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Small space lighting


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(Image credit: Yellow London/Matt Clayton)

Small living room lighting ideas aren't just about picking light fittings with the right proportions. 

Lighting can make or break a scheme, and as stylists and interior designers will often explain, there’s no space where it matters more than in multi-tasking, small living rooms. 

The key when you're looking for living room lighting ideas for more compact spaces is to introduce multiple layers that integrate both ambient, decorative and task lighting seamlessly. 

Below, we explain how, with expert input, you can transform your small living room ideas, and give you plenty of visual inspiration, too.

Small living room lighting ideas

Planning living room lighting is all the more important in tight spaces as lighting ideas can make them feel larger if chosen and positioned well. These are our favorite small living room lighting ideas – and we've added lots of useful advice from lighting experts, too.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Small living rooms really only need one focal point, and that can be a light, whether a central pendant, wall light or table lamp. 

‘We are designing products with exaggerated scale to create interest and a sense of fun,' explains Niki Wright, founder of lights&lamps .  'This could be across a collection of lamps with a similar textured surface, or the use of geometric shapes such as domes, cones and globes. A statement lamp can have such gravitas in a living room whilst a similarly shaped lamp in a smaller scale can be a lot more practical in a nook or placed on a small shelf whilst still coordinating.'

2. Light up shadowy corners

(Image credit: Yellow London/Matt Clayton)

The most important job of small living room lighting ideas is to make sure the whole room gets the light it needs, when it needs it. In compact rooms with less-than-ideal levels of natural light, it’s much easier for corners to become shadow traps, making the space feel even smaller at night. Good lighting can make a small living room look bigger.

Banish this problem by situating light sources in these corners, as demonstrated in this design for a living room TV nook by Yellow London , which tucks table lamps and standing lamps where they are needed most. 

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

‘Period properties are usually blessed with high ceilings and so scale is a key element in bringing the two together. Equally we see modern designs used in as many period style homes as modern and with a minimalist style and exaggerated proportions, they can fill a space without jarring against an ornate ceiling rose. Again, traditional materials such as marble sit comfortably in a period property but used in more contemporary forms mean the two marry well,’ says lighting expert Niki Wright.

4. Choose lamps that double as works of art

(Image credit: Christine Retlev/Adam Macchia )

By definition, smaller rooms mean less space to fit in the more frivolous aspects of interior design – and that can mean artwork gets bumped down the priority list behind more useful objects. To pack as much unique character as you can into a small living room, look for light fittings that double as works of art. 

In the home of furniture expert Christine Retlev , the living room sofa is flanked by a pair of highly sculptural plaster lamps from Blackman Cruz. If you have wall space to spare, consider sculptural living room wall lighting ideas that give as much character to the space as a painting, but with added glow.  

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Lighting can be effectively used in small living rooms to enhance architectural spaces, from fireplaces to alcoves.

‘Lighting can absolutely change the atmosphere in a room. It can highlight other design elements within the space, it can make a room appear bigger if positioned correctly, it can even change the feeling of temperature in a room; but also, with the use of interesting materials or exaggerated scale it can make a statement in its own right,’ notes Niki Wright.

Here, the living room alcoves are highlighted by shapely table lamps, and the effect exaggerated by mirrors behind.

6. Put downlights on a separate circuit

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin / Katie Goring)

‘Put all lights on dimmer switches and have a variety of circuits in each room – usually one for downlight, one for table lamps and one for the central light,’ advises lighting specialist, Lucy Vaughan . 

For small living room ideas with a lower ceiling like this one, a statement chandelier might be too imposing, but it’s still important to get some light into the centre of the room. Use downlights, controlled separately, to illuminate the coffee table.

7. Consider chandeliers for small living rooms

(Image credit: Original BTC/Chris Everard )

'Large scale lighting does have a place in small living rooms, so you can consider over-sized living room ceiling ideas and even living room chandelier ideas,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens. 'However, it will be the focal point of the space, so the rest of the scheme needs to be quite muted – that's not to say boring – so that the room doesn't feel crowded. The other rule to consider is the height of the light; it needs to hang at least 7ft from the floor.'

8. Create zones with lighting

(Image credit: Lisa Staton Interior Design/Haris Kenjar)

When thinking about small living room lighting, consider how its usage can actually help alter the layout of the room. In a small room that has multiple jobs to do – a living room can at once be a playroom, a home office, a TV room and more – it can be harder to add a sense of division to dedicated areas. 

