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Light design in living room


16 Best Living Room Lighting Ideas

Bright Ideas

Find inspiration for your home with these living room lighting ideas. From standing lamps to chandeliers, find a light that fits your style

What’s the point of having a beautifully designed space if you’re sitting in the dark? Lighting is one of the essential elements of a room and can impact how everything else—from the wall color to the art to the rug—looks. That’s why it’s important to plan your lighting design early and consider all the sources of light you’ll need, whether it's wall lights over the sofa for reading or an eye-catching chandelier that illuminates the whole room. If you’re ready to take your lighting to the next level, discover these genius living room lighting ideas that are sure to make your space brighter and more beautiful.

Focus on the Mix

A successful lighting design combines a number of light sources at different levels of the room. Add layers of light from a number of types of fixtures that can be used together or separately for a flexible space.

Find the Perfect Pair

Double your lighting pleasure with twin pendant lights. Hang matching pendant lights above your dining table to give the space a sense of balance and symmetry.

This Historic Pied-a-Terre Gets a Modern Twist With Joyful Pastels. Photo by Richard Chivers. 

Try Sculptural Sconces

Wall lights or sconces are a great way to add interest to an empty wall or frame the sofa or a work of art. They’re also ideal for small spaces and help free up floor or table space. Try a pair of colorful or sculptural sconces that will draw the eye and illuminate the space, or go for a solo light for a minimalist look.

Add a Centerpiece

Whether you go for a romantic chandelier or a modern pendant, a striking light fixture can complete a living room. Use the piece to brighten the seating area and create a focal point. Install a dimmer switch to be able to switch up the atmosphere and set the mood.

Fashion Insider Marina Larroudé’s Playful New York City Townhouse. Photo by Brooke Holm. 

Add a Pop of Color

If your space is lacking a certain something, add a colorful lamp for an eclectic vibe.

Make It Art

Why have to settle for form or function? Get both by opting for a lamp that looks more like a piece of art than a light source.

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In a Former Italian Restaurant, Sophie Lou Jacobsen Crafted an Eclectic Apartment. Photo by William Geddes.

Don't Overlook Overhead Sources

If your room is large or lacking in natural light, a single ceiling fixture may not be enough. Consider using multiple overhead lights, such as recessed lighting paired with a pendant.

5 Design Ideas to Steal From the Ruby Street in Los Angeles. Photo by  Cándida Wohlgemuth.

Brighten the Mantel

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your living room, don’t leave it in the dark! Highlight the architectural feature by installing sconces or adding a pair of small lamps or candles to your mantel display.

Ethan Cook’s Home Is Just as Vibrant as His Artwork. Photo by Max Burkhalter

Choose a Lamp With Reach

If you don't have a ceiling fixture, consider a floor lamp that curves over the space. The piece will add light from above without the need to call an electrician.

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Illuminate a Corner

A lonely armchair instantly becomes a cozy reading nook when you add a floor lamp. Take advantage of an empty corner and create a calm spot that’s perfect for curling up with a best-seller.

This Treetop Retreat Is a Modern-Design Lover's Dream. Photo by Tim Hirschmann.

Go for an Oversize Look

Make sure you get the most bang for your buck by hanging an oversize pendant light in your space. Never worry about not having enough light again.

Shop and Stay at This 18th-Century Jewel in Copenhagen. Photo by Wichmann + Bendtsen. 

Opt for a Low-Hanging Light

Take advantage of your high ceilings (or even low ones) by dangling a low-hanging pendant light over your dining or kitchen table. This will add an unexpected layer to your space.

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Find a Balance of Old and New

Mix vintage finds with modern accents to bring your space to life. If you have a spare chandelier just hanging around…even better.

An Italianate Home in Nyack, New York, Full of Energy and Art. Photo by Max Burkhalter. 

Cast a Glow

We love a good glow here at Clever. You know what we also love? A colorful glow. Cast a mysterious glow around your space using colored light bulbs behind any mirror in your home.

