Lighting Layers: The Secret to a Well-Balanced Room

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | May 28, 2025

Have you ever walked into a room that just felt… right? You couldn’t explain why, but everything felt calm, cozy, and welcoming. Chances are, it wasn’t just the furniture or the color of the walls.

It was the lighting.

Lighting isn’t just about being able to see. It’s about how a room makes you feel. And when you layer it the right way, lighting becomes the quiet hero of every beautiful space.

One Light Isn’t Enough

Imagine turning on one big, bright light in the middle of the ceiling. It lights up the whole room, sure—but it can also feel flat or even harsh. Like a classroom or a hospital.

Now imagine this instead:

A soft lamp by the sofa
A warm glow under the kitchen cabinets
A little spotlight on your favorite picture
Candles flickering on a shelf

Feels better, right? That’s the magic of layered lighting.

Three Layers That Change Everything

Designers use three main types of lighting:

Ambient Lighting – This is the main light that fills the room. Think ceiling lights or a soft pendant lamp. It’s your starting point.
Task Lighting – This is for doing things, like reading, cooking, or working. A desk lamp or under-cabinet lights are great examples.
Accent Lighting – This adds beauty and mood. Think of fairy lights, candles, or small spotlights on art or plants.

When you mix all three, your space starts to feel complete. Balanced. Warm. Like a place you want to be.

It’s Not Just What You See—It’s What You Feel

Lighting can change your whole mood:

Soft lighting can make you feel calm and safe.
Bright lighting can help you focus and feel energized.
Dim, cozy lighting can make a room feel romantic or restful.

And guess what? You can change the mood just by flipping a switch—or lighting a candle.

You’re in Control

Even if your home doesn’t have fancy lights, you can still build your layers:

Add a small lamp to a dark corner.
Use warm lightbulbs instead of cool, blue ones.
Try string lights or battery-powered candles.
Put a light near something you love to make it shine.

Little changes make a big difference.

Let’s Talk Light

Look around your home right now. How does the lighting make you feel? What time of day do you love most in your space—and why?

I’d love to hear about your favorite lighting moment. Or if you’re stuck in harsh light or dark corners, tell me—and let’s figure it out together.

Reply and share what kind of light makes your space feel like home. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

TAGS: #InteriorDesign #TimelessStyle #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #StylishSpaces #GhereaStudio