The viral ‘no big lights’ trend will turn your home into a Pinterest moodboard

Have you ever visited someone’s place and been completely dazzled, not in a good way, when they switch on their overhead lighting that casts a cold, unflattering glow all over the room? If the internet is to be believed, the case against overhead lights seems to be getting stronger by the day. The ‘big light’ doesn’t fit into most aesthetics and its uniform white light doesn’t do your home any favours. Every room of your home needs a source of lighting that fits both its needs and style, and using a variety of different lights helps. 

Ahead, discover more about the concept of 'no big lights' and how you can incorporate into your own home. 

What is the ‘no big lights’ trend?

While the origins of the TikTok video that started it all are old (2022), the concept grew into a full-blown trend only last year and is still going strong even as we’ve entered 2024. A TikTok video by Australian TV presenter, Gemma Driscoll had her showing off the many soft light sources in her home with the voice-over “I don’t have many rules for my house, but I do have one, and that is that we never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever use the big light.” It quickly picked up steam with several other creators from around the world using the audio to voice their distaste for big overhead lights. 

The reason big lights are so jarring

The dreaded ‘big light’ can often be found in places that need a bright, intense light for practical reasons, like the dentist, your office, your local fast-food joint and the likes. At home, the culprits usually are dome lights flush with the ceiling (infamously called boob lamps), too-big-for-the space chandeliers, and lights from ceiling fans. 

They are not only jarring and mess up the aesthetic of your home, they might also be too harsh for your eyes at the end of a long day when our bodies are more used to darkness, especially in winter. 

Here’s why layered lighting might be good for you (and your aesthetics)

Mood-lighting is called so for a reason—it not only helps to set the right mood and atmosphere of the room, it also affects your own mood. Cosy, warm lighting can make you feel secure and relaxed, which is important especially in the evening and night when your body is winding down to prepare to sleep. 
By making us feel calm, it lets our brain relax, which increases the melatonin (sleep hormone) levels. This might be useful to ensure you get quality sleep, especially for children who have trouble falling asleep.
 
How to incorporate multiple sources of light in your home

The trick is to layer your lighting, instead of relying on just one or two statement pieces of light. Your home should be dotted with small light sources instead—think both big and tiny table lamps, floor lamps, accent lighting, fairy lights, candles, and more. If you’re not ready to chuck all your overhead lights and do a major revamp of your home just yet, then switching out the harsh white light for a variety of warmer bulbs is your best bet. This simple step will tone down the clinical ambience for a more relaxing and calmer vibe. And if you’re still keen on overhead lights, just opt for dimmers.