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Large room lighting ideas


27 Best Living Room Lighting Ideas & Inspiration 2022

27 Living Room Lighting Ideas You'll Love

You want to show off your tastefully designed living space with ample illumination. But on the other hand, you want to be careful about harsh lighting, as too much brightness can wash out the colors and be generally unpleasant.

With this in mind, the best living room lighting ideas balance bright illumination with a cozy ambient glow. From overhead fixtures and floor lamps to LED installations and tall table lamps, there are tons of ways to breathe light into your space. Let's get started.

1. Oversized Overhanging Floor Lamp

Standing lamps are an excellent choice for shared living areas. They provide significant illumination, don't need to be placed on a shelf or end table, and take advantage of your vertical space. Having said that, if your furniture isn't up against the wall, a large arched floor lamp might be your best bet. Place it near an outlet with the arm pointed into the center of the room.

2. Industrial-Inspired Accent

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If you appreciate an unfinished aesthetic but don't want to go all out, look for industrial-style end table lamps for the living room. Think tarnished metal, visible hardware and exposed bulbs. Consider getting two matching lights to make your space appear more cohesive and intentional.

Get more tips and living room lighting ideas in our guide on How to Create a Modern Industrial Look for Your Home.

3. Mismatched Styles

Just as your furniture doesn't have to be a matching set, your lamps don't have to match or even reflect the same design styles. Looking for eclectic living room lighting ideas? Don't be afraid to choose varying fixtures, like how this home features a minimalist arched floor light and an abstract end-table lamp.

4. Simple Sconces

Sconces are a great way to brighten up a room without taking up any floor or table space. This type of lighting is typically hardwired, so the cord is concealed within the wall. If you often find yourself bothered by exposed wires and power cords, sconces might be right up your alley.

5. Simple Statement

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Living room lighting ideas don't always have to be elaborate. Bold accents make great conversation pieces, but believe it or not, you can make a statement with minimalist lighting too. See how this understated globe pendant light complements the space without distracting from the rest of the decor.

For more pared-down pairings, check out interior designer Melissa Sanabria's D.C. Home Tour Inspired by Minimalism. 

6. Oversized Shade

Large light fixtures work well in living rooms. And unlike furniture, there isn't really such a thing as too big. That’s because oversized silhouettes pass as intentional statement pieces. See how the extra-large shade on this arched floor lamp hovers over the compact living space without feeling overbearing.

7. Retro-Inspired Illumination

Do you love mid-century interior design? Consider getting one or two retro-inspired living room floor lamps like the vintage arched design seen here. Your living room light fixtures can complement a 1960s or 1970s theme, or simply nod at throwback style in an otherwise modern space.

8. Modern Lamps, Soft Accents

Modern interior design can sometimes feel stringent and cold. If you gravitate toward abstract or art-deco light fixtures with stark lines and metal bases, you may want to balance out your living room decor with soft accents. Think textured pillows, whimsy plants, woven baskets and knit blankets.

Learn more about making a contemporary space feel welcoming in our guide on How to Create a Modern and Inviting Entryway to Your Home.

9. Strategically Placed Pendants

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Pendant lights aren't just for dining tables and kitchen islands. They also work well as overhead or accent lighting in living rooms. Consider hanging a row of pendants above your sofa, a pair over the mantle or a single pendant in the corner to create a reading nook.

10. Abstract End Table

Structural lamps are a great optionfor transitional living rooms. Transitional design is a mixture of classic and contemporary decor styles, such as mid-century, art deco, modern, rustic and industrial. If you appreciate abstract fixtures but don't want anything too distracting, opt for a smaller end table lamp.

Learn how to combine two popular design styles in our blog, How to Create a Tasteful Modern Farmhouse Bedroom.

11. Updated Overhead Light

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Overhead lighting tends to either go unnoticed or be an eyesore. If you're not crazy about your existing ceiling light, consider upgrading it to something a bit sleeker. This is a relatively easy and affordable update that'll make a big difference in your living room ambiance.