Specific task or mood lighting can help zone an area: in this room by designer Lisa Staton , a reclined armchair is accompanied by a floor reading lamp, indicating that this part of the room is perfect for perching in with a good book. 

9. Choose a multi-directional chandelier 

(Image credit: Davide Lovati)

One of the biggest living room lighting trends right now is adding a contemporary spin to classic chandelier design. The most popular way to do this is to opt for a sputnik chandelier – a mid-century modern-style lighting arrangement that usually sees bulbs attached to the ends of spokes that shoot out in myriad directions.  

Not only is this a dynamic choice, but it also works well in smaller rooms with less natural light, casting its glow across all parts of the room, and even into shadowier corners.  

10. Choose minimal but impactful fittings 

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

A small living room can’t always handle a dramatically large light fitting. If you want to make a statement without crowding the space, consider a more minimal ceiling fixture that makes an impact because of its interesting design, not its physical size. 

In this room, a light fitting consisting of a brass hoop with an LED bar across its middle puts a very contemporary stamp on the room, but its simplicity and embracing of negative space means its presence is far from overbearing. 

11. Use living room lighting to enhance mood

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Changing just a few light fittings can have a huge impact on any interior, but particularly when looking at apartment living room ideas.  

The easiest way to update your scheme is to add floor and table lighting. Not only are they visually appealing but, when placed carefully, can help enhance the atmosphere of a room making it warm and romantic, crisp and bright, or cool and sophisticated. 

A bit of imagination, a modest budget and a plug socket are all that is needed. Although it might seem more complicated, changing pendants needn’t be daunting – and needn't cost much.

(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard / Sally Conran)

Creating a statement scheme is a big look right now. Decorative shades, such as patterned options in linen, are easy updates and great for adding bursts of eye-catching color to a room, day or night, without having to change your wall color or furniture.

13. Be sure to have enough light

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Layers of light are the most effective way to illuminate a room that is likely to be used for different purposes, including entertaining and relaxing, reading a book or watching television. This can be achieved with a combination of decorative wall and table lamps with architectural lighting, so that you can switch between them as required. 

‘It’s important to create layers for practicality and ambience; a mix of downlights in the ceiling, tasking lighting for work or to ready by, and decorative lighting,’ explains Vaughan.

14. Highlight important details

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)

Give your eye something pleasing to focus on when entering your living room. More directional LED downlights can be used to illuminate a bookcase or curtains, while others can be used to highlight the coffee table and provide a central focus. A traditional picture light can work well above a painting, but a directional LED downlight is a good if there is insufficient room to fit a picture light.

15. Go for mobile – or wall hung – small living room lights

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

Traditional decorative table and wall lamps create general light and can be switched on and off according to mood. Table lamps are are brilliant choice for small living rooms as they can be moved around easily when not in use.

16. Invest in a large living room light fixture

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Don’t be afraid to go big with your small living room lighting ideas. Oversized pendant lighting is a surprisingly wonderful option for small spaces. 

It takes a little bravery, but you can afford to use larger lights than you might at first think sensible. Big chandeliers, drum pendants and giant floor lamps are all very much in vogue for those who like their lighting to make a statement. Try making a similar splash by choosing large-scale pieces that will anchor a scheme.

Ultimately, your lights will spend more time off than on. They have to sit well within your scheme and look great all the time – not just when they’re on. Remember that you can change a lampshade quite inexpensively, so don’t be afraid to be bold.

17. Think about materials and texture

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

‘Effective lighting can transform your home, defining space, highlighting design schemes and creating atmosphere and interest,' advises Peter Bowles, Managing Director at Original BTC .  

'Consider materials and function – bone china gives a gentle, ambient glow, prismatic glass exaggerates and intensifies light, while aluminum and other metals bring a more industrial flavor and greater visual impact.’

18. Utilize every light source

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

Be generous with your small living room lighting ideas. The more sources of light you have, the more moods you can create. Narrow living rooms can often feel cramped, dull and dim, so you want to make the most of every element of light available. 

Clustering a few small lamps is a great way to add impact to an alcove or mantelpiece. A handful of small pendant lampshades over a coffee table will have a bigger visual effect than using one alone.

19. Create symmetry in a small living room with lighting

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

If you want to create a smart, designed look then go for symmetry with your lighting and small living room storage ideas. Paired lamps on matching console tables or at either end of a mantelpiece will frame whatever is between them and give a structure to your scheme.

