Lighting & cable knit throw blanket courtesy of Pottery Barn
YYou probably already know I have a soft spot for pretty lighting. As the weather cools and fall nesting begins, the right fixtures make all the difference. Lighting changes the look and feel of a room, especially in autumn and winter when evenings invite curling up on the sofa with a book. For me, the right glow is essential to make a space feel welcoming and cozy.
Our media room is upstairs; we call it that to distinguish it from our family room downstairs, which is connected to the kitchen and centered around a cozy fireplace rather than a TV. The media room is where we watch movies, read, fold laundry and where my son plays video games. I didn’t photograph the other side of the room because I haven’t finished decorating it yet — I have plans and will share updates when that side is ready. For now, let’s focus on the lighting updates.
Before the update, the lighting situation was poor. The room had a single window and one central ceiling light. Relying on only a center fixture rarely creates a warm, layered atmosphere; even with good windows, nights reveal dark corners unless you add more sources. The large sectional occupies most of the floor, leaving little room for end tables or floor lamps, which made achieving comfortable ambient light a challenge.
I wanted soft, directional lighting around the seating area so evenings on the sofa would feel snug and inviting. Wall sconces were the solution I kept imagining — they provide mood lighting without taking up floor space. Since there were no existing wall fixtures, installing hardwired sconces for three locations would have been costly. Plug-in options were a more practical choice, though finding attractive swing-arm plug-in sconces can be tricky.
I wanted adjustable swing-arm lights that could be positioned for reading or ambient glow. I found the Pottery Barn Walker Sconces, which offered the warm finish and library-style look I wanted, plus the functionality to swing side to side. Best of all, they were plug-in models, so installation required only measuring and hanging — no rewiring. They were a perfect fit for this room.
The sconces transformed the space. The room now feels much cozier and more welcoming, especially for evening downtime. With the addition of a chunky cable-knit throw, our media room is ready for snuggling through the cooler months.
If you’re curious about the sectional details, I shared more information previously.
Update: This media room appears in our 2014 Fall House Tour.
Could any rooms in your home become cozier with wall lights?
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