I really miss lanterns and candles from MW, used to have a whole table dedicated to them.
Try the torch trick. Drop one on the floor or wherever and exit the house. When you come back inside, it'll be burning and it'll illuminate a nice area. This is the only way I've found on the Xbox to dispel the gray gloom of the ambient lighting in the Hearthfire house. I also tried building all the shelves and wall sconces but those don't do a whole lot (some do more than others).