Living room ceiling light fixture ideas

Living room ceiling light ideas – 15 ways to create a style statement |

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Living room ceiling light ideas have to deliver both good looks and functionality in a space used daily by everyone in a home as well as for entertaining.

Generally the most sizeable and eye-catching light in the room, it’s important a ceiling light provides good illumination, but it’s also crucial that it complements your living room ideas.

Here, we’ve put together living room ceiling light ideas that will bring personality and style to your living room ceiling, and interior designers offer their advice to help inform your choices, too.

Living room ceiling light ideas

From dramatic chandeliers to simple stylish pendants, we’ve found some truly inspiring examples of living room lighting ideas to create a centerpiece for the design. 

Team ceiling light ideas with living room wall lighting ideas, table and floor lamps plus other accent lighting to provide layers of light for the room.

1. Choose jewelry for the ceiling

(Image credit: Bergman Design House)

Get ready for entertaining with living room ceiling light ideas. ‘The ceiling of this space was enough to celebrate and act as the main stage,’ says Marie Soliman of Bergman Design House . ‘This room will host beautiful glam gatherings where friends and families meet, which instantly made me think of the fashion and the jewelry guests could be wearing, so I said why shouldn’t the light become a piece of jewelry?’ 

It is made of three different strings with three looping heights in a mix of Murano handblown glass and walnut timber, and manufactured by Northern Light.

A ceiling light like this can be part of small living room lighting ideas provided the room has sufficient height.

2. Introduce texture

(Image credit: Isabella Worsley)

Make an impact by choosing a textural ceiling light design when planning living room lighting. ‘I wanted to give a real focal point to the room, bringing in a strong sense of scale and injection of colour,’ explains interior designer Isabella Worsley of this room. ‘I achieved this by bringing in fuchsia and cognac colored yarns, sitting within the neutral string form.’

3. Create ambience

(Image credit: Rothschild and Bickers)

Use living room ceiling lighting ideas to bring a cozy ambience to the space. These functional and decorative lights by Rothschild and Bickers create an atmospheric warm glow. Use one on its own or as a cluster for maximum impact.

4. Make living room ceiling lights subtle

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Make wall lights the decorative focus by combining practical ceiling spotlights to create ample background illumination for the room with wall sconces to add a touch of character. It’s a strategy that can work well in newer homes without generous ceiling heights, but make sure to factor the cost to install new lighting into your plans.

5. Emphasize the ceiling

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

Complement the decor of the ceiling itself with living room ceiling light ideas. ‘Ceilings are a passion of mine and this one was a true labour of love,’ says Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co . ‘I designed everything from the coving and bespoke ceiling rose (from Stevensons of Norwich ) to the delicate ceiling and wall moldings (from Orac Décor ). With such an elaborate ceiling design, we wanted a pared-back aesthetic for the pendant, which is why we chose the modern Castle light by Roll & Hill .’

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

‘A light is a good way to throw surprise in a room, to merge modern with traditional,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin . One of his expert tips for lighting a living room? ‘Putting an industrial style lamp or a graphic mid-century form in a traditional stucco setting injects excitement, equally an Art Deco chandelier in a stark, modern plan.’ 

7. Go big

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

This is not the time to be shy – oversized designs are one of the top living room lighting trends. In this example, a dark metal chandelier is not only tall, but sprawls dramatically across the central third of the room to create a really impressive feature. Of course, fixtures of similar dimensions wouldn’t be suitable as living room ceiling light ideas in a compact room, but you can play with a sense of scale in rooms of any size.

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

As living room ceiling lighting ideas go, the statement pendant is one that’s likely to stick around for a while to come, says Piero de Marchis, founder of Detail Lighting . 

‘As designers and homeowners seek more uniqueness and individuality in their interiors, statement lighting and in particular statement pendants will become increasingly prevalent,’ explains de Marchis. ‘From sculptural singular wow-factor pieces to sleek cluster designs, striking pendant lighting will be a popular fixture in homes [in the next year].’ 

9. Use pendants to zone the room

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Consider how you might use living room ceiling lighting ideas to zone the space. Pendant lights are great for creating a focal point usually in the center of the room or highlighting a significant seating zone, such as the one in this example, situated in a separate nook.  

‘Firstly, decide if you are having a central pendant,’ says de Marchis. ‘If so, it’s important to know whether you are aiming to have this as a decorative piece or if it is going to be the main lighting source in the space. Usually we find that even with a bright pendant, there will be supplementary light needed as pendants can cast shadows.’ 

10. Rethink the chandelier with contemporary styles

(Image credit: Alice Lane Interiors/Nicole Hill Gerulat)

Chandeliers aren’t the sole preserve of period properties, and neither do they need to look like they’ve been plucked out of the 18th century. Take a contemporary approach instead – in this Salt Lake City home by designer Alice Lane , a Sputnik-style chandelier gives off a mid-century modern vibe, made contemporary through the luxurious combination of brass and black. 

11. Balance history and modernity

(Image credit: Arteriors)

Among the white living room ideas here, the hoop light fitting designed by Laura Kirar for Arteriors aims to create a balance between traditional lighting forms and modern concerns.  