See what upgrades Parachute founder and CEO Ariel Kaye chose for her #MyParachute Home Makeover.

12. Recessed Lighting

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When it comes to living room ceiling light ideas, recessed lighting is tough to beat. While the upgrade is a substantial project, it's one you'll always be glad to have. It's not only visually pleasing but also low-maintenance, as LED recessed light bulbs often last for upwards of 10 years.

13. Abstract Chandelier

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Like pendant lights, chandeliers aren't just for dining tables. If you're on the hunt for living room chandelier ideas that don't look out of place, your best bet is to skip the crystals and opt for a minimalist design or a structural fixture with abstract features and sharp angles.

14. Tasteful Track Lights

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While homeowners often install track lights in kitchens, these versatile lighting options actually make excellent living room ceiling lights. Installation isn't as complex as recessed lighting, and the wires stay hidden. What's more, track lights come in a range of styles, like modern, industrial, traditional and rustic. Plus they can often be tilted and angled to illuminate different areas.

15. Dimmable Overhead Lighting

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No matter what you choose for your overhead lighting, you're wise to make it dimmable. In most cases, this is a pretty easy and affordable upgrade. If you're working with LED bulbs, you can likely install dimmable light switches without having to change out the fixture. Hello, instant mood lighting.

16. Laid-Back Lantern

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If your space features soft colors or a boho design scheme, a paper pendant lantern is a lovely choice. In addition to living rooms, this laid-back hanging lamp can work well for family room lighting and bedroom illumination.

Want more ideas for your sleeping quarters? Check out these 27 Bedroom Essentials for Creating a Relaxing At-Home Oasis.

17. Modern Mix

With a great room at home, you might be wondering if your living room lights have to match those in your dining room. While you want the space to look cohesive, it's also important to create distinct zones. When browsing pendants, chandeliers, table lamps and floor lights, look for styles with varying features that complement one another and tie together the rest of your furnishings.

18. Natural Lighting

When curating the perfect ambiance for your living room, don't overlook natural lighting. Of course, this depends on the size and direction they're facing, but windows offer substantial illumination during the day — not to mention a brilliant glow just before sunset (aka the golden hour).

If you're all about that natural light, you'll appreciate these Summer Home Decor Ideas.

19. Light-Filtering Curtains

There's a lot to love about large windows that offer ample natural lighting. Even so, light-filtering curtains will allow you to adjust the brightness and block the sun's glare throughout the day. Since you probably don't need blackout window coverings in your living room, look for sheer or semi-sheer panels.

20. Mirrored Natural Light

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One of the best living room lighting ideas you’ll find is to place a large mirror across from a window. Not only will it reflect the natural light outside (thus doubling it), but an oversized mirror can also make your living room look substantially bigger.

Want more tips? See our guide on How to Decorate With Mirrors Across Your Home.

21. LED Wall Accents

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To achieve that sought-after glow and nail your living room luminosity, you should definitely consider accenting your space with LEDs. There are so many routes you can take here, like how this modern home installed chic wall accents over the sofa instead of hanging traditional framed art.

22. LED Strip Lighting

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LED strips are one of those living room lighting ideas that look much more expensive and complicated than they actually are. The budget-friendly light strips are widely available and super easy to install without hiring a professional. You can place them around a tray ceiling, under your media cabinet, within built-in shelving, along your mantle, you name it.

23. Candlelit Glow

If you're partial to the natural flicker of a flame, place candles around your living room. In addition to an ambient glow and a cozy atmosphere, you and your guests will enjoy a pleasant scent.

Want to master the aromatherapy in your humble abode? Read our Home Fragrance Guide: How to Make Your Home Smell Good.

24. Ambient Medley

Whether you opt for candles, LEDs or both, bear in mind that you'll still need at least a couple of additional light sources. The best living room lighting ideas combine overhead fixtures and floor lamps with statement lights and ambient accents. The result? Layered, adjustable mood lighting for any occasion.

For more comfy-cozy design inspiration for every room in your home, take a look at these Fall Home Decor Ideas.

