Formal living room lighting ideas

60+ photos, placement rules and selection of fixtures

How to arrange lighting?

Before choosing lamps, it is necessary to determine their functional purpose.

• The living room is usually decorated with general lighting (or central, when the lamps are located under the ceiling), directional (or working, when the light falls on a certain surface), and decorative (designed to create the right atmosphere).
• The ease of use of the light depends on the location of the switches. Their installation should be considered at the stage of creating a design project. The best options for placing switches are: the space near the door, the walls near the sofa for relaxation, as well as the work area. nine0008
• It is worth remembering that one chandelier in the living room is not enough. Overhead lighting does not give much light, so there should be at least two sources.
• Light helps to visually enlarge a small living room with a low ceiling. One of these methods is the use of floor lamps. It is also recommended to install LED lighting around the perimeter of the ceiling in order to visually deepen it.

Which lamps are suitable for the hall?

With different types of fixtures, you can create several types of lighting in the living room. nine0005

Spotlights

Individual objects (paintings, collections of objects) or specific areas can be effectively emphasized with spotlights. They are suspended, built-in or movable on a rail. Swivel lights can be adjusted horizontally and vertically. Whether the spots will cope with the main lighting (for example, built into a stretch ceiling) or serve as directional sources depends on their number and location.

The photo shows a living room with combined lighting, where ceiling spots play the role of the main lighting.

Chandelier

Chandelier is a traditional lighting option in the living room. When choosing it, it is worth considering not only the style of the interior, but also the dimensions of the lighting fixture, as well as the degree of light dispersion. For a small living room, a ceiling chandelier fixed close to the surface is suitable, and owners of spacious rooms and high ceilings can choose a classic pendant product on a long stand or chains. nine0005

Pictured is a loft-style living room with low ceilings illuminated by a chic chrome chandelier and LED lighting.

Wall sconces

Wall sconces are often located in the seating area - behind the sofa or headboard, if the living room includes a bed. They can be a pair or act as an independent light source. In a country cottage, lamps are hung on both sides of the fireplace or above it. The light directed upwards is visually able to raise the ceiling. nine0005

Floor lamp

Book lovers will appreciate the floor lamp on a high stand - the soft diffused light of the lampshade directs the light downwards and does not allow the eyes to get tired. That is why floor lamps are often placed in the recreation area. In addition to the function of lighting, they can play the role of an object zoning space.

The photo shows a small living room with a floor lamp, which acts not only as a directional side light source, but also as a kind of interior item. nine0005

Lamp

Due to its compactness and mobility, the lamp can be placed on any horizontal surface: cabinet, chest of drawers or coffee table. Its position can be changed depending on the needs of the owner.

The photo shows an emerald living room, where an additional light source is a lamp mounted on a slab table.

Suspension lamps

Today, such products with a variety of shades are at the height of fashion. For high ceilings, this is the best option, as the light from the pendant lamps can be directed to a specific area or create the desired mood. nine0005

Options

Living room lighting is a combination of several light sources. Let's take a closer look at the main scenarios.

Central

General lighting is usually used for utilitarian purposes: including a chandelier or ceiling lights, we achieve a room that is evenly flooded with light. This scenario is perceived by people in different ways: someone prefers an abundance of lamps and feels comfortable at the same time, while someone feels discomfort. During the reception, it is customary to turn on as many lighting fixtures as possible - this sets you up for an open and friendly conversation. nine0005

Central lighting can be realized as a single chandelier or in combination with ceiling lights. In the living room, it is better to give preference to warm light - the most pleasant for the eyes is 2600-3500K (Kelvin).

Lighting of functional areas

Locally highlighting a certain area of ​​the room with lamps, we not only achieve comfort by illuminating the desired piece of furniture, but also zone the space. If the dining area is not adjacent to the wall, but is located in the center, the lamp is hung directly above the table. This technique has been very popular lately. The same applies to a sofa placed in the middle of the living room - it is illuminated either by a floor lamp or a pendant lamp. nine0005

The photo shows a clear example of light zoning: in the living room-studio there is a seating area (blue armchair), a dining table and a place for cooking.

