When designing the lighting plan for our hideaways, one of our top priorities was incorporating various lighting elements to create an inviting and intimate atmosphere. The right lighting not only makes a space feel cozy but also creates a mood, highlights key features, and enhances functionality.
Here are some tips for maximising light in small spaces, creating rooms that feel relaxing, homely and comforting.
1. Layer Your Lighting
The secret to a well-lit, balanced space lies in layering your lighting. This involves combining different types of lighting at varying intensities to achieve both functionality and atmosphere.
Ambient lighting provides overall illumination. Think ceiling lights, recessed lighting, pendants, and wall lights
Task lighting focuses on specific activities like reading or cooking. In small spaces, rechargeable LED lamps and under-cabinet lighting are brilliant choices.
Accent lighting highlights key features, adding depth and dimension to your design.
For example, in our cabin, we integrated lamps into wooden boxes wired to dimmer switches. This setup controls both the pendant light above the bed and the box lamps, creating a customizable ambiance. Layered lighting helps eliminate harsh shadows while giving the illusion of a larger, more welcoming space.
Our Favourites...
2. Embrace Natural Light
In small spaces, maximizing natural light is importantl. Large windows, overhead skylights, or strategically placed mirrors can work wonderfully.
At Hergest Lee, we designed our spaces to embrace natural light, incorporating skylights in the bedroom and living area, as well as a large picture window in the cabin. These elements not only brighten the rooms but also utilise the solar gain to help heat the space.
Mirrors are another excellent tool for reflecting natural light. We love using small antique mirrors to enhance light flow and add character to a room.
3. Opt for Soft, Warm Lighting
The colour temperature of your lighting significantly affects the mood of a room. Harsh, cool-toned lighting can make small spaces feel cold and uninviting. Instead, choose soft, warm lighting (around 2700K to 3000K) to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere that complements natural tones in your décor.
If you’re like us, bright white bulbs might feel unpleasant. That’s why we avoid them, opting instead for old-fashioned filament-style bulbs that emit a soft, golden glow. Holloways of Ludlow offers a variety of warm-toned fixtures perfect for creating comfortable, intimate settings.
5. Install Dimmers for Flexibility
Dimmer switches are the perfect choice for small spaces. They allow you to adjust brightness according to the time of day and your needs—softer light for mornings and evenings, and brighter light for tasks like cooking or reading. We installed dimmers in both our spaces so you can adjust the light to your needs. In the cabin bedroom the dimmer turns on both the overhead light and both lamps in the boxes.
We love the simplicity of these ones below
6. Highlight Key Features
Well-placed lighting can draw attention to architectural elements or décor you love. Use track lighting, spotlights, or hidden fixtures to accentuate details like exposed brick walls, shelving, or artwork.
For example, placing lights behind dried flowers can create stunning shadows and light patterns highlighting the unique character of each space. In the cabin our mid century unit has a beautiful light fixed inside so when you switch it on it lights up the glasses beautifully.
7. Lamps, Lamps and more Lamps!
We love the versatility of lamps, you can change the ambience of a room by switching some on or off and change the style of a space with different lampshades, theres also the option of LED table lamps which can be transported easily to light up darker areas and also used outside. We also love to use candles. Theres nothing that beats the ambience of a candle lit space and we love the scents and styles of St Eval and Chapter Organics.
8. Get Creative with Hidden Lighting
In compact spaces, hidden or integrated lighting offers stylish yet practical solutions. Consider LED strips behind mirrors, under shelving, or even built into furniture for a soft, ambient glow.
In our cabin’s shower room, we used flat panel lights that sit flush with the ceiling, providing warm, unobtrusive illumination. These subtle touches add elegance without sacrificing space.
Our Picks for lighting small spaces from Holloways are :
Final Thoughts
Lighting a small space isn’t just about making it brighter; it’s about creating mood and ambiance. By layering your lighting, embracing natural light, and opting for thoughtful fixtures, you can enhance the functionality and beauty of any room.
Holloways of Ludlow offers a curated selection of lighting solutions that are both practical and stylish, helping you elevate even the smallest spaces into inspiring sanctuaries.
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