Inside a Los Angeles Studio Paying Homage to the '80s. Photo by Tim Hirschmann. 

Bring On the LED

Remember that glow we were talking about? Meet its cousin, the LED light. While neon is definitely a popular LED trend, it is most definitely not the only option. Rather than overpowering your space with a harsh color, go for a white light that will add the perfect amount of cool-kid vibes.

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Don't Forget About Your Health

Hi, there! Here to remind you that certain lights can also be healing. Searching for some much needed R&R? Add a Himalayan salt lamp and enjoy all of its (apparent) air-purifying and mood-boosting vibes.

A Young Family Takes Over a Hippie’s Enchanting L.A. Home. Photo by Mikael Kennedy. 

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15 Stylish Living Room Lighting Ideas

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The key to setting the right mood.

By Hadley Mendelsohn

Heidi Caillier Design

Sure, well-made, beautiful furniture and a strategic layout are important elements of a living room design, but you know what literally sets the mood? Lighting. From understated and recessed to over-the-top statement pieces, the options are endless. Ahead, we're spotlighting fifteen living room lighting ideas (both ambient and task-specific) to keep your entertaining and hangout space well-lit, stylish, and functional.

Corinne Mathern Studio

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Mini Pendant

If you have a small little niche in your living room, transform it into a reading nook. Take inspiration from this one designed by Corinne Mathern Studio, which features a built-in bench covered in throw pillows and comfy cushions. Add a mini pendant to illuminate the nook without taking up floor space.

Anna Spiro Design

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Fun Lamp Shade

The pleated lemon yellow lampshade in this colorful living room designed by Anna Spiro Design is the cherry on top. Though the fun pillows and ottoman, elegant gilt mirror, and bright blue walls make the space fun and inviting, the lamp is what really makes it pop.

Fantastic Frank

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Multi-Tiered Pendant

Want to go a little glam without looking too showy? Add in minimal brass accents, like a metal-frame coffee table and eye-catching metallic lighting. This living room is also a good blueprint for small space decorating. While the only three furniture items are two seats and a small coffee table, the ceiling light is all it takes to make the entire room feel special.

Annie Schlechter

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Modern Chandelier

Designed by Studio Riga, this blue living room is lit up by a modern white chandelier that contrasts well with the more traditional elements, such as the tufted seating and chesterfield sofa. The two table lamps also provide some extra task lighting.

Reid Rolls

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Paper Shade Pendant

Rice paper shade pendants are as affordable as it gets when it comes to statement lighting that also looks elevated and sleek. They also emit a soft glow. In this living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, it complements the all-white aesthetic beautifully.

Trevor Tondro

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Matching Fixtures

If you have a super spacious living room, consider breaking it into two distinct sitting areas and creating symmetry by hanging identical light fixtures over each. Take a cue from this Spanish-inspired great room by Madeline Stuart.

Nicole Franzen

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Sculptural Sconce

Opt for a sculptural sconce that doubles as artwork to spice up your living room wall. It's an especially effective way to embolden a minimalist living room like this one.

Heather Hilliard Design

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Recessed Lighting

Though the classic floor lamp adds some nice task lighting, the recessed lighting in the coffered ceiling is what really brightens up this living room by designer Heather Hilliard, who added some unexpectedly edgy elements. The floral sofa and the green lucite coffee table are welcome surprises that break up the classic elements without overpowering them.

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

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Spotlights

Modern and minimalist spaces, like an open loft or new development, can be warmed up with earth tones, layers of plush materials, and artful accessories. Here, Tamsin Johnson kept the edgy vibe alive with an avant-garde mirror and a low-to-the-ground chrome coffee table. She also added extra lighting by installing sleek black spotlights by the built-ins.

Roland Bello

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Sconce Lamp

A blue velvet sofa stands out in the family room of a Manhattan apartment designed by the inimitable Miles Redd. The wallpaper is hung horizontally rather than vertically for a modern, offbeat look. The sconce lamp in the corner lights things up without taking up floor space or being shoved awkwardly behind the sofa.

