Here are some tips on keeping your home bright during the Big Dark.

Lighting secrets for warmth indoors and out

As winter deepens and nights stretch long, Edmonds homes become canvases of light. The glow spilling from windows, the shimmer of string lights, and the quiet warmth of candles all remind us that comfort is not just felt – it’s seen. This season, lighting is more than decoration: it’s mood, memory, and belonging.

The poetry of indoor light

Inside, light shapes atmosphere. Ambient fixtures provide a gentle wash, while lamps and sconces carve out cozy corners. The secret lies in layering: overhead light for function, task lighting for focus, and accents for intimacy. Warm bulbs – in the 2700–3000K range – mimic firelight, flattering skin tones, and softening edges. Even small choices, like dimmers or the symmetry of lampshades, can transform a room from ordinary to inviting.

Textures amplify the effect. A velvet cushion under lamplight, a woven throw catching shadows, or glass ornaments reflecting glow – these details create depth and rhythm. Together, light and texture compose a symphony of comfort.

Outdoor glow: A personal ritual

Lighting doesn’t stop at the threshold. Outdoors, it becomes a gesture to the neighborhood, a quiet signal of welcome. At my own home, I’ve tucked subtle, dimmable lights beneath the lower awnings. They sweep downward, across the walls and black garage doors, casting a warm glow that feels inviting without glare. It’s not about spotlights or spectacle, but mood – a gentle illumination that makes the house pop against the night.

Like many of us in Edmonds, I keep uplighting and string lights year‑round. They frame the home with a steady glow, a reminder that light belongs to every season. During the holidays, I layer in additional accents – tastefully, sparingly. No awards for dazzling displays, no traffic jams of cars parked to gawk. Just a subtle sparkle that complements the existing glow, adding festivity without overwhelming.

A spectrum of holiday light

Across neighborhoods, the variety is striking. Some homes embrace spectacle, with displays so bright they could be spotted from an airplane – or even from space. Others prefer a quieter nod: a single candle in the window, a strand of lights along the porch, or a wreath lit softly at the door. Both approaches carry meaning. The bold displays celebrate joy with exuberance; the subtle gestures honor tradition with restraint.

And truly, to each their own. The beauty of holiday lighting lies in its diversity. Some families delight in choreographed extravagance, while others lean into understated elegance. My own style is more subtle, but I admire the creativity of those who go all out. Together, these choices create a patchwork of light that makes winter nights feel less heavy.

Closing glow

Ultimately, the holiday glow‑up is about intention. Indoors, it’s the layering of light and texture that makes rooms feel alive. Outdoors, it’s the quiet gestures – hidden awning lights, year‑round strings, tasteful holiday accents – that make homes pop against winter nights. And across Edmonds, it’s the spectrum of light, from dazzling to subtle, that reminds us this season is about warmth, welcome, and home.