20. Use light fixtures to add color and intrigue

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lewis)

'Creating the right ambience is essential within any space,' advises Claire Anstey, lighting buyer at Heal’s . 'Lighting is becoming more decorative; it’s a brilliant way of injecting color or personality into any room, at minimal cost. 

'Whether it be a statement pendant in a living room or a classic reading lamp in the corner, using lighting to refresh a space is a really easy but affordable way to update your home.’

21. Make it match

(Image credit: Future/Jake Curtis)

It is often said that sticking to neutral color scheme will help to create a simple, bright scheme, and that certainly rings true for small living room lighting ideas, too. 

'Add a sense of harmony to your scheme by matching accessories and soft furnishings to the colors of your lampshade,' says Sophie Amini, designer at Pooky .

22. Position furniture first

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Consider the layout of furniture first, and then plan lighting to suit. Incorporate floor sockets that can be hidden under a couch for a small living room and wiring that can be hidden behind objects. The light fittings in this basement living room visually blend into the scheme for an uncluttered, minimal aesthetic.

23. Factor in a functional, family-friendly scheme

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

With clever small living room lighting ideas, the same scheme can create many different settings, from cosy dinners and family homework sessions to late-night movie watching. Banish the overpowering light hanging from the centre of the room and go for layers, up and down, so you can adapt to different moods and activities. 

This means a mixture of overhead lighting, pendants, floor-standing lights and table lamps. Task lighting is essential of course, but one glaring light doesn’t make for a relaxing or pleasant chill-out.

24. Highlight selectively with clever small living room lighting ideas

(Image credit: Future / John Cullen)

Avoid lighting every picture or feature in a room; instead decide at the outset which will be the main points of focus. Too much accent light will lessen the impact and create only general background light. In this room, the fireplace is gently lit with uplights for a subtle highlight, leaving some shadow elsewhere.

25. Use mirrors to double lighting effects

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

This small living room has an extra trick up its sleeve: the symmetrical table lamps on the console table sit in front of a large mirror. In daylight, the mirror makes the room feel larger and brighter – and creates wonderful double views of the furnishings, including the lights. 

At night, the soft, warm glow given off by the table lamps is doubled, enhancing the depth that the mirror gives the room still more, making this one of the most effective space-enhancing small living room lighting ideas.

26. Include a wall light in a small or narrow space

(Image credit: Graham & Green)

Efficient living room wall lighting ideas are exceptional space-savers – and make a wonderful addition to small or long living room.

You can wall lights them to highlight key areas, such as exquisite artwork, architectural details or statement pieces of furniture. In this room, the brass design is illuminating the record player and will cast a glow on the artwork too. They can be used as a pair or make a feature of a single design. 

27. Create an eclectic look by mixing up styles

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

‘Employ a modern floor lamp beside an antique living room sofa to create a curated look, and likewise, a pair of contemporary lamps on antique tables work particularly well. Similarly, antique lamps on contemporary side tables,’ says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord . 

This light-filled space has a cozy feel thanks to the carefully-chosen living room color scheme, while the vintage floor lamp blends in perfectly. The shape of the shade will ensure that once the natural light fades, it will offset a beautiful diffused glow. 

28. Use a table lamp to create a decorative corner

(Image credit: KDLoves)

There are many statement table lamps on offer today like this beautiful design with its bold colored base and decorative shade. Use this kind of style to brighten up a dark corner and match it to your color scheme. All you need to do is pull out one or two key colors and carry that through into your soft furnishings and accessories. This one works particularly well as the sofa and pillows are plain, but one has a neon trim that matches the trim on the lampshade – it’s these kinds of details that count. 

29. Go high with your placement

(Image credit: Jonathan Adler)

We talk about layering your lighting in terms of pendants, wall lights, floor and table lamps, but you can also layer in terms of height too. 

Table lamps tend to be placed on side tables and consoles, but why not put one higher up as Jonathan Adler has so done here? 

It will create a glow lower than a pendant, but higher than a standard lamp-on-side-table arrangement so will create a glow in a different way, the key is to mix it up a little and not to conform to the standard placement.  

How do you light a small living room? 

Getting the balance right between lighting types, sources and styles can be tricky, especially in small living room lighting ideas. 

‘Lighting helps create the atmosphere in a living room,’ says interior designer Amy Jones . ‘It’s the space where a multitude of activities take place from entertaining friends and bingeing on box sets to reading – so you need a carefully considered lighting plan that facilitates all of those things.’

