I hate harsh lighting, and this simple kitchen tweak has made such a difference

August 1, 2025

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If you consume any sort of home decor content on social media, you might be familiar with the term “the big light” — but just in case, it’s referring to the (often harsh) overhead light found in many a room. I, for one, can’t stand the abrasiveness of these fixtures, and instead opt for table and floor lamps to create a cozier atmosphere. The one place I hadn’t thought of doing this, however, was in my kitchen; that is, until I saw an Instagram post from home decor expert Joanna Gaines, in which I could spot a small table lamp on her counter.

Quick Overview

Sold! As a professional baker, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and often lament how bright mine is. So I cleared off some space and placed one of my table lamps on the counter to see what a difference it could make. Let me tell you — my kitchen instantly felt more cozy and inviting, and having the lamp on the counter gave the impression that some inkling of design consideration was given to the room. (I am admittedly not a decor expert.)

If you have the space and would like to give this simple fix a try, you’ll need to find the right lamp, of course. With so many styles to choose from, picking one can be overwhelming, so I rounded up several that caught my eye, from smaller modern styles to more ornate statement pieces. And with that, let there be (softer) light.

Amazon

$30 at Amazon

Amazon

$38 at Amazon

Amazon

$90 at Amazon

Target

$30 at Target

Wayfair

$49 at Wayfair

Walmart

$35 at Walmart

Amazon

$50 at Amazon

Target

$25 at Target

Amazon

Giada De Laurentiis’ Instagram posts and immediately started swooning — apparently even her home decor takes inspiration from food. As taken as I was with its striking shape and mid-century modern aesthetic, I was even more excited when I found out that it’s dimmable — all you have to do is tap it to change things up (or down). Now, this is one type of fungi I wouldn’t mind seeing in my house…

$71 at Amazon