Making Your Home Feel Cooler and Cozier with the Right Lighting
Why Summer Lighting Needs a Different Approach
Hot summer days can make your home feel stuffy, bright, and uncomfortable. You’re already doing everything to cool things down, blinds closed, fans spinning, maybe even the AC running. But did you know that your lighting plays a role in how hot or cool your home feels?
I didn’t realize this either until one summer when my tiny apartment felt like an oven, even at night. I had all the... moreMaking Your Home Feel Cooler and Cozier with the Right Lighting
Why Summer Lighting Needs a Different Approach
Hot summer days can make your home feel stuffy, bright, and uncomfortable. You’re already doing everything to cool things down, blinds closed, fans spinning, maybe even the AC running. But did you know that your lighting plays a role in how hot or cool your home feels?
I didn’t realize this either until one summer when my tiny apartment felt like an oven, even at night. I had all these traditional bulbs that gave off heat and made every room feel warmer than it was. Once I switched a few things up, not only did the house feel cooler, but it also looked more pleasant and relaxing. Let’s break down how you can do the same.
Choose LED Lights Over Traditional Bulbs
Here’s the simplest switch that makes the biggest difference: swap your old bulbs for LED lights. Traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs give off heat—sometimes a lot more than you’d expect. LEDs, on the other hand, stay cool to the touch and use far less energy.
This change helped me instantly. My kitchen, especially, felt more bearable once I replaced the ceiling fixture with energy-efficient bulbs. And the bonus? Lower electricity bills.
You can find a wide variety of bulbs & tubes perfect for summer-friendly lighting over at https://50bulbs.com/.
Rethink Overhead Lights
In the peak of summer, overhead lights can feel intense, especially if they’re bright and direct. I started using portable lighting like small table lamps or wall-mounted options that give off a softer glow. This kept the heat level down and helped me avoid that blinding glare in the evenings.
Try placing a portable light on your nightstand or using a dimmable lamp in the living room. These small changes help keep the space comfortable and more flexible.
Use Natural Light the Smart Way
During the day, try to use natural light as much as you can—but strategically. Open curtains in the morning when it’s still cool, and then close them in the afternoon to keep the heat out. Sheer curtains work well because they let in soft light without turning your room into a greenhouse.
I also adjusted my furniture to get more benefit from natural light, like placing the reading chair near the window. That way, I used less artificial lighting during the day.
Pick the Right Light Colors
Here’s something simple that most people overlook: the color temperature of your lighting. Lights come in different tones, cool, warm, and daylight.
For summer, try cooler-toned LEDs (4000K–5000K) in workspaces like your home office or kitchen. These feel fresher and more energizing without feeling harsh. For bedrooms and living rooms, stick with warm white (around 3000K) for a cozy atmosphere in the evenings.
When shopping online at places like 50bulbs, you can filter bulbs by temperature, making it easy to get what you need for each room.