Simon Wallis-Smith, director and designer at Fritz Fryer Lighting , add: ‘A well-conceived lighting scheme can enable you to highlight a small room’s architectural features, as well as provide task lighting where you need it most, and set the right mood. Without a good lighting scheme, it’s all just a guess.’

It’s not always about the quantity of lighting fittings in a compact scheme. It depends on the space you have and what it’s used for. The best small living room lighting schemes layer different types of light, allowing maximum flexibility within the room. Smart small living room lighting ideas can help you visually divide or zone an open-plan space, as much as furniture can, by illuminating each part differently.

What kind of lighting is best for a living room?

Rapid changes in technology combined with an ever-increasing array of finishes, styles and shapes have made lighting one of the most exciting areas of contemporary design.

In terms of living room lighting ideas, you need to split your lighting into task, accent and ambient – they each require very different lights. 

Desk and floor lamps, with their directional lights are best for task lighting; while accent lighting is useful to illuminate artwork, furniture and features (think picture lights or recessed spots on a tall wall to highlight its height). 

Ambient lighting, which should be considered last in a scheme, adds atmosphere and creates mood. It’s a combination of all three that makes for a comprehensive and considered scheme.

Good quality LEDs will provide an attractive quality of light and color rendition – discreet, low glare fittings work best.

How can lighting make my room look bigger? 

Small living room lighting ideas certainly have the ability to make your space look bigger. 'It’s all about illuminating the corners of a room and layering light,’ explains Wallis-Smith. 

‘The trick is to incorporate as many layers as possible, so that no one light source is trying to do too much in your room.’ 

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

With contributions from

Small Living Room Lighting Ideas – Forbes Home

Bad lighting can make a room feel small and gloomy. If space is limited in your living room, and you’re searching for ways to give the lights in your small space an upgrade, you just need a few bright ideas. From ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps and accent lights, cast a new light on your small living room with a few creative lighting solutions.

Get inspired and brighten up your space with these 11 small living room lighting ideas.

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1. Place Lighting Behind Your Furniture

Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker

In smaller rooms, we often try to get more floor space by pushing the furniture up against the walls. However, when it comes to sneaking in extra light, float your furniture. By pulling a few pieces of furniture away from the wall and placing a tall or arching floor lamp behind the furniture, not only will the lights brighten up the room, but the floor lamp adds some visual interest. Try this lighting solution with an accent chair, in a dark corner or close to the main seating area in your living room.

2. Layer the Lights

Jessica Lagrange Interiors/Nathan Kirkman

When decorating a smaller space, you may think less is more. However, when it comes to lighting your small living room—more is more. From a large fixture on the ceiling, floor lights in the room, a set of lamps and accent lights on the walls and near furniture, layer your lights to brighten the room, create mood and to add practical and tasking lighting to the places you need it most. If there is a spot in your living room where you like to read or watch TV, make sure the layers of light are focused on that space.

3. Double Up

Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker

If you have a gorgeous ceiling fixture that you love—make it a double. By doubling the center lights, you’ll create symmetry in your living room, and also a fun design element. Plus the added light will make a dark room instantly brighter and draw your eyes up to give the room a larger appearance. While mixing and matching lights work within the room, if you are doubling up the ceiling light over one space, stick to the same design to avoid making the room look choppy.

4. Go for Multitasking Lights

Layla Grayce/laylagrayce

Choose lighting that can pull double duty. An end table and lamp combo or a side table with attached lights are great options. Since you’re limited on space in a small living room but need both pieces in the room, finding a creative and stylish solution is the best of both worlds. Plus, for the times that it feels like you’re really limited on space and need more room to entertain, these pieces of furniture can be moved around the room and light up different spaces when needed.

5. Create Symmetry

Design Lines Signature/designlinessignature

A pair of matching lamps will help to frame different parts of your room and create symmetry around your couch or fireplace. Rather than taking two matching lamps and scattering them in the same room, allow them to pull your eyes to a focal point. An added bonus to grabbing two of the same lamps– this design trick gives the illusion that your space is actually bigger because it feels more cohesive.

