100 Incredible Lighting Tricks That Designers Never Tell You

Below are more than 100 tips and tricks that will transform and beautify your indoor and outdoor spaces (but that designers will never tell you without charging you).

Indoor Lighting Tips and Tricks

Use layered lighting: Layering lighting can create a beautiful and functional space. Use a combination of overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and visually appealing space.
Use a statement chandelier: A statement chandelier can be a beautiful and dramatic focal point in a room. Look for chandeliers with unique shapes or materials to add interest.
Use dimmers: Dimmer switches can create a beautiful and versatile space. Use them to adjust the lighting based on the mood or activity in the room.
Use colored light bulbs: Colored bulbs can add a fun and playful touch to a room. Use them in a lamp or overhead fixture to add a pop of color.
Use wall washers: Wall washers can create a beautiful and dramatic effect on a wall. Use them to highlight artwork or architectural details in a room.
Use vintage-style filament bulbs: Vintage-style filament bulbs can create a warm and cozy atmosphere with their soft and subtle glow.
Hang light bulbs at different heights: This can create a playful and whimsical effect.
Use a mirror to reflect light: A strategically placed mirror can reflect light and create a brighter and more visually appealing space.
Use under-cabinet lighting: Under-cabinet lighting can add both function and style to a kitchen or workspace. Use it to highlight countertops or add a subtle glow to the space.
Use recessed lighting: Recessed lighting can create a clean and modern look in a room. Use it to highlight artwork or create a subtle glow in a living room or bedroom.
Use rope lighting: Rope lighting can add a beautiful and subtle touch to a room. Use it to highlight architectural details or add a glow to a hallway or staircase.
Use high-end floor lamps: Floor lamps can add both height and light to a room. Look for lamps with unique bases or shades to add interest.
Use uplighting: Uplighting can create a dramatic and visually stunning effect in a room. Use it to highlight a plant or sculpture or create a soft glow on a wall.
Use candlelight: Candlelight can add warmth and coziness to a room. Use candles in a decorative holder or lantern to create a romantic or intimate atmosphere.
Use wall-mounted reading lights: Wall-mounted reading lights can provide functional lighting while also adding a stylish touch to a bedroom or reading nook.
Use a mix of table lamps and floor lamps: Using a mix of table lamps and floor lamps can add both height and light to a room. This creates a layered and visually interesting space.
Use colored lamp shades: Colored lamp shades can add a fun and playful touch to a room. Use them to add a pop of color to a neutral space.
Use neon light sculptures: Neon lighting can add a bold and edgy touch to a room. Use it to create a statement piece on a wall or as a unique accent piece.
Use oversized bulbs for a statement piece: Oversized bulbs can be used as a statement piece to create a bold and dramatic look in a room.
Use LED strip lighting: LED strip lighting can be a versatile and modern lighting option. Use it under cabinets or shelves to create a subtle glow or use it to highlight a specific area in a room.
Use decorative light bulbs: Decorative light bulbs can add a stylish and unique touch to a room. Look for bulbs with unique shapes or designs to add interest.
Use pendant lights in unexpected places: Use pendant lights in unexpected places, such as a bathroom or closet, for a unique and stylish touch.
Use a mix of light sources: Use a mix of light sources, such as overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting, to create a well-lit and visually appealing space.
Use lighted mirrors: Lighted mirrors, both side and top lit, can provide both function and style to a bathroom or vanity area. Look for mirrors with LED lighting for a modern touch.
Use decorative indoor string lights: Decorative string lights can add a fun and playful touch to a room. Use them to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Use pendant lights in a cluster: Pendant lights in a cluster, particularly in threes, can create a stunning and visually interesting effect in a room. Use them over a dining table or in a living room for a dramatic touch.
Use a mix of warm and cool lighting: Using a mix of warm and cool lighting can create a visually interesting and balanced space. This can be achieved by using different types of light bulbs or adjusting the dimmer switch.
Use a mix of lamp heights: Using a mix of lamp heights can add both height and interest to a room. Look for lamps with different base heights to create a visually interesting space.
Use lighted shelving: Lighted shelving can add both function and style to a room.
Use lighting to highlight architectural features: Use lighting to highlight architectural features such as arches, columns, or moldings. This can create a dramatic and visually stunning effect.
