How To Create A Cosy Home Using Accent, Ambient, and Task Lighting

After a long day, your home is where you can finally relax. We all have a cosy space that feels like a safe haven, whether it’s a bedroom, a reading nook, or an entertainment room. While it’s tempting to fill your home with decorative cushions, plush carpets, and faux fur blankets, there’s a faster way to create a cosy feeling in your home. Lighting can instantly transform any space, making it feel more inviting and tranquil. 

It's easy to think of lighting in terms of products like table lights, chandeliers, and wall lights, but lighting actually falls into three categories: accent, ambient, and task. We’re sharing the go-to lighting tricks we use at Siena Home to create cosy, comfortable homes.  

The secret to cosy home decoration is to mix and match the three different types of lighting. Focusing on only one type of lighting can make your space feel clinical or dark. Layering your lighting will curate a welcoming atmosphere and make it easy to create cosy nooks in any room. 

Whatever type of lights you choose, keep the same light bulb temperature and type for each fixture. It gives you a more cohesive look and cosier feel to your room, making it easier on the eye. We’re sharing our recommendations for how to make your home cosy by incorporating the three main types of lighting. 

Accent lighting accentuates a specific part of your room, typically used to spotlight artwork, photographs, or bespoke décor. This lighting should be at least twice as strong as your ambient lighting. 

Our ‘Mureli’ wall light will accentuate your statement décor or perfectly frame bespoke furniture, like an armchair or cabinet. You can create a cosy feel by incorporating accent lighting in parts of the room with a seating area where you’re likely to spend more time.

Read more: How to Mix Lighting Finishes to Give Your Space an Eclectic Feel 

Ambient lighting is the main light source in a room, setting the tone for overall space. Your ambient light is a great opportunity for a dimmer switch, giving you the flexibility to adjust your main overhead lighting in different weather conditions. 

Warm and gold hues are an effective way to create a cosy home with a statement light fixture, such as our ‘Flora’ chandelier, being an ideal choice for your ambient lighting. The gold will still provide warmth and make a statement, even when your lights are turned off. 

Task lighting is a smaller light source, usually focused on illuminating spaces further away from the main ambient lighting source. Think of areas where you might add a table lamp, like your bedroom vanity, a corner cabinet, or next to your sofa. 

Have fun with your task lighting and use it to incorporate your personal style into your home. Our ‘Suki’ table lamp is the perfect light to sit beside when getting cosy under a blanket with a good book or streaming your favourite Netflix show. 

Your lighting choices should blend functionality and aesthetics. If you’re a fan of minimalism, layering accent, ambient, and task lighting is an easy way to create a cosy home without it feeling cluttered. Ready to elevate your home? Explore our best-selling lighting fixtures or follow Siena Home on Instagram for more home décor inspiration for creating a cosy home.