6. Add Sconces to the Walls

Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker

Including wall sconces will save space and add perfect pops of light exactly where you need them. From brightening a dark corner, framing a gorgeous piece of art or adding extra light to the spot you like to relax and scroll, don’t let a lack of electricity stop your wall scones plans. You can add sconces without hiring an electrician by simply using puck lights that are powered by a remote to the sconce. Attach the puck lights to where the light bulb would go, and you’re ready to brighten up your space.

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7. Choose Lightning That Looks Like Art

Layla Grayce/laylagrayce

If you’re limited on wall space, let your lighting work as pieces of art in your small living room. Skip the standard lamps and lampshades, and forget the basic ceiling lights. Instead, let your style and aesthetic shine through the lighting choices. Spice up your small space with fabulous lighting options. Choose bold and creative lighting that adds interest to the room, and vary the styles. Hang a grouping of lights in a corner, play with height and texture on table lamps and vary the color and size of your ceiling lights.

8. Supersize the Statement Lighting

Layla Grayce/laylagrayce

Just because you’re decorating a small space doesn’t mean you have to choose small lights. An oversize ceiling light is a fun design option and you won’t have to worry that it will shrink the space. The larger light will function as a statement piece, drawing your eyes up and bathing the walls and floor with more light so they appear more spaced out.

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9. Choose a Light That Covers a Wide Area

Project London/proj_london

Add warmth and light to your small living room by choosing lighting options that have multiple bulbs. Not only are these modern lights stylish and fun, but they double as a smart lighting solution in poorly lit rooms. While traditional lights shine down in one space, a multi-bulb table lamp, floor lamp or ceiling light will stretch the lights across the room and add light to more of your space.

10. Add Light to Shelves

Project London/proj_london

Highlight the decor and accent pieces that line the shelves in your living room by adding shelf lighting. These types of fixtures add a softness to your room and can make the books, art and photos on your shelves become standout features. The glow from shelf lights isn’t overwhelming but can offer a nice background light in your room.

11. Decorate With Transparent Lights

Living with Lolo Design Firm/livingwithloloaz

Let the natural light pour into your living room and reflect off your fixtures. Transparent lighting—like crystal and clear glass accents on lamps and chandeliers—gives the room an open and bright feel. When the lights are turned on and the sun’s rays are brightening the room, the entire space will look like it’s glowing.

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Lighting in a small apartment: light that creates space

If this task seems very simple to you (hang a chandelier in the center of the ceiling - and that's it), then you are greatly mistaken. In conditions of limited space, lighting makes a big difference. With a shortage of light, a small room resembles a cave, and with an excess of it, the tenants will feel uncomfortable, as if under the light of spotlights. These simple rules will help to correctly organize the lighting of small spaces without sacrificing coziness and comfort.

Rule 1: don't limit yourself to one light source

A single lamp or floor lamp creates long shadows that definitely won't add coziness to the room (and will also frighten the especially impressionable in the evenings). Use 2 or even better 3 light sources in different corners of the room to illuminate all its corners and create the feeling of an open, friendly space. The best option is a combination of the main lamp in the center of the ceiling, a lamp near the bed and an additional source - a sconce or floor lamp located diagonally from the bedside lamp. Such placement of fixtures will ensure uniform coverage of all corners of the room.

Rule 2: buy a large mirror

This is a must have for a small room, especially with little natural light. A large mirror, placed opposite the window, reflects both natural and artificial light from the central lamp, adding to the luxe space.

Lux (lx) - a unit of measurement of surface illumination according to the International System of Units SI. 1 lux is equal to the illumination of a square meter of area with a luminous flux of 1 lumen. The comfortable level of illumination of a small room according to SanPiN is 150 lux. It takes into account all light sources, including reflective surfaces. You can measure the level of illumination using a special device - a luxmeter.

Rule 3: choose large open lamps

A large lamp with an opaque solid lampshade will not look very good in a small apartment, but fashionable lamps in eco or high-tech style, with openwork elements or perforations, are a completely different matter. Firstly, they diffuse light better, and secondly, they visually make the room more spacious. In extreme cases, choose lamps with solid but transparent shades.

Rule 4: Look out for luminaires with swing arms

A lamp that can be turned in any direction is a real find for a small room. In stores you can find very nice ceiling lamps and floor lamps on convenient swivel brackets. They can be easily adjusted to illuminate the desired area.

Rule 5: make walls and ceilings light

Dark wallpaper in small apartments is a fiasco in terms of lighting. From the school bench it is known that dark colors absorb light. Therefore, if you do not have a goal to turn your small room into a dark lair, choose light colors for wall and ceiling decoration. If you want to achieve the maximum effect of light reflection, use glossy wallpaper or paint.

