How do I illuminate a space using strong but warm light?

Shira Friedman
by Shira Friedman

Anybody have an idea how to illuminate a space with strong light keeping the environment warm? Now I have a very strong but not a warm light. What about many lamps from the side of the walls? Any other ideas?Thank u!

  20 answers
  • Nan W. Nan W. on Feb 08, 2020

    Shira: certainly you could put scones on that wall... or a simple hanging light above table.


    When picking out bulbs... look for LEDs that say "WARM white light"


    FYI: that's a nice rug... you may want to rotate/put it under the dining set... to define and upscale that space. (Try it!)

    • 17335038 17335038 on Feb 09, 2020

      It's sconces, not scones. (Scones are a type of edible bun).

  • William William on Feb 08, 2020

    Replace the bulbs with 800 lumen LED bulbs. Home Depot has a nice display on the different intensity LED's.

  • Lauri Lauri on Feb 08, 2020

    I use white Christmas lights all year long, gives me enough light I don't really even need lamps

  • Deb K Deb K on Feb 08, 2020

    Hi Shira, I am thinking you want light that heats up, only incandescent will do that and they are going by the wayside because LED lights are longer lasting. I thin you could put in a "daylight" led bulb int he fixtures for the brightness, I have attached a link with a heater that looks great and mounts on the wall, hope it helps you! Also, you could put a small electric fireplace in there

    https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/amaze-heater-400-watt-ceramic-electric-panel-room-heater/6000196282449?cmpid=sem_google_en_pla_none_1017206307_76687411565_None&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiA1fnxBRBBEiwAVUouUk9_XozFzwn6XQfbJS85OsSOGMOdfZzKS_tlMKcz8uhKj7PYu98GWBoC6HsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds


    Electric fireplace heater to se on the table and still look good

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-13-5-in-Desktop-Electric-Fireplace-in-White-SP5970/304576641

  • Judy in Canton. Judy in Canton. on Feb 08, 2020

    I would look into canned lighting. It is a warm glow. A bright hanging fan with lights over the table can be used when brighter light is needed.

  • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Feb 08, 2020

    I see your problem. Electrical Safety Administrator Dave here at your service. You got walls. Yes, believe or not, that is the source of the problem. Light is not getting everywhere so you have areas of reflection and areas of shade. The best way to fix that is by

    • Tube Florescent Lights or

    • Tube LED Lights

    You can place either on the ceiling at the Corner by the Table. That will create Additional Light in the Space where the Wall is obstructing the Light.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 08, 2020

    Look for light bulbs that are labeled warm. Also, dimmers can be a great way to adjust lighting.

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 08, 2020

    If you are looking to make the dining area more cozy, I would replace that single bulb hang down light with a fixture that is lower right above the table.... or a chandelier hung say 36" above the table. I would also paint that table alcove a color to warm it up like a pale yellow is always nice in a kitchen.

    A drum art shade would cut the glare from that ceiling light next to the frig.... you can make your own, but make sure you use a diffuser on the bottom to cut the glare... https://www.lampsplus.com/products/close-to-ceiling-lights/type_art-shade/

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 09, 2020

    Hi Shira,

    You can buy coloured bulbs or maybe use Glass paint to colour the ones you already have. You could always use a soft white or Hint of a Tint paint on your walls, or use up lighters or wall lights with coloured shades. You could also add a Picture or two or a Mirror with a great frame. Hope that helps

  • Rymea Rymea on Feb 09, 2020

    I'm assuming it is a rental. If you can get permission, paint the walls a warmer color. It could still be white but a warmer creamy off white. Light bulbs that are 2700K to 3000K are considered warm. 3500K to 5000K is cool. You could put a shade on the bulb over the kitchen table.

    It's a nice space. Once you get some art on the walls and some window coverings it will look cozier.


  • Janice Janice on Feb 09, 2020

    You can now purchase LED bulbs that are listed as "warm" which would help warm up the area. You might also add a mirror on the wall on the right as your picture shows as blank. The rug you have in between your kitchen and table area would be a nice addition beneath the table or possibly a large round one would also warm up the space. Perhaps adding some colorful cushions on the two chairs and a colorful curtain would warm up the space too.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Feb 09, 2020


    Re: canned lighting in Judy's comment above


    This style of lighting refers to the physical shape and material of the fixture, and how it is mounted up into the ceiling. How 'warm' the light shines depends on the rating of the lightbulb that screwed inside the metal can housing, not the hardware of the fixture.


    Besides being expensive to install if the wiring and supports are not already in place in the ceiling, this style of light fixture is now considered outmoded.

    It has now being replaced with the new slim/shallow style mountings. As the housings are very lightweight compared with the older metal cans, or pots, they do not require any robust constructed supports. And, as source of light is integrated LED, not bulbs, they do not require any insulation. They attach inside the ceiling with clips which vary in style with different brands.


    https://10besthomedecor.com/best-recessed-lighting-buyers-guide/


    Examples of these recessed ceiling mounted integrated LED lights are below:

  • 17335038 17335038 on Feb 09, 2020

    To help clear up some of the confusion as to different ratings of LED light, here is some visual information:

  • Shira Friedman Shira Friedman on Feb 10, 2020

    Thank u dear hometalkers for your beautiful and helpful answers!!!

  • I also find lamplight to be much warmer and less harsh than overhead light, especially when paired with a soft white bulb. Good luck!

  • JudyH JudyH on Feb 11, 2020

    Aside from using 'warm' bulbs, I suggest you add light globes over the the ceiling fixtures. Right now the lighting is harsh and glaring. If you are in a rental and don't want to invest in completely new fixtures, you can buy globes that clip on to the bulbs that are very inexpensive. On the dark corner wall (and other walls!), hang mirrors or anything shiny, such as plates, silver trays, copper objects, etc. That will help bounce light around the room.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Feb 11, 2020

    If you like to light up that space with bright light ...the only way to do it that is cost effective and actually works is to install recces lights in the ceiling.

  • Kim Kim on Feb 11, 2020

    How about a beautiful bright Chandelier up above. There you go. If you need more than that add a few light around (simple lighting) the walls or above the Sink.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 12, 2021

    Hi,

    You have space in the corner to add a Floor lamp, or you could add Wall lights or a Ceiling Pendant. Best wishes.

  • JOEY JOEY on Mar 08, 2022

    Now there is only ceiling light in the space, which is not enough for layer lighting purposes. To create a warm light ambiance, consider adding indirect lighting from the side of the walls or to the cove of the ceiling. The perfect indirect lighting will be LED strip lights, and if you plan well, you will get a strong and warm light effect for the space.