With years of hands-on design experience from her hit HGTV shows Home Town and Home Town Takeover, Erin Napier has become a trusted voice in home styling—and lately, she’s setting her sights on lighting. Teaming up with her husband Ben, Erin recently debuted the Erin & Ben Co. Lighting Collection, a 13-piece collaboration with Virginia-based retailer Shades of Light.
For Erin, lighting isn’t just a practical feature. It’s the heartbeat of a room—the subtle layer that can make a space feel warm, lived-in, and unforgettable. While trends may come and go, the design wisdom she shared during the launch offers enduring guidance for anyone seeking that perfect glow.
Embrace Variety, Not Uniformity
Erin’s first piece of advice is to resist the urge to stick to a single, rigid style.
“I really don’t love it when a house feels like it’s wearing a costume,” she explains. Whether it’s all farmhouse, all industrial, or strictly mid-century modern, an overly coordinated look can feel staged rather than authentic.
Instead, she champions an eclectic mix. Combine different styles and eras to give your space the kind of character that grows over time. “It should be a mashup of a lot of different collected things,” she says. “That’s what makes a house feel really lived in—beautifully.”
Mix Metals Fearlessly
Many homeowners feel pressured to match every finish perfectly, but Erin believes that rule is outdated. “People are afraid to do it, but I think it’s really beautiful to mix metals in a house,” she says.
A blend of warm and cool metallics can add subtle richness and visual depth. While not every fixture or piece of hardware needs to clash, a thoughtful mix keeps the space from feeling flat or predictable. “Why do we care so much about matching things? I don’t really care for it,” Erin admits with a laugh.
Size Matters—Bigger Is Better
Choosing the right scale is another critical part of lighting design. Erin often sees people underestimate size, which can make fixtures disappear in a room rather than anchor it. “I think oversized is always better than undersized,” she insists.
The trick is to start with careful measurements of the space, then lean slightly larger than you think you need. “If you think it’s a little too big, it’s probably just right,” she adds. This simple mindset shift can keep you from ending up with a light that looks lost in the room.
Choose the Right Bulbs
Even the prettiest fixture can fall flat with harsh or unflattering light. Erin urges homeowners to pay close attention to their bulbs. She favors warm incandescent-style bulbs, though they’re harder to find today.
“Light bulbs matter so much,” she stresses. Always choose soft white or warm white bulbs and avoid daylight-toned bulbs that cast a cold, blue glow. “Can we just totally ban the daylight-colored light bulbs?” she jokes. “Daylight just kills the vibe.”
Consider Natural Light and Placement
Before buying anything, Erin advises observing the natural light in your home. Where does the morning light spill in? Where does the afternoon sun fade away?
“Start with the windows,” she explains. This helps identify dark corners or work areas that may need dedicated lighting. Thinking about both the daytime and nighttime experience ensures your fixtures enhance rather than compete with existing light sources.
Layer for Warmth and Ambience
Finally, Erin says the secret to great lighting isn’t just about overhead fixtures—it’s about layers. “I think light fixtures can be like a piece of art when they’re off, but they need to give you appropriate light when they’re on,” she says.
Instead of relying only on recessed can lights, use a mix of table lamps, floor lamps, and pendants to create a warm, flexible atmosphere. “Layering with lamps is key,” she adds. This approach makes rooms feel inviting, dynamic, and human—never sterile.
The Takeaway
Erin Napier’s philosophy proves that great lighting isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about creating comfort, warmth, and individuality. By mixing styles and metals, sizing boldly, choosing the right bulbs, working with natural light, and layering thoughtfully, anyone can transform their home into a space that feels timeless and deeply personal.