Use pendant lights with unique shapes: Pendant lights with unique shapes can add interest and style to a room. Look for shapes such as geometric or organic to create a modern and visually interesting space.
Use pendant lights with adjustable height: Pendant lights with adjustable height can provide flexibility and function to a space. This allows for the light to be adjusted based on the task at hand.
Use a mix of overhead and table lamps: Using a mix of overhead and table lamps can create a layered and visually interesting space. This creates a well-lit and inviting atmosphere.
Use pendant lights with unique materials: Pendant lights with unique materials such as wood or metal can add interest and texture to a room. This creates a modern and visually interesting space.
Use wall-mounted picture lights: Wall-mounted picture lights can provide functional and stylish lighting for artwork or photographs. This creates a beautiful and dramatic effect.
Use ceiling-mounted lighting with unique shapes: Ceiling-mounted lighting with unique shapes such as stars or orbs can create a modern and visually interesting effect. This adds a unique and stylish touch to a room, particularly children's spaces.
Use pendant lights with multiple bulbs: Pendant lights with multiple bulbs can create a dramatic and visually interesting effect in a room. This adds height and interest to a space.
Use pendant lights with exposed bulbs: Pendant lights with exposed bulbs can create a modern and industrial look to a room. This adds a unique and stylish touch to a space.
Use a mix of pendant lights and chandeliers: Using a mix of pendant lights and chandeliers can create a layered and visually interesting space. This adds height and interest to a room.
Use pendant lights with adjustable arms: Pendant lights with adjustable arms can provide flexibility and function to a space. This allows for the light to be adjusted based on the task at hand.
Use pendant lights with unique colors: Pendant lights with unique colors such as metallic or pastel tones can add interest and texture to a room. This creates a visually interesting and stylish space.
Use table lamps with adjustable arms: Table lamps with adjustable arms can provide flexibility and function to a space. This allows for the light to be adjusted based on the task at hand.
Use pendant lights with unique finishes: Pendant lights with unique finishes such as brushed nickel or brass can add interest and texture to a room. This creates a visually interesting and stylish space.
Use pendant lights with unique diffusers: Pendant lights with unique diffusers such as frosted or colored glass can add interest and texture to a room. This creates a visually interesting and modern space.
Use pendant lights with unique reflections: Pendant lights with unique reflections such as mirrored or iridescent can add interest and texture to a room. This creates a visually interesting and modern space.
Use lighting as artwork: Lighting can be used as a form of artwork in a space. Unique and visually interesting lighting fixtures can be used as a focal point, adding interest and personality to a room.
Use bulbs with a high color rendering index for accurate color representation: Bulbs with a high color rendering index (CRI) can accurately represent colors in a room, making them ideal for art galleries or photography studios.
Use bulbs with a low brightness for a subtle glow: Bulbs with a low brightness can create a subtle glow in a room, perfect for a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Use bulbs with a unique finish, such as gold or chrome, for a luxurious touch: Bulbs with a unique finish, such as gold or chrome, can add a luxurious touch to a room, even when the bulb is turned off.
Create a constellation ceiling: Using fiber optic cables, you can create a stunning starry night effect on your ceiling.
Install backlit artwork: Backlighting artwork can make it appear more vibrant and three-dimensional.
Create a color gradient wall: Using colored lights and a gradient pattern, you can create a unique and mesmerizing effect on your wall.
Use shadow projections: Creating shadow projections on a wall can add a surreal and dreamy effect to a room.
Use illuminated stairs: Illuminated stairs can add a sleek and modern touch to your home.
Use a light-up fireplace: A light-up fireplace can create a cozy and warm atmosphere in your living room.
Create a light-up archway: A light-up archway can create a stunning and inviting entrance to a room.
Use illuminated planters: Illuminated planters can showcase your plants and add a unique touch to a room.
Use a light-up wine rack: A light-up wine rack can showcase your wine collection and add a stylish touch to a room.
Use illuminated wall art: Illuminated wall art can add a unique and stylish touch to a room.
Use illuminated sound panels: Illuminated sound panels can add a stylish and functional touch to a music or entertainment room.
Use a light-up kitchen island: A light-up kitchen island can add a modern and luxurious touch to your kitchen.
Play with shadows: Use directional lighting to create interesting and dynamic shadows on walls and surfaces.

