Looking for the best living room lighting? Keep reading to learn about the 7 best living room lighting types to create a comfortable and inviting space.
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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.
There is an assortment of styles available in both flush and semi-flush mount lights. Pictured above is an example of a contemporary flush mount light that would work with various interiors. As you can see it provides the room with ample lighting, while not taking up too much visual space.
If you desire a bolder aesthetic, you can find flush and semi-flush mount lights in a wide range of interior styles, including industrial, eclectic, farmhouse, modern, and many others. Pictured below is a glam-styled interior with a modern crystal flush mount light.
Chandeliers
A practical choice for a large living room, a chandelier not only adds a light source but can become the focal point of the room, drawing your eye upwards and adding visual interest. Chandeliers come in a variety of styles and sizes that can be integrated into the design style of your living room.
Simple designs like the one below are perfect for a smaller living room while more extravagant chandeliers work well in large spaces with high ceilings.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights can add a touch of style to any room. These space-saving lights provide both task and ambient lighting and can be strategically placed around the room according to your needs. As an example, living rooms with a desk could benefit from the direct light that a pendant light provides. Much like chandeliers, pendant lights come in a variety of styles that can be incorporated into any design.
Track Lighting
An often overlooked source of lighting, track lighting can be a great option for any living room. Since track lighting is adjustable it can be used to highlight features throughout the room such as art pieces or feature walls. A workstation can also benefit from the direct light that track lighting provides.
Ceiling Light with Fan
Another great option for living room lighting includes a ceiling light with a fan. This provides ample light and air circulation in a convenient and space-saving fixture. Available in a variety of styles a ceiling light with a fan can compliment any type of design and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of a room.
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.
6. LED Strip Lighting
If you are going for a modern or subtle look, LED strip lighting is an excellent option. Strip lighting has a slim and sleek design that can be easily hidden or integrated into various surfaces, and creates a clean and modern look. It can be used to highlight bookcases, shelves, behind televisions, or any dark area of the room. Available in multiple colors and with technology that can be controlled on your phone it is a stellar option for those who love smart homes.
7. Fireplace
Another great but often overlooked option is purchasing a fireplace to heat and light your living room. A fireplace creates the perfect cozy ambiance in your living room providing a calm and inviting environment. The low, flickering light that is provided by a fireplace can create a soothing effect and help to add a warm, homely ambiance to the room.
This post was all about the best living room lighting types to help you determine the best lighting options for your living room.