Alexandra Ribar

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DIY Pendant

Get creative! You don't have to invest in a super expensive statement piece to have beautiful lighting. Designer Leanne Ford painted the natural IKEA rug and custom-made rope light to coordinate.

Heidi Caillier Design

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Drum Pendant

In this eclectic living room designed by Heidi Caillier, the jute rug, wood finishes, and brass accents—particularly the inverted drum pendant—bring plenty of warmth to ensure a cozy, inviting space. The off-white walls also help warm up the room.

Kingston Lafferty Design

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Rainbow Sputnik

This fun and playful yet classic living room designed by Kingston Lafferty revolves around the rainbow sputnik chandelier. Sputniks are great for a burst of energy, as the very shape makes them appear to be radiating joy.

Tamsin Johnson

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3-Headed Floor Lamp

Though understated and neutral in color, this living room designed by Tamsin Johnson incorporates plenty of personality, from the three-tiered arc lamp to the beachy rattan furniture. While the shapely floor lamp adds character, the abundant natural light also helps set the tone for the room. The window seat is a great addition to a living-room-family-room hybrid since it blends into the background when not in use but also provides a cozy spot when the occupant just feels like hanging out.

Studio DB

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Whimsical Pendant

If your formal living room is also your family room, you want to make sure it strikes a balance between super comfortable and presentable. A cozy family room that cleans up nicely, if you will. A super soft sectional with plenty of space to spread out for movie nights is a must, but choose one that also looks elegant. Then add fun, eye-catching lighting for an extra punch of whimsy, like the pendant in this Studio DB-designed room.

20 Window Seats That Epitomize Hygge

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

🔥 Living room design in bright colors (92 photos) 2023 best ideas for an apartment from a design studio in Moscow!

It cannot be said for certain that strictly light shades are preferred for the special design of the living room. There are hundreds of examples of whimsical and over-the-top accent wall designs, both modern and classic. I am here with you today, I want to analyze the light options for living rooms.

Beige visually expands the space . Let's admit to ourselves that this is the main task in modern rooms, apartments - to recreate some kind of illusion of space. Man always strives for space.

Compatibility . Delicate beige shades are ideally combined with many warm and cold tones. Such a royal arrangement of beige favorably allows you to add bright accents to the interior: different textiles, decor items and furniture.

Create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort . They have a good effect on our psyche and one hundred percent will not bother. They soothe our eyes and elevate our mood.

Beige in the living room . It is natural that warm shades of beige are a priority for design in a classic style. But much colder, grayish tones are typical for modern interiors.

Gray living room . Dear friends, absolutely gray is the most neutral and calm color.

Black tones usually absorb light, their stupid use in the interior will make the room unnecessarily sad and gloomy. Excess white in the room, on the contrary, will make it inexpressive and ordinary. Gray sits right in between: neutral to our perception and not entirely boring. It is absolutely universal and perfectly harmonizes with all shades of the spectrum.

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92 photos of the best ideas!

Light Living Room Design

Looking for Light Living Room Design? I tried and picked up for you not just a selection of ideas from the Internet, but the best works of interior designers from our studio!

Other colors

Living room design

Blue in the living room

Dark Living Room Design

Sofa seat

in a bright living room design

Visual planning what is it? Sketch out a plan of the room with your future furniture, not forgetting to observe all dimensions - this must be done in order to look at the arrangement of furniture from the outside. Quite obviously, your conceived initial idea after such planning will change 180 degrees.

Keep the sofa away from drafts . It should not stand on an imaginary line from the window to the door - if you have a drawn plan of the room, you can freely track it.

Sofa arrangement in living room . Below we offer options for the location of the sofa. You will notice that the place for this necessary item of the living room also changes from the task at hand.


