Before & After: Lighting Upgrades That Made Our Home Cozy

When we moved into our home, the lighting was, let’s just say, functional. But not exactly what I’d call charming. Bit by bit, I’ve swapped out fixtures, and oh my goodness… what a difference! Let me show you!

One of the biggest regrets I had about decorating my previous home was not changing the lighting earlier. I thought it was overwhelming and would break the budget. But truly, lighting can be budget-friendly or more expensive, up to you! And putting it off was a silly choice.

So, when we moved into this house, I made a pact with myself to change the lighting that bothered me first! And, so I did. Best decision ever!

And now that we’ve been in the house for more than 5 years, I thought it would be fun to take a walk down memory lane and see the before and after lighting choices I made.

1. Before + After Lighting Updates

Lighting is one of my favorite ways to finish a room, the beautiful jewelry of a room, if you will. What makes a room feel pulled together is the details; and lighting plays a huge role in making a home feel finished and cohesive. Let’s take a look at the lights we’ve switched out over the years.

The Entry Way

Our lighting in this entryway was straight outta the 90’s with a fancy crystal chandelier. Now, no shade on the chandelier, but I would prefer it in a girls’ bedroom or closet, instead of my foyer. So, I swapped it out with this beautiful Stonington lantern (small size) that doesn’t have any glasses panes (less to clean 🙌🏻) and curved lines which softenend an already linear space.

Dining Room Chandelier

Our lighting in the dining room was straight off the hardware store floor. It was a basic, 90’s brass beast with 12 light bulbs, and I wanted something more classic, grand and antique brass in color.

So, I had my eye on this gorgeous Thomas O’Brien chandelier for a few years before I saved and splurged on it! I love the linen shades, which soften the light, the curved lines and brass patina. I still love looking across from my office and seeing the view!

Powder Room Sconce

Our powder room was a very boring and out-dated room. The sonce was old and tired, and the mirror was wide and short, so that some people couldn’t even seen themselves in it!

This Vendome sconce was one of the first lights I swapped out because I loved the style.

Then I went all out and gave the room a fun overhaul with wall trim molding, paint and wallpaper! The new mirror allows guests to actually see themselves in it. But it all started with the beautiful sconce! Fun fact: this sconce is from the same line as my dining room chandelier, so they bring even more cohesiveness to my home.

Kitchen Chandelier

Our first lighting replacement in the new house was this broken kitchen light. One day we were sitting there and pane cracked and shifted! It was a hazard not only to our senses, but our actual lives. So, I quickly found an inexpensive chandelier (similar) to replace it with. I’d love to upgrade it again down the road, but for now it looks 1000% better!

Bathroom Vanity Light

Ahhh, the circus lights in our upstairs bathrooms gave off such a bright light that it made the room hot! Not only did it feel like an interrogation was going on, but they just aren’t very pretty.

When I redid the girls’ bathroom by putting up wallpaper, I also switched out the light fixture! This three-light vanity light fixture is fairly inexpensive and so cute!

Laundry Room Flush Mount Light

When I redid our laundry room, it was a given that I would change the ligh to match our style. And so, I grabbed this beautiful Basil Flush Mount light to replace the old “boob” light in there. It’s still such a fun pop of style when I’m folding clothes. So cute!

2. What I Look For in Light Fixtures

When I’m choosing lighting for our home, I’m not just picking something pretty (although that’s definitely part of it!). I’m thinking about how it will look proportionate in the room. And how it will feel in real life—on a slow Saturday morning or during dinner with friends. Lighting can totally change a room’s mood, and these are the things I always keep in mind:

✨ Warm-toned finishes

I gravitate toward soft, inviting finishes that play well with the rest of my neutral, cozy decor. Think aged brass, matte black, or even oil-rubbed bronze.

• Aged brass has this lovely patina that brings warmth and a touch of timeless charm.
• Matte black adds a little contrast without being too harsh. Perfect for farmhouse or traditional styles. Just don’t overdo it.
• I might choose a shiny chrome for a bathroom faucet, handles or maybe some cabinet pulls, but I mostly stay away from the shiny chrome or blue-toned silvers when it comes to lighting.

These warm finishes help create that layered, collected look I love, like a room that’s grown with you over time.

🕯️ Layered Lighting

Y’all, this is one of my favorite tricks for making a room feel finished: use three types of lighting in each space if you can.

1. Overhead lighting – Think ceiling fixtures, pendants, or chandeliers. These give you the overall brightness you need to move around.
2. Task lighting – Like sconces by the bed, under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, or a reading lamp by your favorite chair. Super functional and super cozy.
3. Accent or ambient lighting – Table lamps, lanterns, or even a candle-lit glow (bonus points for light bulb options on timers!). These give the room a warm hug.

Trust me: when you mix these together, your space instantly feels more pulled together and peaceful.

📏 Scale & Proportion Tips

I’ve learned this the hard way: lighting that’s too small can make a space feel off-balance, even if it’s beautiful. Here’s a good rule of thumb I use:

• Over a dining table or kitchen island: Your pendant should be about ⅔ the width of the table or island. For islands, 2-3 smaller pendants spaced evenly look better than one massive one.
• In a room with high ceilings: Go bigger or hang it a little lower to anchor the space visually.
• For lamps: Make sure the bottom of the lampshade hits around eye level when you’re seated. And don’t be afraid to go tall—height adds elegance!

3. Favorite Lighting Sources

I’ve bought lighting at a variety or price points. Here are my favorite places to look for cozy lighting ideas:

• Wayfair – $$-$$$
• Amazon – $$-$$$
• Target (for lamps) – $-$$
• Perigold – $$$$$
• Lumens – $$-$$$$$
• Ballard Designs – $$-$$$$
• Pottery Barn – $$-$$$$
• Visual Comfort – $$$$-$$$$$

4. My Best Tips for Swapping Out Lighting

1. Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix metals. I love an antique brass finish for lighting regardless of the metals in the rest of the room.

2. Placement Options are Endless

With the invention of puck lights and wireless lightbulbs, your options are really endless and you don’t have to rewire the house!

This sconce in my daughter’s room (below) isn’t hardwired. I used this rechargeable light bulb for a soft glow in her book nook with the use of a remote.

3. Light Bulbs Matter

If nothing else, regardless of whether you like your light fixtures or not. Please, please use the correct light bulbs in your home! I’m begging you! The wrong light bulb can make your home look harsh (or too dark) and can ruin the look of your paint colors on the walls.

You can find the right light bulbs for each room of your home here, but in general I buy these light bulbs in bulk and use them all over my house!