Lighting in a Living Room: The Golden Rules of Interior Design

July 29, 2022August 18, 2023 Chique Home

Most Americans spend between $5,050 and $6,120 for full-service lighting design and installation.

Whether furnishing a new apartment or sprucing up your living space, most of us could use decorating advice now and then.

When it comes to lighting in a living room, you have many options available. Interior design is as much about what you leave out as what you include!

Follow our simple tips to up your lighting interior design prowess. You’ll be well on making your living room a cozy home in no time!

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What Do You Want for Your Living Room Lighting

Do you want it to be bright and airy, or do you want it to be cozy and intimate? Something else entirely? Once you know what you want, you can consider the different lighting options available.

Natural light is always the best option for a bright and airy living room. If you have large windows, let in as much natural light as possible.

If you have smaller windows or want to add some artificial light to your living room, consider adding some recessed lighting or track lighting. These will help brighten the space without making it feel too clinical.

You’ll want to add some warm, soft lighting for a cozy and intimate living room.

Consider the Area That Needs Lighting

When considering the area that needs lighting, it is essential to consider the different activities that will take place in the space. For example, a living room used for watching television will need additional lighting than a living room used for entertaining guests.

It is also essential to take into account the natural light that is available in the space. You will need less artificial light if the living room has large windows.

Different Forms of Lighting

One of the most important aspects of interior design is lighting. The wrong lighting can make a room feel cold and uninviting, while the proper lighting can transform a space and make it feel warm and welcoming. You can use ambient, task, and accent lighting for your living room.

When choosing to light for a living room, it is essential to balance the three lighting forms. Too much of one type of lighting can make a room feel harsh and uninviting, while too little can make it dark and depressing. The best way to achieve the perfect balance is to experiment with different lighting fixtures and arrangements until you find the ideal combination.

Task Lighting

You can use it to create a reading nook, illuminate a task area, or add a bit of ambiance to a room. When selecting task lighting, there are a few things to remember. Consider the function of the light and determine what you want to accomplish.

Think about the style of the room and select a light that complements the overall aesthetic. Be sure to take into account the size and scale of the light. It should be proportionate to the space you will use it in.

Table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces can all be used to create task lighting. Strategically place them to brighten up dark corners or provide reading light. When placed thoughtfully, task lighting can add much comfort to a living room and make it more inviting and functional.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is perfect for setting the mood in a living room. Overhead fixtures, floor lamps, or even candles can provide ambient lighting. The key is ensuring the light is not too harsh or too dim.

The next step is to create a good lighting scheme. It means choosing the proper placement for your light fixtures and ensuring they provide the right light.

The last step is to accessorize your living room with light. You can do it with lamps, candles, or even string lights. By following these steps, you can create the perfect ambiance in your living room.

Accent Lighting

Interior designers will often tell you that accent lighting is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to lighting in a living room. This type of lighting is used to highlight certain features in the room, such as artwork or architectural elements. You can also use it to create a certain ambiance in the space.

When using accent lighting, you want to ensure the light is not too harsh. You can accomplish it using lower wattage bulbs or diffusing the morning with a lampshade.

You want to avoid glare by placing the light in the wrong place. You want to ensure that the light you are using complements the other light sources in the room.

If done correctly, accent lighting can add incredible depth and dimension to a room. You can also use it to create a cozy and inviting space. So, if you are looking to add a little something extra to your living room, be sure to consider accent lighting.

Your Lighting Should Complement Your Interior Design

Your lighting should complement your overall interior design, not clash with it. Think about the style of your living room and the mood you want to create. Then choose lighting that will help you achieve that goal.

Do you want your living room to be cozy and intimate? Then use softer, warmer lighting. If you want it to be more modern and sleek, go for more relaxed, more minimal lighting.

Use Wall Lights with Simple Designs

Wall lights provide ambient or task lighting, depending on their placement, and can help brighten up a space while also keeping it cozy. When choosing wall lights for your living room, go for clean and understated designs to keep the area uncluttered and serene.

Layer Your Lighting

Layering includes a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting sets the general tone for the room and is often provided by overhead fixtures or recessed lighting. Task lighting is focused and brightens specific areas for activities like reading or cooking. Accent lighting is used to highlight architectural features or artwork.

The key to successful lighting layering is to mix and match different light sources and fixtures to create the perfect balance for your space.

Choosing a Sculptural Style Lighting

There are many different ways to light a living room, but one of the most important things to consider is the type of lighting you want to use. Do you want something functional and practical or something more sculptural and style-conscious?

If you’re leaning towards the latter, then choosing a sculptural style lighting fixture is a great way to go. There are many different options, so you’re sure to find something that fits your aesthetic. Plus, a sculptural light can help to anchor the space and pull the whole look together.

Keep the rest of your living room’s decor in mind when making your selection so that everything harmonizes nicely.

Using Pendant Lighting

Pendant lighting is a perfect way to add a touch of elegance to any living room. Make sure the pendants are the right size for the room. They should be about one-third the width of the furniture piece they’re hanging over.

Hang your living room pendant lighting at the right height. They should be about 65 to 70 inches above the floor.

Use matching pendants for a symmetrical look or different sizes and styles for a more eclectic look. Make sure the pendants are hung at even intervals.

Use dimmable pendants for a softer light. Don’t forget to add a bulb with the correct wattage. Pendants can make any living room look more sophisticated and stylish.

Getting Professional Services

Your home is your personal space and should reflect your taste and style. Interior design is a process that requires an understanding of your vision and goals. Working with a professional interior designer will help bring your vision to life while considering the practical aspects of design, such as lighting, layout, and furniture selection.

The golden rule of lighting interior design is to create a functional and stylish space. To achieve this, start by considering the purpose of the room. For example, a living room should be warm and inviting, while a home office should be designed for productivity. Once you know how you want to use the space, you can begin to select the furniture, layout, and lighting that will create the perfect atmosphere.

If you need help, check out hudson valley lighting. You can get much better results for your living room lights with the help of an expert. They can offer a lot of advice and provide the installation services you need.