On the art of soft lighting
All my life, my family had always used “the big light” for our home—those overhead lights built into the ceiling, normally with cool white bulbs. I never really found it an issue, as it was always bright and our lights did the job, though there were times I wondered why the rooms in my home had a less comforting feeling compared to certain restaurants and other houses I’d visited.
And then I met my boyfriend, who never used the overhead light in his room. I’d turn it on, and he’d simply shut it off and use his trusty yellow floor lamp instead.
“Why do you hate using the big light?” I’d ask.
“It’s too bright,” he’d reply. “Lamps are more cozy.”
This kickstarted my love affair with lamps and soft, warm lighting in general. I grew to abhor using my house’s “big lights,” as the internet so fondly calls them. I bought cheap lamps online for my room—those that looked like the moon and Asian lanterns. I stopped using cool bulbs and insisted I change mine to warmer ones instead. I’ve decided that my space was no longer going to look like a hospital.
Lighting makes or breaks the ambiance of your home. A harsh and glaring overhead light won’t do you or your guests any favors, creating a sterile environment that does anything but help you relax. And don’t get me started on the unflattering shadows they cast on your face. Soft lighting, by contrast, creates warmth, depth, and a sense of intention that makes even modest spaces feel considered.
The simple solution? Just get a lamp. A big floor lamp should do, or a bunch of smaller lamps strategically placed at different corners of your space. In an age when many of us work, relax, and entertain at home, good lighting isn’t just a design extra—it’s a necessity. Swapping out your default ceiling fixture for layered, ambient sources is one of the simplest ways to make your space feel cozy, elegant, and lived-in. No fancy furniture needed.
Don’t know where to start? Here are lamp options best for every style and budget.
Budget lamps (P200 to P3,000)
You don’t need to spend a fortune to amp up your home lighting game. There are many decent lamps on popular online shopping platforms like Shopee or Lazada, with all of them being within the P200 to P500 range—like this viral sunset lamp. Clip-on reading lamps, dimmable LED bulbs, and small rattan pendants can all create warm pools of light for less than the price of a dinner out in Makati.
Reliable options from Ikea and Mandaue Foam will always be around, but if you’re on the hunt for lamps that look a little more unique and special, local Instagram shops offer diverse catalogues for your perusal. Silver Home PH reproduces vintage-style lamps that range from P550 to P2,000—this flowerpot lamp, anyone? Independent artists also have creations that’ll brighten any home, such as ceramist Mari Manalo’s Mishfit Lamps.
Mid-range lamps (P3,000 to P10,000)
Got some more funds to invest but don’t want to bite the bullet on something too expensive? Mid-range lighting offers both style and durability. While you can always check out tried-and-tested shops like Crate & Barrel, there are a handful of local stores supplying the coolest, most thoughtfully designed lighting options. These 3D printed jelly lamps from Sgt. Mags would make the ideal lamps for people who love the eclectic style. Prefer a funky floor lamp? Cozi Studios has a wavy piece that’ll get your guests raving.
Something that I’ve been eyeing myself (as well as many other cat lovers, I’m sure) just below the P10,000 mark is this adorable cat table lamp from KCurated by Kenneth Cobonpue. The best thing about designing your own space is adding sprinkles of your own personality in it, and this lamp is perfect for the feline-obsessed.
High-end lamps (P10,000 and up)
For those ready to splurge, designer lighting becomes an art piece in itself. A good example of this are beautiful stained glass lamps that add both a pop of color and some warmth to a home. With prices starting at around P11,000, you can find some at Tiffany Stained Glass, one of the top stained glass suppliers in the Philippines, known for their work at churches, commercial buildings, and even quirky pieces like the iconic Kodawari lamp.
Want something a bit more Filipino-inspired? Venzon has some nostalgic, yet modern options for you. Or you can also add a touch of nature to your home and elevate its look with these metal mushroom and twig floor lamps from Industria Edition. Though the price tag is higher, these pieces can transform an ordinary corner into a focal point. Plus, they’ll last for years as a testament to your style.