Another option for functional lighting is to illuminate the wall around the TV. This is not only beautiful, but also useful: the LED strip reduces eye strain, and besides, it is easy to install it yourself.

Decorative

Decorative lighting is easy to do without, but the interior can lose a lot. Spotlights or ribbons, revealing the texture of objects, can turn ordinary things into works of art. The play of light emphasizes what needs to be highlighted. Among other things, designers make up whole compositions from unusual lamps. nine0005

The photo shows a luxurious symmetrical living room with illuminated paintings located on the sides of the fireplace.

Smart lighting or smart

Smart lighting allows you to control electrical appliances remotely. Special lamps are equipped with a sensor that reads movement or sound (the famous turning on of light by the clap of the palms). Now devices that can be controlled using gadgets are gaining popularity. In addition to bringing originality to the environment, the intelligent system also saves energy. nine0005

Interior styles

Let's consider the features of living room lighting in different styles.

Modern Style

Lighting in a contemporary living room is about both beauty and convenience. When furnishing a room, you must first ask yourself the question: why do we need this or that light source? If he plays to maintain style, as in a high-tech living room, then decorative lighting with a cold tint comes to the fore. Its task is to create a special mood, for example, to transfer it to the "interior of the future". nine0005

If functionality is a priority, then the owner of the room should plan what he will do in this or that zone (rest, read, work), and then mistakes can be avoided.

Pictured is a small living room, where the LED strip on the shelves highlights the decor and serves as a light source for reading, and the LED lighting on the ceiling makes it seem higher.

If a modern living room is decorated with minimalism, then there should be a lot of light. The concept of minimalism is, first of all, an abundance of air. Natural lighting, as a rule, is not enough, so the walls are painted in white tones, and light sources are chosen in unobtrusive, simple forms. nine0005

The photo shows a spacious minimalist room filled with light. Sources are ceiling lights, spotlights near the TV, wall sconces and a chandelier over the dining table.

Classic

The chandelier plays the main role in the lighting scenario of a classic interior. Additional sources are sconces, floor lamps and table lamps. Lighting fixtures should be detailed, richly decorated, with carved or crystal elements. You can also use candlesticks or their imitation. nine0005

The photo shows an elegant living room in a classic style. The purpose of lighting here is not only to illuminate the room, but also to impress.

Loft

Living room lighting in loft style, despite the rough finish, must be of high quality. Lamps are what helps to maintain a balance between "industrial" elements and airiness: after all, a loft involves a lot of free space.

Perfectly fit into the loft:

• pendant lamps in the form of light bulbs on long wires;
• spots on movable tracks or built directly into ceiling beams;
• chandeliers stylized as street lights.

Metal and black create contrast and pair well with wood and brick.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian-style multi-level lighting of the living room, which will provide lightness and comfort, should be conducive to relaxation. In this style, you can combine all types of lamps: laconic wall sconces, floor lamps with thin legs and even massive chandeliers. Do not forget about functionality - it is recommended to choose products with the ability to adjust the light (lamps with a dimmer). nine0005

The photo shows a Scandinavian-style living room that combines several lighting fixtures at once.

Design options

Let's take a look at some more interesting ideas for unusual lighting in the living room.

Living room lighting with stretch ceiling

Today stretch ceiling will not surprise anyone, but unusual designs are still popular in many interiors. A curious solution is the floating ceiling: the effect of the canvas "hanging" in the air is achieved through the use of illumination between the surface and the structure itself. nine0005

Stylish interior with floating structure and purple lighting.

Stylish and modern looks lighting from lines that can only illuminate the ceiling or go to the walls.

The photo shows linear lighting that makes the interior attractive and distinctive.

Romantics and connoisseurs of original lighting will choose a ceiling with an imitation of the starry sky. It will create an atmosphere of magic and tranquility. This design is created using light-conducting threads. nine0005

The photo shows a magnificent living room with a soaring ceiling that imitates the starry sky.

