Sitting room lights 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!

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

May 21, 2020

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.

Lighting in the living room - 90 photos of original lighting solutions in the living room.

In creating the interior of the living room, an important place is occupied by the lighting of the room.

This helps to harmonize the design objects in the living room and highlight the sectors if you want to focus on them.

How to properly make the lighting in the living room, we will reveal in this topic.

Contents:

Lighting

The main type of living room lighting, placing a large chandelier in the center. At the moment, there are many types of lighting arrangements available that allow you to make the design more subtle.

When choosing lighting for a room, it is important to consider the dimensions, if there is a lot of space, the ceilings are not low, then a large chandelier looks beautiful.

If the living room is small and the ceiling is low, then a recessed lamp or a small chandelier will look more harmonious. The element to which attention will be paid can be a floor lamp or a floor lamp.

You can combine a spacious living room and kitchen, then the space is divided into sectors, each needs its own light focus.

In creating light for the living room and kitchen, the largest luminaire looks best above the plane of the kitchen table.

In the leisure sector photo lighting in the living room and the place where the owner receives guests, it is important to organize beautiful lighting. A floor lamp will look elegant, which will be located near the sofa and built-in lamps.

Lighting the ceiling in the living room is not difficult if you take into account some points. For example, if the ceiling is of an architectural type and multi-stage, then it is important to make the lighting right.

Each lighting segment will have its own level. You can make the lighting multifunctional to create a certain mood in the living room.

The central chandelier will be needed for a working mood, and the side light will create an atmosphere of comfort or a romantic evening.

Modern living room lighting allows you to make the room beautiful, it has become fashionable to place illuminated paintings in the living room, which used to be seen in art galleries.

This type of lighting allows you to make the space of the room more elegant in style, photographs and beautiful things can become an interior decoration.

To properly illuminate the living room, there are surface-mounted lamps that can be of different colors and contrasts.

Lamp options

Table lamps look good, it helps to concentrate on the selected design element. If there is a beautiful lampshade, then the interior will become more original. You can mount symmetrical lamps in a table for magazines or a dressing table.

The floor lamp is an important element for the living room. It harmoniously looks next to the sofa. The intense light of a floor lamp will help highlight the recreation sector or workplace.

If you need to highlight a certain area, then it is better to use a sconce. Sconces are made on the walls, thus making a light focus.

Pendant lamps will be a worthy alternative to a chandelier. Lamps are mounted on the ceiling space, a lot of design ideas help well in creating a modern harmonious style of the room.

Lighting options for the living room, taking into account the style of the room.

In a classic living room, a crystal chandelier or multi-level options would be a good option. Lamps - candles, a floor lamp with a beautiful lampshade, will also be appropriate.

If the living room is in high-tech style, polygonal chandeliers are recommended. There may be glass, plastic or metal parts.

Fusion type chandeliers, harmonious in an elector style living room.

Gothic living rooms will improve chandeliers with wrought iron decorations, not very light colors. On the sides you can make lamps - candles.

For a Provence-style living room, a chandelier made of horns is suitable; sconces can be a wonderful addition, making the design of the room light and ephemeral.

Living room lighting ideas photo

Top 10 Living Room Lighting Tips - INMYROOM

The living room in every home does several things at once functions. It can receive guests, watch TV, chat, read. This is the main reason why lighting is important in this room. multifunctional. Also important is the correct location of the switches and each outlet.

Main lighting

In most cases, general lighting in the living room is used when the main part The premises is a place for guests. This requires a chandelier, single-lamp hanging lamps and plafonds.

Depending on the size of the room, it is important to choose ceiling lamp. At the same time, the interior and your taste are taken into account. Main attention when placing must be paid to the geometric center of the ceiling. AT in some cases, the lamp is installed directly above the table for eating.

Chandeliers in the style of classics. They are very diverse due to the advent of technical innovations. To for example, some of them have mounts for the ceiling to change light direction.

Local

To make it easier to highlight some interior details and perform light zoning, apply local lighting in the living room. There are no more lamps for ceiling. The recreation area should be equipped with local lighting. After all, here most often they read books, communicate in the family circle and spend evenings. For maximum comfort, it is necessary to choose a good local lighting. To in the seating area was nice to sit in, needed a floor lamp, table lamp or sconce.

Soft and subdued light is best aimed at the place where the TV is. If the room has a fireplace, then it is better to use sophisticated table lamps. Also suitable are lamps made of bronze material and having the shape of a candlestick.

Spot

To make a painting, an original figurine and others art objects did not go unnoticed using spot lighting in the living room, which will emphasize their beauty. Also, spotlight can play the role of additional lighting.

One of the varieties of spot lighting the appliance is spot on. Its design can accommodate either one or several lamps. They provide rotation in a given direction, and this allows you to favorably emphasize one of the fragments of the interior.

directional light fixtures. They can perfectly illuminate objects and those places where space is limited.

Intelligent

lead to some inconvenience. After all, they are difficult to manage. This problem solved with smart lighting systems.

This system makes it easier to control everything lighting fixtures at the same time. To do this, use the control panel, which can be wall-mounted or purchased portable.

Such "smart" lighting has the function of reacting to the appearance of a person. At the same time, immediately the light is on. In addition, you can set the required brightness. 4 minutes after being turned on, this appliance will turn off by itself if there is no movement.

Zoning Basics

When developing a project for a living room, allocate certain zones. Basically, you need to pay special attention to the dining a table, chairs, a resting place where a sofa and a TV are placed.

Areas worth paying attention to can be be more, it all depends on your preference. And just in order to highlight or darken, use general, local and decorative lighting.

Engineering

Care must be taken to ensure that place wall lights. To do this, pay attention to the following recommendations:

1. TV. This can ruin the visibility of the screen due to unwanted glare from lamp.

2. Room proportions, ceiling height and the design of the sconce should affect the height of the luminaire. Dimensions should vary from 1.2 to 1.6 m.

3. If you have a classic interior, then luminaires must be placed symmetrically.

For determining the hanging height of the ceiling lamp, you need to know the height of the ceiling. Here are some tips:

1. If the ceiling is low or the lamp located in a passageway, then the height of the lamp should be 2.1 m and above.

2. If necessary, hang the lamp over the table for food or a table for reading, then it is allowed to lower the lamp a little lower.

For those who plans the lighting of the living room, then special attention must be paid to the degree of illumination, which should be in area 200 lux. You can see the lighting options in the living room, photos of which are presented below.

Design tips

Before starting design and design, to achieve the best effect and result, without errors - use practical recommendations from professionals in this sphere.

No. 1

Decided to choose a light source with an original design? It is important to remember the sense of proportion. Indeed, in this case, it is worth avoiding the use of other spectacular elements - it will not be beautiful.

№2

If the walls in the living room are pastel and the furniture is made in light colors, then the room will be bright even without additional lamps. But here it will not do without the original floor lamp.

№3

Different types of living room lighting will help to ozonize the room. To do this, use decorative lighting and spotlights. It is better to hang an original chandelier in the dining area.

No. 4

If you want to do it in the living room minimalist style, then a round metal lamp will help with this.

№5

If the living room is spacious and has a lot of glossy surfaces, it is better to hang one large chandelier, which is worth place in the center of the room.