‘I'm more interested in reissuing classic concepts through my own modern lens,’ says Kirar. ‘As an artist, I design sculptural forms that resonate with a balance of historical and modern principles. I'm driven by the purity of authentic materials and artisanal techniques to create something original.’ 

12. Get on trend with natural materials

(Image credit: Jan Baldwin)

Natural materials like rattan, terracotta and wood are having a huge moment in lighting, and look great among bohemian living room ideas. 

‘Reconnect with nature and enrich your home with natural fiber lampshades and hanging rustic pendant lights,’ says Matthew Currington, technical director at The Lighting Superstore . ‘These pieces are surprisingly versatile; working in traditional, modern, and bohemian rooms.’ 

‘Stick to earthy tones and neutral schemes to create a calming environment. Compliment with house plants, wooden furniture, textured furnishings to keep it stylish, yet understated. ’

13. Go low with an overhead pendant

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

If you really want your living room ceiling light ideas to be unmissable, think about the option of hanging a light so low that it sits right in your eyeline. This may sound like a daring and impractical strategy, but hanging a low pendant over your living room seating ideas helps to create a dedicated glow around the comfiest area of the room, and placing the light over a coffee table means no need to worry about people walking under it and bumping their heads. In this room, the metal lampshade also adds a modern industrial touch to a traditional space. 

14. Make it contemporary with LEDs

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

For lighting that is contemporary in both look and technology, LEDs are an excellent choice. They can be used to create highly inventive and unusual light fittings such as this stunning gold hoop fixture with an LED bar across its center, or can be used more discreetly for traditional or modern downlighting.  

Think about the perimeter,’ says de Marchis. ‘Lighting can be in the form of individual spotlights (surface or recessed) or LED linear lighting which is very popular now. Perimeter lighting helps define the size of the space and avoids any dark living room corners.’

15. Keep it simple

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Of course, your ceiling lighting doesn’t have to be a showstopping affair – keeping it simple and stylish can be just what a living room needs. In this living room, a very simple black lampshade around a pendant light is the perfect balance to the black table below and the white walls surrounding, offering a grounding antidote to the colorful, artistic scheme across the rest of the room. 

How do I choose a ceiling light for a living room?

Choosing a ceiling light is hugely personal, but ensuring it’s the right fit for your space can make or break a room scheme. First of all, consider the size of your room. Oversized fittings are on trend and can look great, but always ensure you have enough headspace if you intend to walk beneath. In smaller rooms, choose large fittings that have a lot of negative space – like Sputnik chandeliers or lampshades with openings – to make sure the fixture doesn’t feel too dominant. 

Founder of Pooky Rohan Blacker believes measuring the height of ceiling is most crucial, as this will dictate what fixtures you can use. Rohan says, ‘If you have low ceilings, it’s best to avoid large, low-hanging fixtures. Not only do they have the effect of bringing the ceiling down into the space and making the room look smaller, they’re also at risk of getting in the way. If you have slightly higher ceilings, you can look at having larger more statement pieces, perhaps a chandelier or a cluster of pendants to act as a focal point within the space.’

How much light does a ceiling light generate?

How much light a ceiling light generates really depends on the size and layout of your room, as well as the style of ceiling light you choose – for example, a tiny shade from one single source isn’t going to cut it in large space. Then there are the lightbulbs to consider. Modern LED bulbs are measured in lumens and 10 to 20 lumens is required per square foot. 

Juliana Ivanova-Storrer from Lighting Experts says, ‘When planning lights for the living room we always advise to view central ceiling light as a feature only. For show, rather than to generate the main lighting of the room. Central lights tend to throw multiple shadows around the room and produce harsh contrast. Instead, we suggest creating a complete lighting scheme using multiple sources of lights at different levels, that is, wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps.’

Ailis started out at British GQ, where a month of work experience turned into 18 months of working on all sorts of projects, writing about everything from motorsport to interiors, and helping to put together the GQ Food & Drink Awards. She then spent three years at the London Evening Standard, covering restaurants and bars. After a period of freelancing, writing about food, drink and homes for publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Luxury London and Departures, she started at Homes & Gardens as a Digital Writer, allowing her to fully indulge her love of good interior design. She is now a fully fledged food PR but still writes for Homes & Gardens as a contributing editor.

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/54324739245752237/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/29132728827899586/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/466896686378606277/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/718887159273271154/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/289074869842679244/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/730005420855791845/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3448137204791276/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/10062799158219169/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134685845097288587/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/439241769907343129/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1084452785242418753/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/143059725655199560/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/280419514288936933/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/712483603557394327/

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

Embedded content https://www.pinterest.com/pin/406238828897404527/

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!

Read Next: 

• New Home Checklist: Essential Things to Buy or Upgrade When Moving In

• How to Create an Interior Design Mood Board

• Feng Shui Interior Design Ideas Around the House

• How to Style Throw Pillows on Your Couch Like a Designer

• 37 Bedroom Decorating Ideas You'll Love

• How to Design a Minimalist Bedroom

• How to Style a Guest Bedroom Your Visitors Will Love

• Bathroom Interior Design Guide

• Bed Sheet Color Trends

• Bedroom Color Ideas: Choosing a Color for Your Bedroom

• How to Style a White Bedroom

• How to Style a Grey Bedroom

Top 10 Living Room Lighting Tips - INMYROOM