Rule 6: Don't limit natural light

A common design mistake in small rooms is that owners use layered window decoration that they think looks “expensive”. But heavy drapes and miles of tulle curtains absorb natural light. Even on a bright day, twilight reigns in the room, hiding the luxury of the interior, over which they tried so hard. Therefore, there should not be any multilayer decor. Light lace curtains or beautiful patterned blinds look no less presentable and at the same time do not take away precious suites.

Rule 7: look for inspiration from lighting experts

Websites and instagrams of famous designers will help you comprehend all the subtleties of lighting design in any room, including small ones. After all, as they say, it is better to see once than to read a hundred times. Look for posts with the #lightdesign tag and get inspired by the work of the masters.

What should be the lighting in the interior?

Anna Feoktistova, our friend and founder of the Khvoya brand, is talking about where and what lamps are appropriate to use and what design suits whom.

Lighting is the most important tool for shaping space. Its task is not just to illuminate, but to create a pleasant environment for life.

Lighting is divided into natural and artificial:

1. The first is street (daylight) light. Without it, it is impossible to stay indoors for a long time. Sunlight solves many problems.

2. Second, all light sources inside the house. It is they and their competent placement that will help make the interior not only beautiful, but also comfortable for life (by this I mean the level of a person’s physical and psychological state). We'll talk about this.

How to start? Features of modern lighting in the interior

Start with yourself and identify your own needs!

Think about what you like to do, find the right area for it. Always try to answer the question "Why?", then the errors will be minimal.

For example: "There will be a sconce here, because on this wall I want to hang my favorite reproduction and highlight it with light. And this simple sconce will be white, like a wall, because the main thing is the picture and the emphasis should be on it."

Lighting scenarios in the apartment

Several scenarios can be created in one space:

  1. bright basic lighting (chandeliers and any ceiling lighting).

  2. subdued evening, when bright light is not needed (sconces, floor lamps, decorative lamps, hidden lights).

  3. accent lighting for a zone or object. When you need to highlight something (ceiling and wall lights with directional light).

  4. festive (decorative lamps, garlands)

When we talk about lighting options, we assume that different lights will be switched on with different switches. You can also use walk-through switches for convenience. You can turn on the lighting from two switches located at different ends of the room. Such switches are convenient to use in long rooms, corridors, bedrooms.

The use of dimmers will also help in creating different lighting scenarios. The invention, of course, is not new, but very useful. With the help of a dimmer switch, you can adjust the illumination from each lamp. It is important to remember here that not all lamps are dimmable. Most LED bulbs are non-dimmable.

Thinking through scenarios and making electrical wiring is one of the first stages in the repair.

What kind of light sources are there?

Primary light source(s). They provide maximum light. And additional local lights that organize secondary lighting scenarios.

Types of luminaires:

1. Chandeliers

2. Pendant lights

3. Surface-mounted ceiling lights for general lighting

4. Falled point lamps

5. Introduced point lamps (SPOS)

6. Track lamps

7. BRA

8. Thorshores

9. Table lamps

10. Decorative lighting - built -in light lights, built -in light lights, built -in lighting lights. festive lighting, garlands

There are general recommendations and rules for the placement of lamps. But I urge: choose lamps, starting from the style of the interior and needs.

What to choose for the main lighting in the living room?

1. Chandelier

Chandelier - one of the types of pendant lamps designed to create shadowless lighting.

Chandelier - the center piece. It can become an accent in the interior, highlight a certain area, act as the main source of lighting. For example, it will fit perfectly over a coffee table in the sofa area and will become the main compositional element of the recreation area. There is a truth and a minus: the possibility of rearranging furniture is limited by the fact that the chandelier organizes the space around it.

In which interior is it appropriate to use a chandelier?

It is customary to emphasize the space with a chandelier, so it should be enough. Classic chandeliers are more vertically elongated, so they need high ceilings. Chandeliers in modern styles are both horizontal and vertical.

If we talk about styles, then designers are experimenting more and more and, along with understandable things, combine the seemingly incongruous! It is quite possible to find a classic chandelier in a concrete apartment, or, conversely, a modern geometric one - in walls with wide cornices and openwork moldings.

Using a classic chandelier in a traditional interior, you can almost not worry about the result - it will surely fit in well! But if you want to make an unusual accent element, be careful! The rest of the interior in this case should become the background, in some places in the details only emphasizing the style of the chandelier.

