Looking to visually ward off the winter chill in your kitchen or bathroom? Cosy lighting is ideal for wrapping your home in a warm and soft glow.

There are plenty of cosy lighting ideas to help you give your home a soft shimmer. For example, you could lower the light levels in your kitchen with an eye-level lamp. Or, in your bathroom, add a sense of relaxation with the help of wall-mounted downlighters.

Brighter rooms are generally associated with work and speed – think of the harsh beams in offices, shops, and fast-food courts. In contrast, a softer touch induces relaxation and a feeling of comfort. “Light alters our perception of the volume and depth of a space, so the right lighting will make colours appear more vivid and rooms cosier and richer looking,” says Rebecca Pagan, commercial director at Pagazzi Lighting. “I would recommend warm white bulbs with a 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin light colour for optimum calm and gentle ambience.”

KBB journo Louise Nevin has gathered some of our favourite cosy lighting ideas for your kitchen and bathroom…

Cosy lighting ideas for your kitchen

Different aspects of your home call for varying levels of lighting. Although you need clear lighting while you cook, you’ll need to bring it down, both in level and tone, when it comes to dining. A dinner party under the glare of bright LEDs feels quite different from one surrounded by diffused light and candles.

Pendants over the dining table or island work well to create an intimate atmosphere and are adjustable with either manual dimmer switches or voice-activated through a smart device.

Downlights above your island and LED strips fitted under your cabinetry or open shelving are another subtle way of adding a moody twist to your kitchen.

And for an extra layer of cosiness, why not place a small portable lamp on your dining table? This trick will help you achieve an intimate restaurant-like vibe. Dreamy, right?

Bathroom ideas

When it comes to your bathroom, you need to check the lighting solutions you go for are IP rated. This will ensure they are suitable for safe bathroom use. Click here for bathroom lighting zones explained.

Wall lights, from sleek strips to stylish sconces, not only look great next to your bathroom mirror but are incredibly practical too. Alternatively, place next to your bathtub area to create a relaxing bathing zone.

Adding subtle downlighting can further help you achieve an effective layered lighting scheme, such as in this striking bathroom project by architectural studio Bradley Van Der Straeten.

Or if you prefer creating a really dark and moody atmosphere, place a cosy table lamp – IP-rated – on your vanity unit to wrap your bathroom in a calming glow, perfect for enjoying a bubbly soak or an invigorating shower.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for top tips on designing a living bathroom

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