Recently, I had an epiphany. I had never been able to put my finger on why I preferred working in cafes rather than in my bedroom. Something about the ambience felt different, but what was it? I couldn’t pinpoint the variable until I stumbled upon a TikTok video by the interior design duo Josh and Matt. In the video, a simple flip of a light switch was the tipping point that ruined their day—and it perfectly encapsulated my feelings.
In the absence of natural light, we typically opt for white overhead lighting. In many homes, it is common for a sole lighting fixture to illuminate an entire room, which tends to result in an overly concentrated effect. Turning on the ‘big light’—as the Internet has not-so-affectionately dubbed it—feels like being rudely awakened in the morning. The sudden glare, the stark white brightness—to put it plainly, it is uninspiring.
How, then, do we breathe life into our living spaces? The answer lies in atmospheric mood lighting. By adding coloured light, you could liven up an area. Layering multiple light sources allows for a cosier ambience. Diversifying your lighting fixtures to include wall, floor and table lamps in addition to the ceiling light could even give the illusion of a larger space. Statement lamps, on the other hand, are a great way to add character to a room while warming it up. Their unconventional designs serve both as decor and conversation starters, all while being functional lighting options.
Ready to overhaul your living space but not sure where to start? Below, see Vogue Singapore’s curation of stylish mood lighting options to vivify your home.
1 / 10
&Tradition Setago JH27 Portable Table Lamp
Designed by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon, the quirky Setago JH27 is inspired by nature—down to its design (‘seta’ being Spanish for mushroom) and colourways.
Available at Finnish Design Shop.
2 / 10
Kassandra Thatcher Studio Loop Lamp
Handmade with ceramic by Kassandra Thatcher in Los Angeles, the unorthodox Loop Lamp is one of many avant-garde creations by the sculptor.
Available upon inquiry at Kassandra Thatcher Studio.
3 / 10
Halo Edition Halo Evo 2
The original ‘sunset lamp’ that you’ve seen all over social media hails from Italy-based studio Mandalaki. The Halo Edition collection marries art and technology in a sleek design that produces vibrant projections.
Available at Halo Edition.
4 / 10
Ivankor Gorgeous Spherical Marble Pendant Light
Sleek and stylish—these planetary pendants come in three colours, each with touches of gold and marble.
Available at Light Atelier.
5 / 10
Heliograf Light Soy Portable Lamp
Add a little personality to your room with this playful lamp by Australian design studio Heliograf. This USB-rechargeable lamp is a larger-than-life bottle of soy sauce, made from ocean-bound plastic.
Available at Heliograf.
6 / 10
Bocci 28t Table Lamp
With 15 colourways to choose from, the Bocci 28t is a dimmable glass-blown lamp that can be displayed on a table or mounted on the wall.
Available at Bocci.
7 / 10
Seletti statue bublegum lamp
This cheeky lamp by Seletti brings the ‘Michelangelo blowing bubblegum’ edit to life—the pop art twist on a classic statue design is a guaranteed conversation starter.
Available at Farfetch.
8 / 10
Serien Lighting Poppy
Created by Germany-based interior design company Serien Lighting, the Poppy collection features variations of ‘flowering’ lights. When switched on, the ‘petals’ gently expand like a blooming flower.
Available at Nostraforma.
9 / 10
Hay Matin table lamp
Available in seven colours and two sizes, the Hay Matin table lamp puts a contemporary twist on a traditional design, adding a pop of colour to your desk.
Available at Finnish Design Shop.
10 / 10
Kristin Victoria Barron Flood Series Table Lamp
Conceptualised by Kristin Victoria Barron during an artist residency in Tuscany, the fragmented design of the Flood series is a manifestation of her dream, crafted from marble.
Available at The Future Perfect.
