How To Properly Light a Living Room

updated Jan 17, 2020

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(Image credit: Taryn & Sanford’s Unflappable Abode)

Here at Apartment Therapy we’re big fans of considered lighting, and the way doing it right can completely change the look and feel of a space. It’s particularly important in the living room, where we often spend quite a bit of time. However it’s a tricky space to strike the right lighting balance, thanks to the many different functions the living room serves. Read on for some tips:

The first step when lighting any room is to ask yourself: what happens here? Different activities require different types and levels of light. A well-lit living room will have three different types of lighting: general, task and accent. These are used at different times of day and for different purposes, and key to a functional lighting scheme it to know how and when to mix and use them.

(Image credit: Ashley’s Soft Industrial Artist Loft)

General

Not all homes have a ceiling fitting in the living room, and if you have lots of natural light during the day, you might not need overhead light at all. But if you have the fitting, a central pendant or chandelier helps to zone the space and create a focus. Similarly, potlights or angled spotlights will create a even layer of overhead lighting. In the absence of any overhead lights, a large, arced floor lamp will do the trick.

If you watch TV in the living room, choose the surrounding lights carefully to avoid television glare. It can be distracting to have a bright overhead light above or in front of a TV set, so ensure ceiling lights are dimmable, or use offset wall sconces or floor lamps instead.

(Image credit: Scott & Kristan’s Inspiring Arts District Loft)

Task

Specific task lighting, such as reading lamps, are important if you read frequently, have low levels of natural light, and especially if you ever work in your living room. A floor lamp spaced between two armchairs can also count as task lighting, as conversation is a task, too (at least in living room terms).

(Image credit: Erin’s Modern Loft)

Accent

Low-level table lamps and floor lamps help to create a cozy atmosphere in the living room, especially at night. Evenly space these throughout the room, usually toward the walls, to create an even, warm glow that bounces inwards. Think creatively about this type of lighting: groups of candles even fairy lights count.

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