I’m a candle-lamp kind of girl. The first thing I do when I walk into a room? Turn off that harsh overhead light. Please. It’s all about the glow—the soft, golden, cozy light that instantly makes home feel like a warm hug.
If you’re like me, you love romanticizing homemaking in every way possible—creating little pockets of warmth and calm that feel intentional. And one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to do that is through lighting.
Today, I’m sharing how you can use lamps, thrift finds, and layered lighting to create a space that reflects your personality and fills your home with that soft, “ahh” feeling every time you walk in.
Why Overhead Lighting Ruins the Mood (and What to Do Instead)
Overhead lighting has its place—but for cozy, comforting vibes, it’s usually way too harsh. It flattens your space and takes away all the magic.
Instead, think in layers of light:
- A table lamp glowing in the corner
- A small battery light tucked inside a vintage vase
- Candles flickering in the kitchen
- Twinkle lights peeking through a garland or behind sheer curtains
Lighting doesn’t just make your home look good—it completely changes how it feels.
Cozy Lighting 101: Create Layers, Not Brightness
The goal is to create pockets of light that make your home feel intimate and inviting. Here’s how to get that perfect soft-glow aesthetic that makes every evening feel like a scene out of a vintage film:
1. Mix and Match Lamp Heights
Combine floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces at different levels. The variation adds depth and keeps your space from feeling flat.
2. Use Thrifted Vases as Lamps
One of my favorite lighting hacks (and one that I found from @homeonfernhill) is to turn beautiful thrifted vases into lamps.
You can do this in a few ways:
- Use a lamp conversion kit to safely wire a bulb into a vase (The Rural Legend’s tutorial).
- Skip wiring entirely and drop in a battery-powered puck light instead (Bless’er House DIY guide).
Both options let you turn any thrift store find—like a vase, urn, or even an old teapot—into a unique, glowing lamp.
3. Add Cordless Light Anywhere
No outlet? No problem. Cordless lighting is a game-changer for cozy homes.
Try:
- Rechargeable bulbs you can move around and use anywhere (Apartment Therapy DIY lamp idea)
- Battery-operated candles on mantels and bookshelves
- Puck lights hidden in cabinets, pantries, or under shelves, or in sconces instead of bulbs, for a gentle glow
You can place warm, portable light in any corner you want to feel special—without needing to run cords across the room.
Create a Vibe That Matches You
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your home reflect your personality.
Here are a few ideas for different aesthetics and family vibes:
Whimsical Cottagecore
String twinkle lights through greenery and garlands or drape them across curtain rods. Combine with lace curtains and floral prints for that “enchanted cottage” vibe.
→ Inspiration: 23 Cottagecore Fairy Light Ideas
Neutral Minimalist
Stick with neutral lampshades, ceramic or linen bases, and soft amber bulbs. The key is subtle glow.
Grannycore
Mix floral fabric lampshades with vintage brass bases or delicate thrifted china. Add crochet doilies, floral curtains, and candlelight for instant nostalgia.
→ DIY Inspiration: How to turn a vase into a vintage-inspired lamp
Romantic + Timeless
Think candlelight everywhere—real or LED. Cluster them on mantels, tables, and trays. Pair with oil lamps or globe lights for a golden-hour glow that lasts all evening.
Eclectic & Family-Filled
Use multiple types of lighting to match each room’s mood—
- Warm, dimmed lamp for winding down
- Bright task lighting for cooking or homework
- A small night lamp in hallways for safety and calm
Lighting can evolve with your day and your family’s rhythm.
A Few More Cozy Lighting Hacks
- Swap bright white bulbs for soft white (2700K or less) for that golden glow.
- Place lamps near mirrors to reflect light and make your room feel bigger.
- Use smart plugs or timers so lights turn on automatically as the sun sets.
- Hide cords in baskets, behind furniture, or with cord covers to keep the vibe tidy.
- Cluster small light sources (a lamp, candle, and twinkle lights) in one area for layered charm.
Romanticizing Homemaking by using Lighting as a Rhythm
Turning on lamps at dusk instead of flipping on an overhead switch is such a small thing—but it changes the feeling of your entire evening.
It’s part of slowing down, signaling rest, and giving your home that cozy movie-scene glow.
So tonight, try it:
Turn off the overhead light. Turn on your lamp. Maybe a candle, too. OR light a candle while you cook in the kitchen.
Bonus: My Favorite Cozy Homemaking Tool
If you love romanticizing your homemaking as much as I do, you’ll love my Podcast Cleaning Routines.
🎧 Each one features binge-worthy 1950s radio shows and guides you through:
✅ Daily cleaning
✅ Weekly resets
✅ Monthly refreshes
—all in just 30 minutes.
Just press play and let me walk you through your homemaking rhythm—no decision fatigue required.
Click here to try some free episodes. OR click here to sign up for my cleaning routine membership where you’ll get new episodes 6 days a week! You can watch the reel below for more info too.