Lighting & cable knit throw blanket courtesy of Pottery Barn
YYou probably know by now that I love charming light fixtures. With fall nesting in full swing, creating a cozy atmosphere is high on my list. Lighting makes a huge difference in how a room looks and feels, especially in cooler months when you want to curl up on the sofa with a good book — the right light can transform a space.
Our media room is upstairs. We call it “the media room” to distinguish it from our family room downstairs, which is connected to the kitchen and centered around a cozy fireplace. 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 it yet — I have plans, and I’ll share updates as those come together. For now, let’s talk about the lighting.
Before updating the fixtures, the lighting in this room was inadequate. There is one window and a single ceiling fixture in the center of the room — and that was it. Relying only on a central light often leaves corners feeling dark and uninviting once daylight fades. The sectional takes up most of the floor space, so there wasn’t room for end tables or floor lamps to add ambient light.
Without additional layered lighting, the room didn’t feel as warm and snug as I wanted it to.
What did I do?
I wanted wall lighting that would provide mood lighting for cozy evenings and also offer directional light for reading. Hardwired sconces were an option, but installing three of them would have been costly. Plug-in sconces offered a simpler, more affordable solution if I could find styles I liked.
I looked for swing-arm wall lights that could articulate side to side to aim light where needed. I found Pottery Barn’s Walker Sconces, which had the warm finish and library-style look I wanted, swung easily for reading, and were available as plug-in fixtures — so installation was simply a matter of measuring and hanging.
They were the perfect fall addition. The sconces immediately made the room feel cozier and more welcoming. Paired with a soft cable knit throw, the space invites snuggling and quiet evenings in.
If you missed earlier posts with details about my sectional and tips for choosing a sofa, check those resources for more information about the seating that anchors this room.
Update: This is our media room as featured in a fall house tour.
Are there rooms in your home that could feel cozier with wall lights?
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