Hands up who’s a fan of the nights drawing in? I’ll be honest, I am a summer baby – I love the lighter nights and basically the sun! But there are elements of the autumn months I can get on board with. Aside from the gorgeous shades of autumn, when lighting is done well, the nights drawing in can feel cosy and get me in the mood for the C word (whispers Christmas). So, as we move into October and November, what was once a naturally lit kitchen at 5pm now feels like a shadowy corner, and our living rooms often need artificial lighting from early afternoon. This seasonal shift makes lighting design not just about aesthetics, but also about function, wellbeing, and atmosphere.
In fact, research shows that poor lighting can directly affect our circadian rhythms, mood, and productivity – making it a critical part of interior design, particularly in northern climates. Thoughtful lighting is one of the most effective ways to ensure your home feels warm, inviting, and functional throughout the darker months.
Here’s how to approach lighting design to balance mood, function, and beauty as the days grow shorter.
1. Understand the Role of Layered Lighting
Good lighting design is rarely about a single fixture. Instead, it’s about creating layers of light that can be adjusted depending on time of day, activity, and desired mood. When I worked as an interior designer for IKEA, we underwent extensive lighting training and learned to balance a room’s function with its lighting requirements. This always ensured that, whatever the function of a room, there was ample lighting to accommodate it.
- Ambient Lighting – Your overall light source, often ceiling-mounted or recessed. It creates a base level of brightness.
- Task Lighting – Focused lighting for specific needs, such as reading lamps, under-cabinet kitchen lights, or a desk lamp.
- Accent Lighting – Decorative or atmospheric lighting, like wall lights, uplighters, or picture lights, which add depth and drama.
By layering these, you avoid the stark contrast of a single ceiling light (I for one hate just the ‘big light being on) and instead create flexibility – crucial when daylight hours are scarce.
2. Maximise Natural Light Where Possible
Artificial lighting works best when complemented by natural light. Even in November, UK daylight can be harnessed with a few clever tricks:
- Sheer or Voile Curtains – These let in as much natural light as possible while still offering privacy.
- Light-Reflective Surfaces – Pale wall colours, mirrors, and glass finishes help bounce light deeper into a room.
- Strategic Furniture Placement – Avoid blocking windows with bulky items, particularly in smaller homes.
Think of artificial light as an enhancement, not a replacement, for natural light.
3. Choose the Right Bulbs for Mood and Function
The days of one-size-fits-all light bulbs are long gone. Today’s options allow you to design lighting schemes that suit both practical use and emotional wellbeing.
- Warm White (2700K–3000K) – Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, where relaxation is key.
- Neutral White (3500K–4000K) – Excellent for kitchens and bathrooms, offering clarity without feeling harsh.
- Cool White/Daylight (5000K–6500K) – Mimics daylight, good for home offices or craft spaces.
Smart LED bulbs are particularly useful in the autumn/winter because they allow you to adjust colour temperature throughout the day. Start with cooler, energising tones in the morning, then shift to warmer hues as evening approaches.
4. Prioritise Task Lighting in Key Areas
As evenings draw in, task lighting becomes indispensable. Without it, activities like cooking, reading, or working can strain the eyes and feel uncomfortable.
- Kitchen: Under-cabinet LED strips ensure worktops are well lit, even when the main light casts shadows.
- Living Room: Adjustable floor lamps or wall-mounted reading lights create cosy yet practical reading zones.
- Home Office: A desk lamp with directional light prevents glare on screens while keeping focus sharp.
Task lighting also gives you more control – you can illuminate only the areas in use, making the room feel more intimate.
5. Create Atmosphere with Accent Lighting
The darker months are when homes can feel especially gloomy. Accent lighting is the designer’s secret weapon for creating mood and dimension.
- Wall Washers or Uplighters – These soften walls and highlight architectural details.
- Picture Lights – Showcase artwork while adding a warm glow.
- Candlelight & Decorative Lamps – Layer in texture and cosiness, perfect for November evenings.
Think of accent lighting as your way to “paint with light” – enhancing features, hiding flaws, and building atmosphere.
6. Embrace Dimmable and Smart Solutions
Flexibility is key when lighting must serve both function and relaxation. Dimmable systems allow you to shift brightness levels throughout the day, while smart lighting controls let you schedule lights to mimic natural rhythms.
For example, setting lights to gradually brighten in the morning can counteract the darker dawns, while a slow dim in the evening encourages relaxation and prepares the body for rest.
Smart systems also reduce energy use – an important consideration as bills rise during the colder months.
7. Think Beyond the Obvious Rooms
While living rooms and kitchens usually get the most attention, don’t overlook spaces like:
- Hallways and Entrances – A warm, well-lit welcome makes a huge difference on dark, rainy evenings.
- Bathrooms – Layered lighting here helps balance functionality with spa-like atmosphere.
- Bedrooms – Consider wall-mounted lights beside the bed for a clutter-free, hotel-inspired look.
Smaller homes often rely on multifunctional spaces, so adaptable lighting across all rooms can dramatically enhance usability.
Final Thoughts
So, to sum up, investing in good lighting design is about more than just visibility. It’s about creating a home that supports wellbeing, lifts mood, and adapts seamlessly to daily routines. By layering light, using the right colour temperatures, and embracing both task and accent lighting, you can transform even the gloomiest November afternoon into a space that feels both functional and full of warmth.
Lighting design is where science meets art – and when it’s done well, it changes not just how your home looks, but how you feel in it.
If you’re feeling like your home could use a bit of a lighting upgrade, then get in touch and we can help you get your lighting right.