The Ugly Overhead Light Has to Go: Your Guide to Better Home Lighting

25/08/2025 49 min Episodio 9
The Ugly Overhead Light Has to Go: Your Guide to Better Home Lighting

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Episode Synopsis

Tired of the “big, ugly light”? In this episode of Seated with Furniture Row, Interior Designer Barb and Marketing Director Jessa break down everything you really need to know about lighting your home. From color temperature (Kelvins) to brightness (lumens), they share the basics in plain English—and offer creative, renter-friendly solutions that don’t require an electrician. Learn how to layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for a space that feels cozy, functional, and totally elevated.
You’ll hear why cooler lights help you focus (think kitchens and offices), and why warmer tones create calm in bedrooms and living rooms. Plus, genius lighting hacks: battery-powered sconces, dimmer switches, rope lighting, and even a floor lamp that fakes built-in style.
Key Topics 


00:00 – Intro: Why lighting is confusing—and critical to how a room feels


03:00 – In or Out: Edison bulbs, track lighting, colored lights


07:30 – Meet the villain: The big, ugly overhead light


07:45 – Layered lighting basics: ambient, task, accent


12:45 – Bulb temperature (Kelvins): warm vs. cool and where to use each


15:10 – Brightness (lumens) vs. watts: what really matters now


28:05 – Room-by-room tips: Living room, dining, bedroom, kitchen, bath


48:50 – Lighting label cheat sheet: What to check before you buy


Quick Tips Mentioned


Try relaxing, warm light in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms


Use cooler light in kitchens, offices, and garages for focus and visibility.


Add dimmers wherever you can—for instant mood control.


Don’t rely on overheads! Add floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, art lights.


Amber-tinted glass and bulbs can cozy up any space.


Featured Hosts


Barb Chandler – Interior Designer at Furniture Row


Jessa Murphy – Marketing Director at Furniture Row


They bring design savvy, practical tips, and lots of personality to every episode.
Resources Mentioned


Furniture Row blog: Best Lighting: A Room-by-Room Guide


Related episodes: Productivity and Interior Design, Expert Tips for Styling Outdoor Spaces


Furniture Row Bookshelf Lamps: Caged Wood Accent Lamp | Furniture Row ,Luke Dark Grey Antique Table Lamp | Furniture Row ,Bell Jar Table Lamp | Furniture Row, Antler with Smoke Glass Table Lamp | Furniture Row


Furniture Row Bedside table task lighting- Minneapolis Pier Bookcase Nightstand, Minneapolis Nightstand, St. Paul Nightstand, St. Paul Bookcase Pier Nightstand


Ceiling Lights for Low Ceilings:


Stewart Semi-Flush Mount ,Elsbeth Semi-Flush Mount | Rejuvenation, Snowflower Semi-Flush Mount


Indoor Uplight Accent Lighting: Black Cord-n-Plug Accent Uplight with Foot Switch - #63402 | Lamps Plus


 
Calls to Action


Follow Seated with Furniture Row and rate the show to help others find it.


Want more styling tips for every room? Visit our blog!


Visit a Furniture Row showroom near you to explore lamps, pendants, and more.

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