Examples of lighting the hall without a chandelier

If you use ceiling lights as the central lighting of the living room, it is important to correctly calculate their number and the distance at which they will be located from each other. This question is best addressed to professionals.

Wall sconces, pendants and spotlights will do the job of illuminating the entire living room. nine0005

Multilevel lighting

The idea of ​​mixed lighting is to support several lighting scenarios in the hall at once. Ideally, if each site can be adjusted "for itself." To do this, you need to have several switches, as well as the ability to adjust the power and direction of the light.

Light zoning ideas

Light zoning is especially relevant in combined living rooms, such as a studio or Khrushchev, where the kitchen is connected to the room. By highlighting one zone, we shade what is not currently used. nine0005

In the photo there is a living room where several zones can be distinguished by light: a work surface in the kitchen, a dining area and a place to relax.

Zone lighting will be useful if the hall is equipped with an office, a place for needlework or a table for applying makeup.

The photo shows a small living room with a multifunctional table, which is highlighted by light.

Photo gallery

Proper organization of lighting in the living room will allow the interior to look harmonious, and the owners of the house - to spend time comfortably in it. nine0005

Lighting in the living room: 100 photo options for organizing light sources

03/06/2022

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From general to local — we tell in detail what lighting should be in a modern living room, and analyze scenarios for different layouts.

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A lot depends on the right light: how comfortable you will be in the room, how the furniture, decoration and decor will look, whether you will spoil your eyesight while sitting with a book under a dim lamp. In this article, we will tell you how to plan lighting in the living room so that it meets all the needs of the residents and looks beautiful.

How to think about the light in the living room

Basic rules
Types of lamps
— For main light
— For local light
Scenario options
— Kitchen-living room
– Private room
– Living room-bedroom
— Combination with cabinet
If the ceiling is low

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Let's start with general rules to help you plan your living room lighting design:

• Think over the light at the stage of repair. The placement of functional zones depends on this. For ceiling and wall lights, you will need outlets, and you also need to immediately plan the location of the outlets. nine0008
• Regardless of the size and function of the room, there must be at least two types of lighting: main and local. Often decorative lighting is added to them.
• The number of light points and the power of the lamps depend on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the location and size of the windows.
• Each functional area must have its own light sources. For example, if you have a large kitchen-living room, the lamps should not only be on the ceiling in the center of the room, but also in the cooking area, above the dining room and the soft sofa group. nine0008
• Don't forget the accessories. If the room is dark, a beautiful picture will simply merge with a gray or beige wall. Figured floor vase - will become a nondescript shadow in the corner. So that the accent details are not lost against the general background, spotlight the large decor. This can be either museum-type lighting (for example, small lamps above paintings) or hidden. For decorative lighting in the living room in a modern style, LED strips are well suited.
• Choose the right light temperature. It should not be too yellow (the eyes will get tired, and the colors in the room will be distorted), nor too white - you will get the effect of hospital lamps, the space will become uncomfortable. nine0008

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Modern lighting in the living room is not limited to a chandelier and floor lamp. There are many models of lamps that fit different scenarios and interior styles.

Ceiling

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For skylight use:

• Chandeliers are a classic option for which it is important to choose the right height and decor. The smaller the room, the closer to the ceiling the chandelier should hang, so as not to clutter up the space and not visually reduce the height of the walls. The large format and many decorative details are suitable for spacious rooms and matching styles. For example, in Art Deco, Neoclassicism and Classics, a luxurious accent chandelier is indispensable.
• Plafonds - there can be one large or a group of plafonds on the same base. In the second case, consider their number: the more modest the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe living room, the less they should be so as not to overload the interior. nine0008
• Spots are a miniature version of spotlights. Small in size, they are mounted on the base, and the body itself can be rotated at any angle, directing the stream of light where it is needed.
• Spot - are built into the canvas and are almost invisible. For maximum effect, choose models without contours - so they completely dissolve into the ceiling.
• Pendant lights are well suited for local lighting. And in the united space they also zone it. So, most often, hanging models are placed above the dining group in the kitchen-living room. Hangers differ not only in design, but also in the type of fastening: it can be point (on a cord), linear (on a rectangular base) and circular (for a group of lamps). As well as the design: there are linear models and those that are mounted on various cables. nine0008