25. Lighted Wall Art

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Think outside the bulb with lighted wall art. Take a look at how this battery-powered shadowbox showcases natural birch branches with a subtle glow. Like candles and LED light strips, illuminated art pieces supplement more robust light sources. 

Looking for more ways to adorn your walls? Check out these 31 Ideas for Decorating a Blank Wall in Your Home.

26. Warm Bulbs, Welcoming Glow

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When you shop for light bulbs, you'll see soft white, warm white, cool white and daylight options. While living room lighting is a personal choice, soft white and warm white are ideal for living rooms, as they emit a warmer, golden glow. Cool white and daylight bulbs, on the other hand, tend to be a little harsher and reminiscent of commercial spaces.

27. Fireplace Insert

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There's nothing quite like the soft crackle and warm glow of a fireplace. If you're not big on building fires, you might consider getting a gas or electric insert (electric fireplaces are usually more affordable).

For additional tips and guidance on designing a cozy space, see our article, Winter Home Decor Ideas: Room-by-Room Inspiration.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Parachute Stylist

These living room lighting ideas should get your creative juices flowing and inspire you to bring your favorite looks to life. When choosing fixtures, remember that it's all about layered lighting and adjustable illumination.

From bold statement pieces, minimalist living room lamps, understated ceiling lights, modern light fixtures and LED accents, you've got virtually endless options. If you're feeling overwhelmed with choices or need support with a specific design issue, an experienced Parachute stylist is here to assist. 

Schedule your complimentary phone or video styling consultation today!

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8 Large Room Lighting Ideas To Elevate Your Space – BlissLights

Think about the largest room in your home, whether it’s your living room, your master bedroom, or your finished basement. You probably do all kinds of different activities there – watch TV, listen to music, read books, play games with your family, have coffee with friends – and you might find yourself adjusting the room’s lighting depending on your task. Maybe that’s partially because you can’t quite get enough direct focus to see your book’s text clearly or it’s too bright for a relaxing movie-thon.

With proper layers of light in your large room, you can quickly set your lights – whether your traditional recessed lights in your ceiling or decorative accent lights – to work best for whatever you’re doing. And with the below ideas for illuminating your large room, you can make it even easier to enjoy that nifty crafts project, super-focused read, or transcendent listening experience!

Why do you need large room lighting?

Eight large room lighting ideas

With these eight ideas for brightening up your large room, you can decorate, shine your space for reading or crafts, dim it for relaxation, or do pretty much anything else you want:

1. Colorful LEDs or lasers

When it comes to large room lighting ideas, your options go beyond the everyday white, off-white, or yellow color you’ve come to expect. Goodbye to predictable, blah colors; hello, a rainbow of choices!

To get the precise color you want for your large room, you have two main options: LED and laser variants. LEDs can shine in virtually any color on the rainbow, but lasers are brighter, more focused, and more entrancing. Our laser Ark Ambient Aurora Light offers a tranquil, nearly hypnotizing display of a green aurora gently bouncing within a blue nebula that spans your entire room.

ARK Aurora Light

$69.99 $49.99

Transcend reality with a moving abstract aurora.

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2. Sculptural fixtures

In a big room, you might be tempted to mount art on your walls. What if you could do that and install lights in one fell swoop? That’s where sculptural lights come in. If your fixture is unusually shaped and looks like it belongs in a modern art museum, the fixture can be just as decorative as the light that emits from its bulbs. You’ll typically find that sculptural fixtures can be hung on the wall or installed overhead, but they’re not unheard of as table lamps or task lighting.

3. Accent lighting

Direct attention exactly where you want it! If you have sculptures, paintings, statues, or other objects that you want to be the center of attention in your large room, you need to make sure they all stand out. With accent fixtures, you can do exactly that. Install these lights along the sides of an art piece in your large room for an aesthetic touch that blends flawlessly into your interior design.

4. Transparent lighting

Transparent lighting is all about reflection—and refraction. Transparent lighting is truly unique and stands apart from other types of chandeliers, lamps, and other fixtures. Surrounded by transparent panels made of glass, plastic, or a similar material, these objects amplify the sun’s rays and the colors that emit from the fixture’s bulbs. The result is pretty as a picture—or more like a pattern lining your large room’s walls and ceiling.

