When selecting lighting for your living room, there are a few key factors to consider: the size of the room, how you plan on using the space, your decor style, and the amount of natural light the room receives. Proper living room lighting can make the space feel warm and inviting or modern and sleek. Taking the time to choose the right light fixtures, lamps, and bulbs for your living room will dramatically affect the overall look and feel of the space.
Types of Living Room Lighting
There are three main types of lighting to consider for a living room: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
Ambient lighting provides an overall general illumination for the entire living room space. Overhead chandeliers and ceiling flush mounts are common options for ambient lighting. These fixtures distribute light evenly across the living room to eliminate shadows and make the space feel bright and airy. The goal is to create a warm, welcoming glow throughout the living room.
Task lighting focuses light on specific functional areas of the living room like reading nooks or workstations. Table lamps, desk lamps, and wall sconces can provide task lighting. This type of lighting allows for activities like reading or paying bills without casting glare into the rest of the space.
Accent lighting highlights specific living room features or decor elements. Track lighting, recessed lighting, and picture lights are popular accent lighting options. Accent lighting adds visual interest, dimension, and drama to the living room.
Layering all three types of lighting creates the optimal illumination for both aesthetics and function in a living room.
Size of the Living Room
The size of your living room is a key factor in choosing appropriate lighting. Larger living rooms can handle bolder, more eye-catching lighting fixtures. Medium to small living rooms look best with smaller, more delicate fixtures that won’t overwhelm the space.
Here are some general lighting guidelines based on living room size:
| Living Room Size | Recommended Lighting |
|---|---|
| Small (less than 300 sq ft) | 1 pendant light or flush mount; table and floor lamps; wall sconces |
| Medium (300 – 600 sq ft) | 1-2 pendant lights or chandeliers; table and floor lamps; wall sconces |
| Large (more than 600 sq ft) | 2-3 pendant lights, chandeliers, or ceiling mounts; table and floor lamps; wall sconces |
As a general rule, you want the light fixtures themselves to take up no more than about 30-40% of the room’s floor and table space. This creates the right balance and proportions.
In small living rooms, one central overhead light paired with portable lamps is ideal. For medium living rooms, add a second matching central fixture or a chandelier. Large cavernous living rooms look best with multiple chandeliers or pendant lights to break up the expanse.
Wall sconces help amplify lighting in any sized living room. Just take care not to install too many fixtures or the living room will start to feel cluttered.
Living Room Use
How you plan on using your living room also affects what type of lighting you’ll need. Assess what activities typically take place in the space.
If your living room doubles as a home theater, emphasize layered ambient and accent lighting. Wall sconces flanking the TV or track lighting to highlight media components help create the right vibe. Dimmer switches allow you to lower the lights for optimal movie watching conditions.
For living rooms that revolve around conversation, reading, or board games, prioritize ample task lighting. Floor lamps in the reading nook, table lamps by chairs, and pendant lights over game tables provide the visibility these activities require.
Living rooms meant for exercise need bright, shadow-free lighting. Overhead fixtures like flush mount ceiling lights illuminate evenly. Place floor lamps in the workout area for visibility but avoid glare that could obscure your view of a TV or mirrors.
Consider lighting controls like dimmers, smart bulbs, and automated timers to make adjusting living room lighting quick and easy for specialized uses.
Style of Decor
Your preferred living room decor style should guide your lighting selections. The lights serve as part of the overall design scheme and should complement your furnishings. Here are lighting recommendations based on popular decor styles:
| Style | Recommended Lights |
|---|---|
| Modern | Linear pendant lights, track lighting, recessed lighting, table lamps with geometric shapes |
| Contemporary | Sputnik chandeliers, orb pendant lights, adjustable arm lamps, wall sconces |
| Traditional | Crystal chandeliers, semi-flush mounts, table lamps with lampshades |
| Transitional | Drum pendants, curved floor lamps, sconces with a mix of traditional and modern shapes |
| Rustic | Wagon wheel chandeliers, exposed Edison bulbs, industrial pendants, buffet lamps |
| Bohemian | Woven pendant lights, beaded table lamps, paper lanterns, fringe lampshades |
| Scandinavian | Glass orb pendants, geometric table lamps, wall sconces with clean lines |
| Industrial | Vintage Edison bulbs, cage pendants, track lighting, barn lights |
Match metals, materials, colors, and shapes between your lighting sources and other decor for a cohesive style. The light fixtures themselves become design elements that enhance the overall aesthetic.
Natural Lighting
The amount of natural light your living room receives impacts your artificial lighting needs. Rooms with plentiful sunshine from generous windows, glass doors, and skylights require fewer fixtures since the sun provides ample illumination during the day.
North-facing living rooms with limited natural light need more artificial lighting to compensate. South, east, and west exposures receive the most sunshine.
Here are some tips based on the room’s exposure:
| Exposure | Lighting Tips |
|---|---|
| North | Add extra light sources like floor lamps, sconces, and recessed lighting; choose higher wattage bulbs |
| South | Use lighter, reflective colors on walls to bounce light; avoid blackout curtains |
| East | Diffuse early morning direct sun with sheer curtains; layer ambient and task lighting |
| West | Shield evening sun with blinds or shades; incorporate dimmers for flexibility |
Maximize natural light during the day by keeping windows uncovered. Supplement with artificial lighting as needed. Use automated timers or smart technology to turn lights on at dusk for overnight illumination.
Recommended Living Room Lights
Based on the factors above, here are some of the best options for living room lighting:
Chandeliers – These dramatic ceiling-hung fixtures suit formal living rooms. Opt for crystal or modern metal designs. Chandeliers work well in rooms with high ceilings.
Pendant lights – Pendants add stylish flair over seating areas, above coffee tables, or as a grouping over dining zones. Drum pendants, glass pendants, and pendant clusters all give off a warm, welcoming glow.
Flush mount lights – For a clean look, choose a flush mount ceiling light. These minimize visual clutter. Flush mounts with diffusers prevent harsh glare.
Recessed lighting – Recessed can lights provide ambient illumination and architectural detail. Use wall wash recessed lights to showcase art displays or built-ins.
Track lighting – With adjustable heads, track lights target accent areas like bookcases or alcoves. Tracks give a modern, industrial vibe.
Floor lamps – Standing floor lamps place light right where you need it most. Opt for adjustable heights and pivoting shades.
Table lamps – Sit table lamps next to chairs or sofas for convenient task lighting. Choose lamps in proportions that fit the table surface.
Wall sconces – Mount wall sconces flanking furniture or near entryways. Sconces work in any decor style from ornate to minimalist.
Mix and match these fixtures to create the ideal living room lighting design. Choose bulbs with the appropriate brightness and light color temperature to enhance the ambiance. Utilize lighting controls like dimmers and smart technology. With the right illumination, your living room will not only look beautiful but also provide the visibility to use the space comfortably for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing the optimal lighting for your living room requires considering the size of the space, how you plan to use the room, your decor style, and the amount of natural light available. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting through fixtures like chandeliers, pendants, lamps, sconces, and recessed lighting. Tailor the lighting design to complement your furnishings and maximize functionality. With the proper illumination, your living room will become your favorite space to relax, entertain, or enjoy activities with family and friends. Follow the recommendations in this article to craft a living room lighting scheme you’ll love coming home to each day.