1. First things first, invest in some fairy string lights , because there's just something magical about what these do to a room at night. Hang them behind the bed, in front of your window, or string them up along the ceiling to create the coziest ambience while you curl up to read or watch a movie.
Many reviewers say the cord is short, so you may want to pick up an extension cord if you don't already have one. Promising review: "I love these lights! The settings are so much fun and add excitement to a room when you have guests. The light is so warm and makes it feel so cozy inside! I love to turn off all of the other lights in my apartment and just have these lights going when I am watching a movie.
It creates a great warm glow but isn't too bright to wash out the movie. They are also a fun background for pictures!" — J_Thill Get the string lights in warm white from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 10 colors and three pack sizes).
2. And if you want a more diffused lighting effect, layer them behind sheer curtains . These also look beautiful on their own as an alternative to dark, heavy blackout curtains, helping to brighten up a room and let that good sunlight stream in during the day.
That said, if you (like me) love to sleep in and NEED blackout curtains in your bedroom, you can always layer them with sheers and keep the blackout ones tied back when not in use! I do this in my living room and it works wonderfully. Promising review: "Very pleased with these panels. Transf.