5. Low-hanging fixtures

There’s nothing quite like a room with gorgeous high ceilings, but if your large room is long and not tall, you can still give the illusion of ample height using low-hanging fixtures. This special category of pendant light comes way down from your ceiling to within a few feet of a central furniture piece, such as a coffee table. Your long room will appear taller, and you’ll get accent and ambient lighting for your large space.

6. Floor lamps

You don’t always have to climb to your ceiling to give your large room its much-needed ambient light foundation. Start at ground level with floor lamps. These simple fixtures are at most a tad taller than you, and you just need to screw standard bulbs (or maybe one of our color laser BlissBulbs) into them to bring your large room to life. Try them out in a few different parts of your room – beautiful lighting design foundations rarely come so easy!

7. Task lights

A big room means many uses. You might have a reading corner, a seating area, a couch for watching TV, and a small table for arts and crafts. Give these areas their own task lights so whoever is setting there can do exactly what they came for: Gentle for reading, dim for TV, bright for crafting – the possibilities are endless!

8. Decorative lighting

With just the flick of a switch, you can turn your room from an everyday space into a setting where the lights are the decorations! BlissLights projectors and portable USB powered devices are especially great for this task: Our StarPort Laser USB, for example, flushes our room with a gentle array of stars. Similarly, our Christmas Tree Topper fills a huge room with holiday cheer, and our Sky Lite Laser Galaxy Projector spreads blue and green skies throughout. With lasers, you can simultaneously decorate and illuminate your giant room – and set just the right mood – with minimal effort.

Sky Lite Galaxy Projector

$59.99 $49.99

Shine a galaxy of moving stars and a blue nebula cloud.

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Choose BlissLights for easy ideas for illuminating your large room

At BlissLights, our red, green, and blue lasers in starry sky, nebula, and aurora patterns decorate your large room, set its mood, and elevate your surroundings beyond what you previously knew possible. There’s no room too large for our laser bulbs, projectors, and portable lights, especially when you use some as accent lights and others as ambient or task lights. Browse our shop to start building your layered, versatile, beautiful large room lighting setup today!

Room lighting design: recommendations and photo ideas

When developing any design project, you need to think about techniques that can advantageously emphasize the advantages of the room and hide the flaws. And one of those effects is light. Thanks to the right lighting, you can create a certain atmosphere in every corner of the apartment.

In addition, it has long been known that light affects the emotional state of a person and vision, so you need to try to ensure that the lighting design of the room and the entire home as a whole is not only original, but also complies with all the rules, because health depends on it.

Another reason why you should first think about how the room will be lit is wiring. After all, it must be carried out even before the walls and ceiling are finished. When the repair is completed, it will be practically impossible to redo anything without breaking something.

Residential lighting features

In his house, every person performs certain repetitive actions every day, and this is what makes it easy to develop an apartment lighting design.

And most often, people are at home in the morning, evening and at night, when a minimum of natural light enters the apartment, so artificial light must be positioned in such a way that all corners of the home are illuminated.



But there are subtleties here, because somewhere you need more light, somewhere less, and in some rooms it is necessary that in one part there is bright lighting, and in the other half darkness remains. To achieve proper lighting, you need to understand its types.

Types of lighting and their functions

There are several types of lighting and a huge number of light sources. But each person can easily determine what kind of light he needs in one or another part of the apartment.

You need to know the types of lighting mainly in order to explain to electrician salesmen or workers who will do repairs, what should be the result.

So, in each living space there is general lighting, accent, working and combined. Some of these species have several subtypes.



General lighting features

The name of this type of lighting speaks for itself. Its function is to illuminate the room as a whole. Such light is in every apartment, regardless of interior design. An example of a source of such general light is a chandelier that hangs from the ceiling. It illuminates the entire room evenly at once.

