The pandemic has compelled us to learn how to keep ourselves busy within the confines of our homes, allowing us to discover the therapeutic activity of home decorating. If you're looking to add some elegance to your home, decorative lights are great pieces to add. Besides providing illumination, they can also add a new design element to your space's aesthetic.
These decorative lights also come in different types, designed to meet your interior and lighting needs for your abode. In this article, we will delve into all of these while providing you a buying guide fact-checked by Singapore-based interior designer Jennifer Salamat and a list of recommendations that may come in handy in your search for a decorative light. Read on to know more!
Quick List - Top Decorative Lights
Jennifer Salamat is a Singapore-based Interior Designer currently working as a Lead Designer in an international company that manufactures furniture hardware. She shares the same passion for transforming ideas into beautiful, functional home design solutions. She is a dedicated individual who has been involved in planning and designing interior settings for residential and commercial spaces.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Whether you wish to light up your entire living room or you just want to illuminate a particular area of your home, there should be a perfect piece of decorative lighting that would match your needs.
Ambient lighting is responsible for ensuring that your spaces are well-lit, as it serves as the primary light source. It is also the one that sets the overall mood or ambiance of a particular area in your home, like your living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
Hence, if you wish to set a certain mood in different areas of your home, try to play with ambient lightings. To create ambient light, you can turn to wall lights, ceiling lights, chandeliers, pendants, recessed lightings, and track lights.
On the other hand, task lighting provides a smaller and more concentrated illumination that is focused on lighting a specific spot where you work and do activities. It provides finer brightness that you'll need when doing tasks, such as writing, studying, reading, and even when putting on makeup.
Unlike ambient lighting, this is not meant to brighten an entire area in your home. Instead, it focuses on lighting a small spot or portion in your space to create a certain ambiance that will boost your productivity. To achieve task lighting, you can use desk lamps, vanity lighting, and under-cabinet lighting.
This lighting is usually achieved through the use of spotlight-like illumination that is very concentrated. Instead of lighting up areas or spots in your home, you can use it to emphasize artworks, collection displays, pieces of furniture, or other items you want to highlight.
Because of the dramatic and decorative effect it gives, you can use this type of lighting to draw visitors' attention to the focal element in your home that you wish to highlight. To create this lighting, you can use sconces, wall-mounted light fixtures, and picture lights.
Most decorative lighting that you can purchase already comes with a bulb. To ensure that you buy one that suits your budget and one that will not disrupt your usual electricity consumption, check out the points below.
If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly light, you'll probably come across ones that have incandescent bulbs. They also usually emit a warmer color of light than other counterparts. They also do not have a warm-up time, allowing you to turn them on instantly at full brightness with just a single switch flick.
However, they are only inexpensive at the initial price, as these bulbs are the least energy-efficient, which means they operate at higher costs. They also have a rather short lifespan, lasting for approximately 1000 hours only.
LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient among the different types of light bulbs, usually consuming 90% less energy than an incandescent bulb. They also produce very low heat levels, allowing them to have a longer lifespan than other bulbs. They are also less prone to overheating.
Despite that, they are still capable of radiating high levels of brightness. On top of that, they instantly operate at full brightness. However, compared to their counterparts, LED bulbs lean more on the pricey side, having high up-front costs.
Compact fluorescent lamps offer the good points of LED and incandescent bulbs. Like LEDs, they are also energy-saving, consuming 60-80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Despite that, they are less expensive than LED bulbs, making them a great cheaper alternative.
However, unlike the two types of bulbs aforementioned, these compact fluorescent bulbs usually have a warm-up time. They cannot provide instantaneous illumination as they take some time before they can reach their full-intensity brightness.
As the name implies, these light bulbs are smart and can do several things a regular bulb cannot do. They are internet-capable, allowing you to customize their settings remotely. Some of them are capable of changing light color. There are also a number of smart light bulbs with a built-in speaker and Bluetooth feature.
Unlike the traditional bulbs that you can only dim by installing dimmer switches in your home, these bulbs usually come with a corresponding app that lets you adjust their brightness with just your mobile phone.
On the other hand, if you want something to go with your gym area or workspace, you can opt for cool lighting. It is best suited for the living room, home office, or kitchen where activities always take place.
It is because this type of color temperature creates a more lively ambiance that can also evoke alertness and energy that you'll need to stay "awake" to finish your tasks.
