When deciding on the type of lighting that you should incorporate you need to consider several factors, such as choosing warm or cool lighting, whether the fixtures are dimmable, and whether it’s feasible to install wiring. Furthermore, you need to take into account the available floor space and the overall design aesthetic.
With so many lighting options available, from floor lamps to ceiling fixtures, you can certainly find the best living room lighting that suits your needs and fits your budget.
This post is all about the best living room lighting so that you can choose the lighting that suits your needs.
Best Living Room Lighting
Should living room lighting be warm or cool?
For the best living room lighting, it is important to consider the function of the room. Warm and cool lighting each has different benefits and a certain ambiance that they provide. Warm lighting is the most widely used option for living rooms as the light is not as bright and creates a cozy atmosphere. Meanwhile cool light is best for rooms that require a brighter, crisper light such as an office or a bathroom.
When deciding on the kind of light bulbs you should purchase, you need to consider the three main types of color temperature. “Soft white (2700k – 3000k), Bright white / Cool white (3500k – 4100k) and Daylight (5000k – 6500k). The higher the degrees Kelvin, the whiter the color temperature.”
So depending on your preference and how you plan to use your living room, you can choose soft white bulbs for a warm and cozy feel, or bright white bulbs for a lighter and brighter look.
1. Ceiling Lights
A popular choice for living rooms, ceiling lights are great for adding light without taking up additional floor space, and chandelier/pendant lights can add to the visual design of the room. Generally located in the center of a room ceiling lights provide a bright and even source of light that illuminates the entire space. Unlike floor lamps or table lamps, which can cast shadows or create uneven lighting, ceiling lights are mounted overhead and can evenly distribute light throughout the room.
Ceiling lights can also be dimmable, which allows you to adjust the light according to your needs. By dimming the lights low you can create a cozy and inviting space, or you can leave them on full for a brighter, lighter area.
There are various types of ceiling lighting that you can implement into your living room design including flush mount lighting, semi-flush mount lighting, chandeliers, pendant lights, track lighting, and a ceiling fan with a light.
Flush Mount & Semi-Flush Mount Lighting
Flush mount and semi-flush mount lighting are great space-saving options for rooms with low ceilings or small spaces. It provides even lighting throughout the room and offers a clean and streamlined look.
2. Recessed Lighting
Installed directly into a ceiling or wall cavity, recessed lighting provides a clean and minimalistic look. This versatile lighting can be used for tasks, accents, or general lighting purposes and complements any design style. Plus if you are looking for adjustable lighting levels some fixtures come with dimmable lighting options.
Due to the fact that this type of lighting needs to be directly installed into a wall or ceiling, the installation process can be more challenging and time-consuming compared to other types of light fixtures but is well worth the finished product.
3. Wall Sconce
Wall sconces are an excellent addition to a living room as they add light and style to the room. Since they are wall mounted they don’t take up additional floor space which makes them great for small spaces, and they can be strategically placed to add light, highlight artwork, or brighten a reading nook.
4. Floor Lamps
Available in a wide range of styles and designs, floor lamps are easy to incorporate into any living room design. They make a great option for rented units and those without internal wiring and can be placed in the corner of rooms to illuminate dark areas where other light sources might not reach. Many floor lamps are adjustable so you can direct the light source where it is needed and ones with multiple lights can be turned off or on, to dim or increase the amount of light.
5. Table Lamps
Ideal for accent lighting, table lamps can be strategically placed around a room to highlight different areas or art pieces. Not only for tables, they can be situated on fireplaces, shelves, or bookcases and also work well for task lighting in areas such as on a desk. Available in a variety of styles and designs, table lamps can suit all kinds of decor and often come with high-tech options such as a light/phone charger.