There are several types of general lighting:

  • Most commonly seen Directional general lighting . The light from the lamp in this case "flows out" in one spot. To achieve this effect, you need to purchase chandeliers with open shades, in shape they resemble a ball cut off on both sides. But sometimes there are other models: cone-shaped, in the form of a rectangle, and sometimes even in the form of a trapezoid.

  • Also general lighting is diffused . This effect gives a ceiling, which completely covers the light source. The “case” for the light bulb in this case is not transparent, but it transmits light. Most often, such shades are made of frosted glass, paper or a certain type of fabric materials.



  • In addition, general lighting can be mixed . In this embodiment, the light source is covered by a lampshade with holes, which are usually located at the bottom or top. At the same time, it is made of materials that transmit light. And therefore, it not only spreads on all sides, it is also reflected by walls and ceilings.

Principle of accent lighting

With the help of such lighting, accents are placed in any room, that is, they highlight any detail or part of the room. It happens that designers use this type of lighting to draw attention to a beautiful cabinet handle, or to a wallpaper pattern on a wall.

That is, accent lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and is an additional decoration of the interior.

Although sometimes it is used to illuminate the stairs, or the place on the chest of drawers where the clock is. Examples of light sources that can highlight: wall lamp, floor lamp, table lamp with shade .



Accent lighting can easily transform any room, while achieving different effects:

  • Sharp accent lighting helps to highlight a point in space. For example, a picture on the wall or a beautiful old vase. An example of such lighting in the theater is the protagonist on the proscenium, highlighted by a beam. Also, such accent lighting is used in stores to highlight small details in shop windows.

  • Accent lighting can also be softened . In this case, any part of the space is highlighted by a smooth transition of light. This is how the building is often illuminated along the perimeter - several spotlights attract attention, but at the same time they shine unobtrusively. In rooms, to create such a reception, LED lamps are most often used.

  • Soft accent lighting is often used in museums where the greatest works of art are kept. They are illuminated in such a way that a person can see, but at the same time, for example, the statue itself remains in twilight so that it can be stored longer. The apartment also uses this technique to create a certain atmosphere.



Work light functions

If accent lighting highlights a certain thing, then this type of lighting highlights a specific place. It is used to illuminate the workplace. It can be a table, a stove, or a chair where a person reads.

Work lighting helps a person to focus on a particular task. Bright light in a certain place allows a person to see small details, which protects against eye strain.

Most often, task lighting is provided by table lamps, sometimes several halogen lamps are also used.

Combination lighting features

This view combines several types of lighting. And it is he who helps to create comfort in any space and play with light. In each room, all types of lighting can be used at once, or only a few of them. It all depends on what function the light should carry.



Correctly combining light sources is the main thing, and what you should learn in the first place. Now in stores a huge number of light sources are sold that can be adjusted manually. They can change the brightness of the light, and besides, they can be easily carried from place to place.

Combined lighting allows designers to completely abandon banal techniques. For example, in many rooms there are no chandeliers and ceiling lighting, but there are correctly placed accents with the help of table lamps, floor lamps and spot lighting.

Combined lighting also allows you to make several modes in any room, for example, when guests turn on one light source in the house, and other lamps are used for lighting the rest of the time.



How to design room lighting?

It is necessary to develop interior design and lighting based on what kind of actions a person will perform in a particular room. If, for example, the room will be used for work, then the light should be bright, so that the person concentrates. For rooms where a person will relax, you need to select a different type of lighting.

It is also worth remembering that not only the type of lighting is important, but also the light itself. Suffice it to recall hospitals, where the light is always cold, or cafes, where the light is warm, and therefore you want to spend a lot of time there. Do not forget about modern technologies.

The light can be not only yellow, but also red, green or blue. The main thing is that it harmoniously fits into the interior. Here are some basic guidelines on how to create the right lighting in different rooms.



Hallway light

The entrance to the apartment is the darkest place in the whole house. That is why the hallway should be brightly lit. To do this, you can choose one source of general lighting - a chandelier, as well as several point ones, for example, you can hang a sconce over a mirror, or make a light over a clothes hanger.

