Last Updated:
You can create a winter haven that radiates warmth and comfort, making your home the perfect retreat during the chilly season
Pair candles with seasonal scents to heighten the winter ambiance
Winter is the perfect time to transform your home into a warm, inviting retreat, and lighting plays a key role in achieving that cozy ambiance. From soft glows to playful patterns, here’s how you can use candles and lighting to embrace the charm of the chilly season.
Layer Your Lighting
According to Abhaye Gupta, Founder, Rabyana Designs, layered lighting adds depth and dimension to any space. “Combine overhead lights, wall sconces, and floor lamps with soft, warm-toned bulbs to create a soothing atmosphere. Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust the brightness to suit your mood,” says Gupta.
Complement this approach with uplighting to accentuate architectural features like archways or exposed beams. Tipsy Anand, Founder and Chief Designer of TAD (Tipsy Anand Designs), suggests this technique to add dramatic yet cozy highlights.
Play with Candle Clusters
Nothing says winter quite like candles. Gupta advises grouping candles of varying heights and sizes on trays, mantels, or coffee tables for a visually appealing display. “Opt for warm, neutral tones like cream, beige, or soft metallics. Enhance the atmosphere with scented candles featuring winter-inspired notes such as cinnamon, vanilla, or pine,” he adds.
For a creative twist, Anand recommends using sculptural candles in shapes like pinecones or snowflakes. “They double as decor while adding a unique seasonal touch,” she notes.
Incorporate Lanterns and Candle Holders
Decorative lanterns or glass hurricane jars amplify the beauty of candlelight while adding a layer of charm. Gupta suggests using metallic finishes like gold, copper, or brushed brass to reflect flickering light, creating a snug wintery glow.
Anand also highlights the appeal of reflective surfaces. “Position candles near mirrors or metallic trays to amplify the glow and add depth to your decor,” she says.
Embrace String Lights
Fairy lights or string lights aren’t just for the holidays—they can create a magical winter ambiance throughout the season. “Drape them over bookshelves, curtain rods, or place them in glass jars for a whimsical effect,” says Gupta.
Seasonal Light Displays and Projectors
“Use projector lights to cast subtle snowflake or forest patterns on walls or ceilings,” suggests Anand. Incorporating frosted glass fixtures can also add a frosty aesthetic that aligns with the season’s vibe.
Candlelight in Unexpected Places
For a spa-like winter retreat, Anand recommends placing candles in bathrooms. “Floating candles in a bowl of water with cranberries or sprigs of evergreen can be a beautiful addition,” she adds.
Integrate Fireplace Alternatives
If you don’t have a real fireplace, there are creative ways to mimic its warmth. Anand suggests creating a candle fireplace by filling the hearth with pillar candles or opting for electric fireplaces that replicate the cozy glow of a real fire.
Highlight Focal Points
Gupta emphasizes the importance of drawing attention to specific areas. “An illuminated centerpiece on your dining table or a candlelit reading nook can become inviting focal points that exude warmth,” he says.
Pair Lighting with Textures
To enhance the cozy factor, surround lighting elements with plush textures. Gupta recommends using soft throw blankets, textured rugs, or cushions to add visual warmth and a layered look.
Use Warm-Toned LEDs and Colorful Accents
Replacing harsh white lights with warm-toned LEDs can mimic natural sunlight and save energy during long winter evenings. Anand also suggests experimenting with color-changing LEDs in winter hues like amber, gold, and red or using candles in jewel tones such as burgundy and emerald to create a rich, cozy palette.
Enhance the Sensory Experience
Pair candles with seasonal scents to heighten the winter ambiance. Gupta advises placing potpourri bowls near light sources or using wax warmers and oil diffusers with candlelight to spread fragrances like clove, cedar, or orange throughout your space.
By incorporating these tips from Abhaye Gupta and Tipsy Anand, you can create a winter haven that radiates warmth and comfort, making your home the perfect retreat during the chilly season