1. Sofa opposite the TV, diagonally from the door - standard location :)

2. Sofa next to the door. A cool solution, especially if you usually have overnight guests.

3. If you bought a corner sofa in the living room. It will be nice if you put it in the far corner from the door. So the room will look more spacious, you will get a great result.

Correct opening of the living room door

In or out?

Living room door opening . If you do not want to pay unwanted attention to the front door to the room, then it is better to choose an invisible model without platbands. Paint it in the color of the walls, as a result it will dissolve into space.

Open inward or outward? There is no unambiguous rule here, because everything depends on the existing layout and on the furniture placed. The main rule is that the door leaf opens normally and does not interfere with the entrance and exit from the room. Another door should not restrict free access to a closet or dressing room. Often we transfer the doorway altogether and choose the options of a sliding compartment door or a folding book door.

1. Premium door arrangement. It does not block the corridor at all and, as you can see in the picture, does not interfere with your passage into the room. There is one disadvantage of this arrangement - when open, the door touches the cabinet doors.

2. Poor option. The door, as it were, blocks the entrance to the room and it seems that the room has become small. If according to the project there is no way to change the direction of the door, then it is possible to install a folding door-book or an accordion door model.

To open the door to the living room, you need to take a step back - this is completely inconvenient, especially if the apartment has a narrow corridor, and even a small one at all. Here the logic is simple, you need to install a folding or sliding door.

4. Well, the most convenient way to locate the door. It does not interfere with the approach to the room and meets the requirements of fire safety, which is no less important.

TV in living room

size and location

Placement of TV in the living room . The larger the diagonal of the TV, the more harmonious and concise it looks in the interior.

Location . The TV is installed on a cabinet or hung on the wall on the opposite wall from the sofa - this is the most correct and reasonable place for it in the living room. let's note with you that the distance to it does not really matter: since modern TV models can be safely placed close to the sofa for sight.

Cabinet or bracket? To your taste, of course, gentlemen. The main thing is that the area where your TV is deployed looks neat and premium. Anticipate in advance the cable channel in which you will remove all the wires and sockets for the receiver, modem, set-top box and maybe even a sound bar. Nothing spoils the design like wires sticking out in different directions!

Height from floor . It is advisable to place the TV 1 m from the floor to the middle of the screen - this is just the eye level of a person sitting on a comfortable sofa.

Diagonal size . If everything is going well with your finances, consider options from 50 inches - smaller screens look dull and dreary on an empty wall.

Cinema projector as an alternative to . Unless you have flat white walls, you will have to buy a screen for the projector. It can be lowered manually, there are screens with an electric drive - in this case, it will be right to provide power for it in time. We take into account an important postulate: no randomly protruding wires! Next - choose a place for the projector itself. Decide for yourself exactly what it will be: a permanent mount for years, or all the same temporary, such as a removable version, which is only available for the duration of a movie screening. Sew thick blackout curtains in advance to completely darken your living room, otherwise you will not have to enjoy a bright picture.

TV in the living room

Furniture in the living room

Furniture in the living room . In a touching neoclassical interior, a bright blue armchair plays the role of a color accent. It is a very convenient and most comfortable accent. :))


Kitchen + living room

The option of dismantling the partition between a tiny kitchen and a very small room, resulting in a decent size and bright free space, is becoming more and more common. Of course, it is worth noting that such a solution is not suitable for everyone, alas, but such a combined space has many admirers, so let's friends, consider it in more detail.

Kitchen-living room design . A bright and noticeable accent in the interior should be, not necessarily, any one - it can be several shades that you are more supportive of.

Connecting the kitchen with the living room, we involuntarily get a room with at least two or maybe three windows - a large space filled with air and light. Another big plus is a full-fledged dining area, in an ordinary kitchen you can’t even dream of this. Important, friends, when choosing a dining table, you need to count on each person at least 70 cm. For a large family, such an arrangement is definitely not suitable for sure, but young people, owners of a one-room apartment can take a closer look at it. As a partition, use an interesting piece of furniture - a rack, you will divide the room into zones, preserve natural light and, of course, get extra space to store your favorite books, put photos in frames and arrange planters with flowers.