The main thing is that the light does not hit the eyes. A person should clearly see his face in the mirror, as well as the condition of his clothes, so that they can be cleaned if necessary.

Interesting ideas include the use of lamps resembling street lamps, as well as a stretch ceiling with lighting.

Living room light

Designers are increasingly refusing to place a ceiling chandelier in the center of the living room. In addition, recently the living room is often combined with the kitchen, and this technique requires new solutions. Therefore, now in the living rooms you can see spot lighting around the perimeter with accents.



For example, there are floor lamps near the sofas, and small lamps on the tables, giving diffused light. In addition, the use of cabinets and shelving with lighting has become a fashionable trend. Since the living room usually has a large area, several diverse light sources are required.

Light in the kitchen

Particular attention in the kitchen should be given to the lighting of the area where food is being prepared. It is better to give preference to lamps that can be directed. Also, the stores provide a huge selection of light sources that are easily integrated into furniture panels. Accents can be placed in cabinets with transparent doors, where there are beautiful dishes.

Recently, designers have been using several ceiling chandeliers at once, which are placed above the dining table or, for example, above the bar.



Light in the bedroom

Only one directional light source can be used in the bedroom - a reading lamp. Basically, the lighting should be diffused, this will help you relax better.

The light should be soft, the presence of illumination of different colors is welcome, you can experiment around the head of the bed.

Bathroom light

General lighting may not be used in the bathroom. You need to make accents near the mirror, as well as near the bath itself. It is better to choose plafonds closed, since this room is always high humidity.

Light can be either cold or warm. Often in the bathroom intentionally leave twilight.

Properly designed room lighting will help make almost any room beautiful and comfortable to stay.



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Lighting options for rooms - 75 photos of the best ideas from designers

The way a room looks is very often influenced by the lighting in it.

For this reason, before deciding to change furniture, remodeling or design, think about how to correctly combine ideas with light distribution.

No successful design can do without high-quality lighting, because it allows you to highlight the various elements of the interior and focus on them.

It's not enough just to light a room well, it has to look great. Small details and decor should not fall out of the overall picture or look foreign.

Many people make the mistake of using only one light source. This creates an additional strain on the eyes and does not allow dividing the space into zones for work and leisure.

Depending on the options for room lighting, we can decide what suits us best in a particular interior.

There are many ways to create the right atmosphere, for this reason light is very important and has become much more than just a means of combating darkness.

Article content:

  • Unusual light sources
  • Layered lighting
  • Photos of lighting options in rooms

Unusual light sources

Lighting methods must be combined with the way the room will look, because this makes it possible to emphasize the necessary details and express style.

For example, nothing prevents you from placing a lamp or floor lamp near the chair, for greater readability.

In addition to spotlights, you can hang a chandelier in the bathroom, which will be a link and become an unusual detail, blurring the boundaries in the apartment.

Use any ideas that will help to make any part of the space more expressive - furniture, ceiling, walls, etc. Accents on planes and borders look very interesting.

So, you can place several lamps in niches in walls or multi-level ceilings.

If the kitchen has a pedestal that separates the work area from the rest of the room, feel free to install an LED strip in its base. This will not only outline its edges, but will also look great in the evenings.

Now it has become very fashionable to make furniture facades illuminated. This applies primarily to products made from natural materials that have an interesting texture.

These techniques are very useful in studios where there are no partitions and clear boundaries. The whole room begins to look organically and at the same time has several zones.

Multi-layer lighting

Speaking about how to organize the lighting of a room, one cannot but recall such a method as multi-layer lighting. The principle is very simple, the whole room is illuminated by 3 light sources:

  • Top;
  • Working;
  • Spot.

Overhead lighting, which is also the main one, as a rule, is realized with the help of chandeliers or large lamps located above the head.

Work should have an auxiliary function and illuminate areas where our eyes strain when reading books, working at a computer, etc.

Spotlights are needed to emphasize specific elements of the interior, such as paintings, decor or a wall along which a bed and other furniture can be placed.

Learn more