness

The seven elements of interior design – a guide to understanding and combining them

How home lighting affects your mood and wellbeing

Light and mood: Five ways to boost your wellbeing at home