The living room is one of the most important rooms in our home, where we gather as a family, entertain guests or simply relax. Ideal lighting should not only be functional, but also cosy and aesthetic. In this article, we'll show you how to choose the best lighting for your living room to make the space stylish and well-lit.

The importance of lighting in the living room

The living room is the heart of the house and proper lighting is essential to make this space welcoming and functional. Good lighting:

• It supports different activities such as reading, talking or watching TV: it is important to stress that this requires precise planning! We need to anticipate the functions that our living room will fulfil. For example, will we work or watch TV here? Will we read here or in the bedroom? An even bigger question is whether the dining area will be located here, and even if the kitchen will be located here, then the design of the lights really gives us a lesson. 
• It highlights the benefits of space: good luminaires act as focal points. They immediately attract the eye, which is why we need to make sure that they are truly worthy 'fixtures' in our homes. 
• It adds to the atmosphere: lighting your living room is not as simple as hanging a lamp in the middle of the room. It's complete when you focus on mood after lighting for different functions.

Own design

The different lighting layers

For perfect lighting in the living room, you need to combine several different lamps to create different lighting layers. These are:

1. General lighting
   • Ceiling lights: Ceiling lights provide the basic lighting. They can be integrated LED lights, chandeliers or pendant lights.
   • Built-in lighting: Spotlights or recessed lights that spread the light evenly.
2. Functional lighting
   • Reading lamps: Floor lamps or table lamps that provide targeted light for reading or working.
   • Adjustable lamps: Lights that can be changed in direction and brightness to suit your current needs.
3. Ambient lighting
   • Table lamps: Smaller lamps that give a warm, cosy glow.
   • LED strips: Hidden LED strips under shelves or behind furniture to provide discreet lighting.
   • Candles, light bulbs: Yes, we include them here too, and the small mood lights that match the style are the best way to colour the overall look of your living room.

Own design

How to choose the right lamp for your living room?

1. Size and layout of the living room

Measure the size and layout of your living room. A larger space requires more and stronger light, while a smaller room may need a few well-placed lamps with fewer bulbs. 

2. The style of the living room

Choose lamps that match the style of your living room. If you have a modern, minimalist interior, choose simple, clean lines. If your living room is more classic, choose more elegant, ornate lamps. But of course, there's always the option of combining styles to break up the clutter and add a playful feel to the space.

3. Functionality and comfort

Think about what you will use the lamp for. For reading and work you'll need a stronger light, while for a cosy evening chat a softer light will do. That's why it's so important to have a variety of lighting available in your home.

4. Adjustability and flexibility

Adjustable brightness lamps offer great flexibility, as they can be easily adapted to current needs and activities.

Own design

Tips for placing lamps

• Ceiling lights: It may seem appropriate to place the lamp in the middle of the room, but I would suggest that if you have an established furnishing plan or concept, you should look at where you should place the lamp for general lighting. For example, it might be worth hanging it above the coffee table, thus highlighting the furniture group.
• Floor lamps, wall brackets: Place floor lamps in the corner or next to seating to provide direct light. If the wall sconce is more of a hallway or wall feature, it can be placed towards the chosen side table or next to/near pictures or paintings.
• Table lamps: Place table lamps on console tables, coffee tables or shelves to provide warm, indirect light.
• Candles: almost anywhere your heart desires. Mostly we place them on tables.

Frequently asked questions about lighting in the living room

How many lights do I need in my living room? It depends on the size and layout of the living room. In general, a combination of three or four different types of lamps is sufficient to create different lighting layers. A "How much light do I need?" however, is a completely different issue, which definitely deserves a separate blog article. 

What types of lamps are best for the living room? Ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps, wall lights and LED strips are all excellent choices for the living room as they meet a variety of lighting needs.

How can I make my living room more cosy? Use several lamps with different light sources. Combine general lighting with mood lighting, and use lamps with adjustable brightness for flexibility.

Summary

Proper lighting in the living room is essential to make the space welcoming and functional. By combining different types of lamps and lighting layers, you can create lighting that meets all your needs. Assess the size, style and functional needs of your living room and choose the most suitable lamps to create the perfect lighting in the heart of your home.

Sources:

• Ideal Home: Living Room Lighting Ideas
• Parachute Home: Best Living Room Lighting Ideas
• Better Homes & Gardens: Living Room Lighting Ideas