Steal These 6 Designer Lighting Hacks For an Instant Glow-up!

Okay, so you know that feeling when you walk into a room, and something just feels... off? Maybe your living room is kind of blah, or your bedroom isn’t giving off that cozy vibe, even though you’ve tried literally everything. The problem might be your lighting. Seriously, lighting can completely change how your space looks and feels. But don’t stress—you don’t need to be an interior designer to get it right. With just a few simple tweaks, you can make your home look way more inviting, stylish, and put-together. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into some designer lighting hacks that will take your space from meh to amazing.

1. Ditch Those Basic Builder-Grade Lights

Let’s be real—those “boob lights” and other builder-grade fixtures are just not it. They’re basic and make your home feel totally generic. Swapping them out for something more stylish is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate your space. Here’s what to do: Replace those boring flush-mounts with a cute pendant light or chandelier that adds personality. Choose fixtures that truly reflect your vibe—whether that’s modern, boho, or something in between. And don’t forget to upgrade the lights in your bathroom and hallway—small spaces deserve love, too!

Pro Tip: If you’re building a new place, don’t waste money on the builder’s lighting upgrades. Go with the standard fixtures during construction and then upgrade them yourself after you move in. You’ll have way more options to choose from, and you can find pieces that really match your style—plus, you’ll probably save some cash!

2. Layer Your Lighting for An Inviting Vibe

Did you know relying on just one light source can make your room feel flat and boring? Designers use layered lighting to add depth and dimension to a space. Start with overhead lights for overall brightness, then mix in table and floor lamps for tasks like reading or working, and finish with accent lights to highlight your favorite artwork or decor. This combination of different heights and brightness levels creates a well-lit, cozy, and dynamic space.

In the designer's bedroom in the image below, you can see four light sources, all at different heights. This thoughtful layering not only brightens the room but also adds visual interest and a sense of warmth, making the space inviting and comfortable.

3. Light Up Your Outdoor Spaces

Did you know outdoor lighting can transform how your interior feels, especially at night? Designers use it to extend your space, making your home feel bigger and more connected to the outdoors. Try stringing up fairy lights, adding wall sconces or pathway lights, and sticking with warm, soft lighting to keep things cozy and inviting.

4. Mix Up Your Lighting Types for Extra Style Points

Variety is key when it comes to great lighting design. Mixing different types of lighting not only adds interest but also makes your space more functional. Here’s how to mix it up:

Wall sconces are perfect for adding soft, indirect light to hallways, bathrooms, or reading nooks

Picture lighting draws attention to your fave artwork or photos

LED strips under cabinets, around mirrors, or in your outdoor space add a modern, ambient glow

By mixing different types of lighting, you’ll create a space that’s both stylish and practical.

5. Match Your Lighting Fixtures to Your Decor

Coordinating your lighting fixtures with your decor is the key to a polished, put-together look. Designers love matching lighting with other elements in the room, like furniture finishes or hardware, to create a cohesive vibe. Choose fixtures that complement your style—no mixing coastal with industrial—and stick to similar textures, like rattan or metal, to tie everything together.

For example, the lamp in the image below fits perfectly with the organic modern theme, thanks to its material that blends seamlessly with the rest of the decor, creating a super stylish, intentional space

6. Keep Your Color Temperature Consistent

Lighting sets the vibe in a room, and nothing disrupts that faster than mixing different color temperatures. Designers always stick to one color temperature per room to maintain a harmonious look.

Whether you prefer warm white or cool white, choose a temperature that suits your style and stick with it throughout the house. Mixing cool and warm lights in the same space can look off, so pick bulbs that match your chosen temperature for a comfortable, cohesive feel.

By implementing these simple lighting hacks, you can give your space that missing designer's touch so it looks stunning even when the sun goes down. Ready to upgrade your lighting? Join the Designer Discount Club and save big on your next lighting purchase from all your favorite stores like Pottery Barn, West Elm, RH, Arhaus, Lumens, and many more. Plus, get inspired by our community’s design makeovers and share your own in our Facebook group!