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others

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These include:

• Floor lamps - various types of floor lamps, which are selected taking into account the style of the room, the height of the ceiling and the necessary functionality. For example, if you love to read in your living room, check out a hinged floor lamp that can be tilted to make the light more directional. nine0008
• Table lamps - small lamps are suitable for illuminating a desktop and a bed, but they can also be used as a decorative light. This includes nightlights and electric candles.
• Wall - any sconces that are mounted on the wall. They are convenient to highlight a dining group, a reading nook, highlight corners or emphasize decor.

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Let's analyze the best lighting design options in the living room for different scenarios. nine0005

Kitchen-living room

Now this is one of the most popular layouts, as open combined spaces are in trend.

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Main features:

• It is necessary to illuminate a fairly large area, which is not blocked by walls and blind partitions.
• There are at least three functional areas: the kitchen itself, the dining room and the hall.
• Light in this case plays not only a technical role, but also acts as a zoning tool. nine0008

If the room is small in size (10-15 sq. m.), for the general overhead light, one ceiling lamp in the center or spots along the perimeter of the ceiling will suffice. For a spacious room, it is better to make two or even three main lamps in different parts of the room.

Local illumination is located in each zone. In the kitchen, this is usually the illumination of the work surface and cabinets. In the dining room, pendant lights or wall sconces next to the dining table. In the recreation area - soft diffused light from a floor lamp or lamps. nine0005

If the living room has a stretch ceiling, lighting and different height levels will help zone the space without overloading it with heavy structures. For example, the canvas may be slightly lower in the cooking area and slightly higher in the living part of the room. Above the sofa group, you can organize hidden lighting around the perimeter, which will give a soft, subdued light.

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Separate room

Ceiling lighting in the living room is represented by a beautiful chandelier, a system of LEDs (they can be hidden or accent) or a powerful lamp with a large shade.

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The rest of the illumination depends on the footage, shape and content of the room. If you have a home library, organize micro-illumination of the shelves, and also make sure that it is convenient to read books. For example, place a floor lamp or hang a sconce with a sufficiently powerful light on the wall near the sofa or armchair. nine0005

It is important that the seating area can be quickly changed from bright to dim. So you can change the mood and create a relaxed atmosphere for a romantic evening, watching a movie, etc. And dim warm lighting will not glare from the screen.

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Living room-bedroom

If the hall is combined with the bedroom, it is important to think over the lighting scenarios so that you can both relax and spend time actively with family or friends. nine0005

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Use the following scheme:

• Main ceiling light - 1-2 ceiling lamps (depending on the size of the room).
• Sufficiently bright local sources in the hall - a floor lamp, pendant lamps, sconces.
• Subdued lighting in the sleeping area.
• Brighter point sources near the bed (eg nightstand lamp). If you have a dressing table or wardrobe, light them up as well. nine0008

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Combination with cabinet

An apartment does not always have space for a separate office, so the workplace is often arranged in a common room.

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The lighting system here will be the same as in a regular separate living room, only the illumination of the workplace is added. And it should be not only a small table lamp next to the computer. To make it comfortable to work at the computer and with papers, add another light source in this area. Let it be a soft LED-backlight, a small floor lamp or a pendant lamp. nine0005 fifteen

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Instagram @yanasdecor 9small room Often living rooms in typical apartments, especially in the secondary housing, are just that.

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Important to know:

• Light visually corrects proportions and expands space just like traditional tools like a light palette and mirrors. And in combination with them gives an even greater effect.
• Minimize the number of pendant lights, especially long and massive ones. Use predominantly wall, table and floor models. From the ceiling, pay attention to the built-in spots and track systems.
• Win-win - LED lighting around the perimeter, which creates the effect of a floating ceiling. The canvas visually deepens and rises up. This type of lighting is easy to equip on a tension structure. nine0008
• To visually stretch the walls up, choose sconces and chandeliers with a vertical shape with light directed upwards.
• Illumination of corners will also visually expand the space.

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