Bedroom design with living room . A premium example of a bedroom-living room design for a one-room small apartment!

Living room + office

In a small apartment it is not always possible to allocate a full-fledged place for a working desk. Often it is placed either in the bedroom or in the living room. The size and location of the work area depends on how often you intend to use it. For a table for a small laptop, a width of 50-60 cm is sufficient, and for a stationary personal computer, it is better to opt for a model at least 70 cm deep.

Living-study design . In this project, we tried to make the desktop and shelves invisible, of course, due to the color - they literally merge with the wall. The chair, on the contrary, has become accent, you can safely choose a bright upholstery.

I offer for your consideration, friends, three convenient options for the location of the desktop in the living room.

1. The desktop was hidden in the far corner. A suitable option for infrequent need to work in the living room. If desired, you can make the workplace less noticeable, paint it to match the walls or put a screen next to it, or better a rack.

2. Large desktop by the window - this is just right for a solid option, for example, you do not have an office and you work from home. Such a table can be made with an extended window sill - perfect for working with a desktop computer. If your living room has an elongated shape, then such a countertop will visually expand the room. This is a big plus.

3. The desktop can be built into a cabinet. An ideal option to blame everything on "artistic mess". I worked - and immediately hid the workplace from prying eyes. :)

Work table in the interior

Air conditioner

in a bright living room

An important and feasible rule: a priori, cooled air should not blow on people, on a sofa or at a table. The farther from the window the inner case of the air conditioner is hung, the more difficult and expensive it will cost you to install it - after all, you will definitely have to ditch the wall.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner is not the most attractive detail in the interior, to be honest, and people always want to somehow disguise it and remove it from sight so that it is not noticeable. But a white block on a white wall is easier to hide, I think many will agree with me :)

Consider the three most common options for installing air conditioning.

1. We put the indoor unit above the door - an excellent location for the air conditioner! I think you will agree with me.

2. Installation of an air conditioner near a window. The option is suitable, I think to all people, they still want to save on air conditioning communications and wall strobes.

3. Poor or very poor location of the indoor unit. Cool air from the air conditioner blows on the sofa and the people sitting there.

Sockets

in the living room in bright colors

Make sockets with a margin, believe me, they will not be superfluous, be sure to think over their location in advance. Together choose a place for a floor lamp and table lamps and, of course, decide on the quantity. Friends, of course, do not forget about the television zone, there will definitely be a lot of sockets - it is advisable to hide them behind the cabinet or behind the TV itself. The same applies to the electric fireplace, if you plan to purchase it. By the way, friends, do not forget about the Christmas tree and garlands. On average, in the living room you will need about 15 outlets, and maybe much more. Calmly estimate how many you need them.

Lighting

in a bright living room

This issue should be considered with particular seriousness. Light determines the atmosphere in the room, there should be a lot of it. It is best if you provide several lighting options.

Living room lighting . Loft-style lamps are ideally combined with a brick wall. By the way, all the lamps are from different collections, but they are united by a common style.

Luminaires - used as decoration, it is important to match with the general atmosphere of the room. Today it is especially important to use different lamps, but in the same style. It is desirable that in the living room there are different lighting options. Lighting changes the mood of the room.

Top light is the main type of lighting. These are often spotlights and chandeliers. By the way, many use the chandelier as an art object.

Local light includes various floor lamps, table lamps and sconces. However, with a sconce, everything is a little more complicated, it is difficult to fit it into the style of the room, so we recommend replacing it with lamps;)

Intimate light — this includes garlands and candles. Garlands give an even yellow light, it is best if it is warm white. With the help of this lighting item, you can create coziness in the room.

Candles . Here it is only worth highlighting the main points of choosing candles. We recommend choosing different-sized monochromatic candles (large ones are best). We recommend giving preference to white candles with a rough or matte surface.