Outdoor Lighting Tips and Tricks:

Use vintage lamps to add a classic and elegant touch. Vintage lamps can add a sense of sophistication to your outdoor space and create a classic ambiance.
Use Edison bulbs to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Edison bulbs emit a warm and soft glow that can make your outdoor space feel cozy and inviting.
Use Chinese lanterns to add a colorful and festive touch. Chinese lanterns can add a burst of color and festivity to your outdoor space, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Use Moroccan lanterns to create a romantic and exotic ambiance. Moroccan lanterns can add a touch of exoticism and romance to your outdoor space, making it feel like a getaway.
Use paper lanterns to add a whimsical and playful look. Paper lanterns can add a touch of playfulness and whimsy to your outdoor space, perfect for summer nights.
Use mason jar lights to create a rustic and charming atmosphere. Mason jar lights can add a rustic and charming touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a farmhouse style.
Use wine bottle lights to add a unique and creative touch. Wine bottle lights can add a unique and creative touch to your outdoor space, perfect for wine lovers.
Use teardrop string lights to add a vintage and romantic vibe. Teardrop string lights can create a vintage and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a garden wedding or a romantic dinner.
Use fairy lights to create a magical and enchanting effect. Fairy lights can create a magical and enchanting ambiance, perfect for a fairytale-themed outdoor space.
Use glow sticks to create a fun and colorful ambiance. Glow sticks can add a fun and colorful touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a kids' party.
Use umbrella lights to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Umbrella lights can create a cozy and intimate ambiance, perfect for a late-night outdoor gathering.
Use neon signs to add a modern and edgy touch. Neon signs can add a modern and edgy touch to your outdoor space, perfect for an urban-style garden.
Use geometric light fixtures to create a contemporary and unique look. Geometric light fixtures can add a contemporary and unique touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a modern and minimalist design.
Use firefly lights to create a whimsical and charming atmosphere. Firefly lights can create a whimsical and charming ambiance, perfect for a fairy garden or a woodland theme.
Use candle chandeliers to create a romantic and elegant look. Candle chandeliers can add a touch of elegance and romance to your outdoor space, perfect for a formal dinner or a wedding.
Use tree branch chandeliers to create a natural and rustic look. Tree branch chandeliers can add a natural and rustic touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a woodland theme.
Use shadow projection lights to create a dramatic and unique effect. Shadow projection lights can project interesting and intricate designs onto walls and surfaces, adding a dramatic and unique touch to your outdoor space.
Use color-changing lights to create a dynamic and versatile look. Color-changing lights can transform the mood and atmosphere of your outdoor space by changing colors, perfect for parties and events.
Use metal cage lights to add an industrial and rugged touch. Metal cage lights can add an industrial and rugged touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a loft-style design.
Use bamboo lanterns to add a natural and exotic touch. Bamboo lanterns can add a natural and exotic touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a tropical or beach-themed design.
Use globe lights to create a festive and whimsical atmosphere. Globe lights can add a festive and whimsical touch to your outdoor space, perfect for summer nights and garden parties.
Use under-table lighting to create a subtle and elegant effect. Under-table lighting can illuminate your outdoor dining area and create a subtle and elegant effect, perfect for a formal dinner.
Use laser lights to create a high-tech and futuristic look. Laser lights can add a high-tech and futuristic touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a sci-fi or futuristic theme.
Use neon rope lights to add a bright and colorful touch. Neon rope lights can add a bright and colorful touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a vibrant and energetic design.
Use floating pool lights to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. Floating pool lights can create a relaxing and soothing ambiance in your outdoor space, perfect for a poolside gathering or a late-night swim.
Use solar-powered lights to create an eco-friendly and sustainable effect. Solar-powered lights can help you reduce your energy consumption and create an eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor space.
Use black light bulbs to create a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. Black light bulbs can create a mysterious and eerie ambiance in your outdoor space, perfect for a Halloween party or a haunted house.
Use flickering flame lights to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Flickering flame lights can create a cozy and intimate ambiance in your outdoor space, perfect for a romantic evening or a bonfire.
Use uplighting to highlight trees and plants. Uplighting can highlight the natural beauty of trees and plants in your outdoor space, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere.
Use Edison bulbs to add a retro and nostalgic touch. Edison bulbs can add a retro and nostalgic touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a vintage or industrial design.
Use rope lights to create a sleek and modern look. Rope lights can add a sleek and modern touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a minimalist or contemporary design.
Use tree wrap lights to create a magical and enchanted forest effect. Tree wrap lights can create a magical and enchanted forest effect in your outdoor space, perfect for a woodland or fairy tale theme.
Use LED strips to create a futuristic and modern look. LED strips can add a futuristic and modern touch to your outdoor space, perfect for a high-tech or futuristic design.
Use lanterns made of natural materials to create a bohemian and earthy effect. Lanterns made of natural materials such as bamboo or rattan can create a bohemian and earthy effect in your outdoor space, perfect for a beach party or a garden brunch.
Use illuminated furniture to create a chic and modern look. Illuminated furniture such as chairs or tables can create a chic and modern look in your outdoor space, perfect for a rooftop party or a contemporary design.
Use floodlights with colored filters to create a dramatic and bold effect. Floodlights with colored filters can create a dramatic and bold effect in your outdoor space, perfect for a theatrical or a music event.
Use illuminated flower pots to showcase beautiful plants and flowers. Illuminated flower pots can showcase the beauty of your plants and flowers in your outdoor space, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Use illuminated house numbers: Illuminated house numbers can add a modern and functional touch to your home exterior.