So, the holidays are over, but you’re still in a cozy state of mind. Maybe it’s the shorter days, or the brisk winter air that sends you inside under your soft blankets. But while this time of year can be snuggly and warm, our winter haven can quickly become a prison without the proper lighting. Here are some lighting tips that instantly warm up your indoors for when you’re spending more time there.

Tip #1: Layer Your Lighting

Too-intense light, especially from a single light source, can send you running for the darkness. Nobody likes to be under an interrogation light, which is why layering your lighting is so important. What do we mean by “layering”? We mean creating depth and warmth with multiple light sources that give off ambient or accent lighting instead of focused, task lighting. To do this, incorporate overhead light fixtures, accents lights via wall sconces and pendant lights, and more. You’ll notice the difference instantly!

Tip #2: Add Wall Sconces and Pendants

Create a cozy space, and instantly elevate your home décor, with wall sconces and pendants. Use them to brighten up hallways, create mood lighting in bedrooms, and add a touch of elegance to living rooms and dining rooms. Kitchens and dining areas are also perfect areas to add a pendant or two. Just like wall sconces, pendant lights are available in a variety of design themes that will accent your existing décor. If you want more of a warm glow, look for a pendant light with an opaque and/or light-diffusing shade. You can also try warm and/or semi-opaque bulbs for a softer light.

Tip #3: Make it Warm

Ditch those harsh, cold-toned lights for softer, warmer hues. Think diffused lighting, like wall sconces, pendant lights, and table lamps. Dot your living space with a few of these light sources, and you’ll feel so much better. When it comes to wattage, you’ll want to keep it under 60 watts. Choose warm tones of golden yellow over bright white and blue-white lighting. And if you’re working on the Kelvin scale (don’t worry, you don’t need to know about lighting in this much detail to achieve a warm glow), you’ll be looking for lights with a range of 2700K to 4000K.

Tip #4: Use Dimmers

Dimmers give you the best of both worlds: you can instantly go from bright task lighting to “I’m going to curl up in my nook with a book—don’t disturb me!” lighting—in just a flick of the finger. And the pluses just keep on coming: not only does dimmable lighting reduce eye strain, it also lowers your electric bill! Win win! Don’t have a dimmer in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, or other space where you want to create your own personal cave of coziness? No problem. A dimmer switch can be installed (by an electrician!) anywhere where there is already a light switch. To use it with your existing lighting, just make sure that your fixture has a dimmable bulb.

Tip #5: Pepper in Twinkle Lights and Candles

Bring those holiday twinkle lights indoors for a simple and straightforward fix to the winter blahs. And while you’re at it, don’t put away those pine-scented candles. You’re going to use both to fight those winter blues. In fact, studies have shown that string lights, fairy lights, and other indoor lights actually boost a person’s feeling of happiness and calm. They do this by releasing dopamine via a color therapy known as chromotherapy. And the best part of these lights are that they are easy to hang, move, and remove as needed.

Tip #6: Light Up Your Outdoors

Just because you’re home more doesn’t mean you can’t venture out to your porch or patio for a blanket-clad trip to see the winter stars. Cozy can mean outdoors too—and we’ll help you get there with the right lighting. A dimly-lit porch can be depressing at best, and scary at worst (who—or what—is lurking out there??). But having the right outdoor lighting can make a difference between a never-used outdoor space and one you get to enjoy all year long. Porch lights, pathway lights, and landscape lighting bring beauty to your outdoor winter wonderland. They also deter crime and help you, your family, and your guests navigate the space safely.

Tip #7: Have Fun with It

There are so many ways to create a cozy space with lighting, and to show your design personality at the same time! And our Fabby Lighting line has loads of personality! Each carefully crafted ceramic light has its own style, including decorative details like our Contemporary Cylinder Sconce with Block Pattern and our Southwestern Shapes Ceramic Sconce. Of course, you can also choose from modern classics like the streamlined Tall Contemporary Wall Sconce. Enjoy a winter night full of stars with our Starry Night Cylinder Sconce. And, of course, our Fossetta Pendant lights are stunning all year long.

Warm Up Your Winter “Cave” in Style

At Hooks and Lattice, we understand how important your home is to you. Even during winter—when you want to sleep in a bit longer, or lounge in your favorite corner a bit later—you want to feel cocooned in your cave, but you still want your space looking stylish. Shop hooksandlattice.com for all your winter haven needs.