Aside from providing illumination, the right decorative light can also be an accent piece for your interior to enhance the look of your space. To identify what kind of decorative lighting would go well with your home, try to define the current theme of the room.
If your area has a minimalist yet modern interior, your best bets are those lights with simple designs and fewer embellishments. Opting for ones that come in neutral colors can be a great choice, too, so you can allow them to blend well with the rest of the area.
Meanwhile, if you follow a certain theme, say you're #TeamKahoy, and your home is full of wood accents and details, you can try to get decorative lighting that also has that element. With the vast options available, regardless of what design you're after, there will surely be one to suit your home's needs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Modern Art Deco Crystal Chandelier|13 Heads | ![]() | Add Some Charm With Crystals | |
2 | Home Cartel Gia Pendant Light | ![]() | Golden Brass Accent for Your Little Nook | |
3 | Macaron Ceiling Lamp | ![]() | Smart Home Light With a Pop of Color | |
4 | Esaer Crystal Gold Ceiling Lamp | ![]() | Palace-Inspired Yet Budget-Friendly Lamp | |
5 | Modern Pendant Light | ![]() | Sleek Pendant Light for Contemporary Interiors | |
6 | Modern Wall Sconce|Type B | ![]() | Mini Makeover for Your House's Facade | |
7 | 3-Head Hanging Pendant Light | ![]() | Perfect for High Ceilings and Blank Corners | |
8 | Home Cartel Elthine Modern Table Lamp|With Brass Base | ![]() | Moonlight's Beauty in Your Home | |
9 | String Lights With Globe Clear Bulbs | ![]() | Create a Romantic Backdrop With String Lights | |
10 | Fairy Lights | ![]() | Recreate a Pinterest Board Using Fairy Lights |
You can never go wrong with this chandelier if you're after a light fixture that is a real eye-catcher. It will surely be the focal point of any area in your home with its intricate design that screams elegance. Apart from its polished steel base, it features crystal flower details surrounding each bulb.
It can transform a dull area in your home into a luxe space that encapsulates the ambiance of a 5-star hotel. If you wish to put it in your workspace, you can opt to get it white light bulbs. Meanwhile, you can also purchase it with warm light bulbs for a cozy and relaxing look.
Despite its very decorative appearance, it also serves its purpose of illuminating your space well. Its multiple bulbs can light an entire 10 to 15-square meter area. On top of that, reviewers also shared that it is fairly easy to assemble and install despite its detailed look.
Coming from a brand known for its stunning nordic light fixtures, this pendant light is a sure score with its simple yet classy finish. It has a golden brass socket that adds to the light's classic look. You can use it as a drop light, perfect for illuminating areas where it's usually dull and dark.
While pretty on its own, it will also look stunning when used in multiples. You can hang several of them in line and have them installed over your kitchen counters, dining tables, or home bar. Doing this would create a backdrop that would surely elevate the ambiance of any room.
If you need some pop of color for your neutral-themed space or add even more color to your colorful flat, this macaron ceiling lamp would surely provide that. It is available in 3 pastel colors- pink, green, and yellow. Aside from its design, it also boasts its smart light bulbs that can illuminate an area of 9-13 square meters.
To navigate the different settings of the smart bulbs, it also comes with a remote control and a corresponding app that you can use to adjust the bulb's color temperature- from warm, natural to cool. On top of that, since it is made of acrylic, you can also expect that it is lightweight and easy to install.
This decorative lighting is sure to brighten up your space with a palace-inspired accent without breaking the bank. It has a luxe design and structure brought by its gold crystal details and veneer pattern. When installed on the ceiling, it vividly diffuses an artistic shadow pattern.
Because of its relatively small size, this mini chandelier can serve as a great accent lighting that is best placed in your entryway, corridors, or as a centerpiece of a studio-type apartment. Additionally, it comes with an instruction guide that allows you to install it easily and quickly.
This pendant light fixture is a great find for someone seeking a decorative light with a metallic finish and simple lines. It boasts its contemporary and sleek look that makes it ideal for dining areas, kitchen islands, living room, home bar, and even on your coffee area.
It can light up an area of 10-15 square meters. It also comes with an adjustable hanging cord that you can loosen or tighten if you prefer a different pendant light length. On top of that, it is also compatible with sloped and slanted ceilings. Despite its scale, this sleek light is also easy to install.
If you want a new look for your front porch or garden entryway, a decorative light like this one will do an excellent job. This sconce is designed to cast light upwards and downwards in a dispersed manner, showcasing every element placed above and below it. However, it will look even better when mounted on a blank wall.
There is no need to worry about the extreme weather conditions that it may encounter outside, as it is waterproof and built to withstand outside elements. It comes with an LED light and can reach up to 5-10 square meters. The black case is made of aluminum. Get two of these sconces and install them on both sides of your main door.
If you have a blank corner or high ceiling in your home, putting ambient lighting like this would help add some pattern and texture to your interior. This pendant light features geometrical shapes that are made of iron. For a modern yet cozy look, this looks perfect with warm light.
Several reviewers commented that the fixture indeed made their homes appear more classy. They also noted that you wouldn't have to worry about the fragile lights getting busted en-route to you as, according to them, the shop pays serious attention to packing their delicate fixtures.
If you are someone who is fascinated with the moon's beauty, you would love to have this decorative lamp in your home. It resembles the moon's appearance with its round shape and frosted glass that diffuses the perfect amount of light, mimicking the usual glow of the moon.
It also has a brass base that makes the piece more dreamy and timeless, perfect for jazzing up your bedside tables. Although this stunning piece comes with a hefty tag price, you will surely get your money's worth because the piece comes from the brand's expertly curated catalog.
If you want to imitate those dreamy lighting setups you often see on Pinterest or Instagram, you'll love this item. These string lights come with 25 bulbs emitting warm light that can surely illuminate your space. Although best used in your porches and gazebo, you can also use it for highlighting your displays and photos in the sala or your bedroom.
These string lights are guaranteed to resist long-term wear and tear, so they're suitable for outdoor use too. Aside from being a romantic accent lighting at home, you can also use them for backyard parties. Simply hang them around your garden, and they will surely improve the atmosphere and will feel like you're on a movie set.
If you're looking for something to decorate your boring walls or curtains with, you can never go wrong with fairy lights. These are tiny LED bulbs clustered in a copper wire that can be bent and shaped to fit different surfaces like walls, curtains, shelves, and even your headboard!
These fairy lights consist of 300 LED bulbs that produce tiny sparkles- perfect for a Pinterest-inspired styling of your room. They also offer eight different modes that allow you to adjust their colors and flicker frequency through the remote control that comes with the set.
Indeed, buying lights for your home isn't just about picking the right design. You'll have to consider the nitty-gritty details. You will need to plan it well. Also, decide beforehand on the current and possible future purposes of each room in the house, so you can make your choices based on that.
If you predict any changes down the road, such as a game room eventually being turned into a kids’ room, then try to make the most versatile choices or at least something that can be easily modified.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
If you want to transform a space drastically, then yes, you can use colored lights. Keep in mind, though, that colored lighting can influence mood and perception, so choose a color that would have a favorable effect on you.
Cool colors are calming and help increase focus, while warm colors make a space more relaxing and intimate. However, prolonged exposure to mixed colored lights may produce color fatigue and eye strain.
When it comes to bulbs, LEDs are your best bet. Aside from the fact that they are energy-efficient, they also have a long lifespan. And because of their rather long life, they are also best for hard-to-reach light fixtures like chandeliers, as they can save you from constant changing of bulbs that tend to be difficult with these kinds of lights.
If you prefer the warm light that incandescent bulbs usually provide, you can opt for LED bulbs with color temperatures ranging from 2700-3000 Kelvin instead. It is also important to note that if you're using multiple lights in one room, ensure that you should use bulbs with the same color temperature.
This largely depends on the size of your room. However, most designers agree that a room should have more than one source of light. There should be a mix of overhead, task, and accent lights to provide layered illumination of different intensities, creating contrast and ambiance.
If you're looking for more online finds to decorate your home with, you came to the right place! Click these links below for more buying guides and product recommendations on home decor items that can surely jazz up your space's ambiance and mood.
Author: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: |Modern Art Deco Crystal Chandelier|13 Heads
No. 2: Home Cartel|Gia Pendant Light
No. 3: |Macaron Ceiling Lamp
No. 4: Esaer|Crystal Gold Ceiling Lamp
No. 5: |Modern Pendant Light
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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