When the clocks change and the evenings draw in, the light at home matters more than at any other time of year. A few small adjustments make the darker months far more pleasant.
Use layers of light
Instead of one bright ceiling light, use several smaller sources at different heights: a floor lamp in a corner, a table lamp by the sofa and a small light in the kitchen. Layers make a room feel cosy without feeling dim.
Choose warmer bulbs for the evening
Bulbs marked as warm white give a softer, more golden light. They suit living rooms and bedrooms in the evening, while cooler light works better where you read or cook.
Make the most of daylight
Open curtains fully as soon as you get up, and sit near a window for breakfast if you can. A mirror opposite a window bounces natural light deeper into a room.
Add light where you arrive
Coming home to a dark hallway on a winter evening is unwelcoming. A small lamp on a timer by the door makes arriving home feel warmer.
Keep it simple
You do not need smart systems or new furniture. Moving a lamp, changing a bulb and opening the curtains a little earlier can change how a whole season feels.