Zoning . Lamps are great for visual zoning. If you have a combined kitchen with a living room, then you should definitely provide for working lighting, as well as make pendant lights above the dining area. As for the living room, be sure to provide local and main light. For example, place lamps or a floor lamp in a recreation area.

Modern style in the living room

This style looks great even in the smallest spaces, because it is versatile, multifaceted and always on trend. Modern style always looks beautiful and sophisticated.

Contemporary living room design . Clear geometric lines and patterns in the interior are one of the features of modern style.

Style . White and black, gray and beige are the main colors of modern style. We also need bright accents, because without them the interior can become faceless and monotonous. In modern design, posters or large-sized paintings are welcome. There should not be many decor items, but they are all original, bright and support the style of the room. Comfortable practical furniture, but at the same time quite minimalistic and simple in form.

Lots of modern living rooms

Neoclassical style in the living room

Our customers are very fond of neoclassical, this gentle and modern style. You can talk about neoclassicism for a long time, but if it's a multiple, then this is a modern version of the familiar classics. "Carriage coupler" for furniture, wall moldings, pastels - all this describes this direction.

Neoclassical living room . Pillows of different sizes and designs will perfectly fit into any interior.

Style . Neoclassicism has much in common with the classical direction, for example, symmetry in the arrangement of furniture and decor. Refined furniture facades, stucco, moldings on the walls, draped curtains - all this is inherent in neoclassicism.

Neoclassical living rooms

Other living room styles

Scandinavian style

Fusion

Loft

Finishing materials

Take the time to choose your finishing materials. Remember, you definitely should not save on them. Dark walls, bold graphic prints will create a cozy seating area in the living space, and if you want to make your living room visually larger, then choose light and airy shades.

10 Living Room Decorating Tips

Decor

In order not to feel like you're in a store, we recommend leaving enough space in your budget for lighting, textiles and accessories after choosing large pieces of furniture. Unfortunately, many people forget to take care of decor items. Decor is what adds personality to a room. By the way, it is best to light the living room with low lighting instead of overhead light. Floor lamps and table lamps are best suited for living rooms. Choosing lighting fixtures can be an inexpensive way to really enhance the overall aesthetic of any space, as well as give it a sense of understated elegance and comfort. It's also one of the most often overlooked design features, yet the most versatile - fixtures can move around depending on your needs. Remember, no matter how expensive your many decor items are, they are considered superfluous. Accessories should be grouped together to create a nice picture, whether it's a cocktail table, a rug, or a bookcase.

10 tips for decorating the living room

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Design of a modern apartment in bright colors

Living room in bright colors: 88 photos with interior design ideas

Popular and beloved, but dangerous and risky. All this about the interior in bright colors. This is the case when there are only a couple of steps from a light, airy space to a boring and featureless room. A couple of wrong moves. And in this article we will tell you how not to commit them. And also - how to decorate the design of the living room in bright colors in the apartment, so that it turns out to be multifaceted, interesting and voluminous. And we will show it in the photo.

All about decorating a bright living room

Living room design options
— Monochrome
— With the addition of pastel colors
— With bright details
Detailed composition of the palette
— Basic tones
— Pastel
— Accent
Finishing materials
Furniture
Lighting
Decor
Interior styles
— Scandi
— Minimalism
— Wabi-sabi
— Japandi
— Retro

Monochrome

Babayants architects social networks

White with white on white is not quite what they mean by monochrome room design. There really is one main, leading monopoly color. It fills the entire space: walls, floor, ceiling. Grabs furniture. But if you use only one shade, the room will become flat, like a sheet of paper. Volume and fullness in monochrome rooms are obtained due to the many halftones and shades. For example, more pale and dark. Saturated and vice versa, calm, balanced, warm and cold.

Another technique is a mix of textures for finishing walls, floors, ceilings, furniture upholstery, textiles. Smooth surfaces can be alternated with: