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Lighting ideas for your living room
Living room lighting ideas – Things to consider
The living room is one of the most versatile spaces in your home, used for everything from relaxing to entertaining. Proper lighting is key to creating an inviting and functional space. Here's what to consider when planning living room lighting:
- Layer your lighting
- Consider the size and placement of your living room lighting
- What colour temperature should you choose?
- Create lighting zones
1. Layer your lighting for maximum effect
A key principle behind the best living room lighting ideas is layering. Combine different types of lighting to ensure that the room is both functional and comfortable. There are three main types of lighting to consider in your living room:
- Ambient lighting: This is the base layer of the room and provides overall illumination, often achieved with ceiling fixtures such as pedant lamps but in a living room we also want to include table lamps and floor lamps when we think about the ambience of the room. The number of lights in a room matters as well and you might need more than you think. Between 5 and 10 lighting fixtures depending on the size of the room is a good rule of thumb.
- Task Lighting: For focused areas like reading corners or seating, task lights such as table lamps or adjustable floor lamps are ideal for the living room.
- Accent Lighting: This highlights artwork or architectural features, using wall lights, picture lights, or LED strips to create depth.
2. Consider the size and placement of your lighting fixtures
The size and placement of your light sources is equally important when it comes to planning your living room lighting ideas. Large living rooms benefit from statement chandeliers or multiple ceiling lights, while smaller spaces can use wall-mounted fixtures or compact lamps to avoid overcrowding. Avoid placing all lights at the same height; varying the levels adds depth and interest to the space.
3. Warm light will create a cosier atmosphere
One of the most important elements to consider when planning your living room lighting ideas is the colour temperature of your light bulbs. Think carefully about the atmosphere you want to create For a living room we want to create a feeling of warmth so somewhere between 2700K and 3000K provide versatile light, while light between 2200 - 2500K provides a more atmospheric glow perfect for evening calm. Cooler light can feel too clinical, so reserve those tones for task areas that need brighter, more focused light. Try to keep your base layer lights at the same temperature, this will keep the feeling uniform around the whole room.
For a more indepth look at lumens and kelvins read our guide to choosing the right light bulb here.
4. Create lighting zones for different activities
Zoning is a key concept in smart living room lighting ideas. Instead of relying on one central light, break the room into functional areas. A task lamp in a reading nook, accent lights for art displays and floor lamps for seating areas help distribute light where it’s needed most. Zoning ensures each part of your living room is well-lit and functional.
Planning your living room lighting involves more than just picking out a few lamps. By layering light, choosing the right bulb temperatures, and strategically placing fixtures, you can transform your living room into a space that feels both comfortable and functional. Take the time to think through your needs and style, and your lighting will serve as the perfect finishing touch to your living room’s design.