Installation height depends largely on the situation. Usually at least 2.2 m from the floor, so as not to touch the head or hands. However, if the chandelier is hanging over a coffee table in the living room, it is appropriate to make it lower.

One chandelier in the center of the room will not solve the problem of lighting. This is the main element that gives a lot of light, but with it alone the corners will remain in the shade. Therefore, additional light sources are needed.

2. Spot lighting (spots)

Spotlights - small luminaires with directional light, having a certain angle of light propagation and illumination radius.

Types of ceiling spotlights:

  1. built-in spots

  2. surface-mounted lamps

  3. track systems

The peculiarity of the lamps is that they can be used both as main lighting and as accent lighting. The main thing is to choose the right lamp. Lamps come in different beam angles. For example, for a conventional incandescent lamp, the scattering angle is 360 degrees, i.e. it shines in all directions and gives a general flood light. Halogen and LED lamps for spotlights with GU10 and GU5.3 sockets have a narrower angle. Most often it varies from 20 to 150 degrees. The range from 20 to 40 is suitable for local illumination of a picture or decorative elements. For the main lighting, an angle of more than 60 degrees is needed.

Spot and track lights are appropriate in almost any interior, whether it is an interpretation of the classics, loft or minimalism. You can make them completely invisible or, conversely, accented.

If you use lamps as the main lighting, it is important to correctly calculate exactly how many lamps you need and at what distance from each other they should be located. As a rule, the distance between spotlights is made no more than 1. 5 m. Of course, there are calculation formulas, but it’s best to contact the lighting store, where the manager will help you determine the required power and number of lamps for your room.

Total:

Use the chandelier in a high large room in combination with additional lighting elements.

Spotlights suitable for rooms with low ceilings, rooms with frequent changes, for accent lighting.

3. Wall lamps (sconces) - what and why?

Wall luminaires - sources of additional lighting, mounted in a wall or on a wall. There are two types - built-in or overhead (sconces).

Overhead brackets available in various designs:

  1. Horn. The most familiar and common type of bra.

  2. Wall (surface). Appropriate in cases where the room is narrow, so as not to interfere with the passage. Most often used in corridors and stairwells.

  3. Picture lighting.

  4. Stationary. Sconces that do not have additional scenarios illuminate only in one position.

  5. Adjustable. The design of such sconces has movable elements, by controlling which, you can change the lighting.

  6. With reflected light. Such sconces give a soft, light light. Most often, wall sconces are found with reflected light.

  7. With directional light.

The type of sconce largely depends on the interior style and purpose.

Switch the main light to the wall lamp and achieve a subdued cozy atmosphere. They will help organize the work area, a place for reading, highlight the interesting texture of the wall.

If you want to use a wall lamp in your work area instead of a table lamp, try the adjustable version with up to 60 cm of extension from the wall so you can control the light as needed.

Remember, the lamp should not interfere with the passage. If the room is narrow, use surface sconces that do not protrude much. Or completely abandon them and make accent ceiling lighting.

Every luminaire needs space, so choose a place for the sconce so that it is not "cramped" on the wall.

Kitchen and dining group

The kitchen area must have general lighting and illumination of the work surface. This is a set that is necessary for convenience and cooking.

In addition to uniform lighting with luminaires, it would be nice to place a luminaire above the dining group. It can be a pendant lamp or a sconce.

Install the lamp in the kitchen at a height of 1. 3-1.4 m from the floor (50-70 cm from the countertop).

If we talk about lamps above the bar, then here the height should be made a little higher - 1.6-1.8 m from the floor.

If the table is against the wall, you can use the sconce. An interesting solution is a console wall lamp with an extension of up to 1 meter in length. The installation height of such a lamp is also 50-70 cm from the countertop.

If your room is small, do not overload it, use small lamps or lamps in light colors or with glass shades. Openwork lamps made of metal or wood can look spectacular.

Many manufacturers produce a series of lamps, in the same material, but in different sizes and shapes, and offer us to experiment and show imagination. Combine in various combinations and hang at different heights!

What can you experiment with?

With cable!

Suspension lamps with textile braided wires look impressive. It can be a twisted wire or a simple round braided wire. The number of color options is huge!

Exposed wiring can be an interesting design element. Attach it to the surface of the wall or ceiling with clips for exposed wiring, if the cable is twisted - using insulators.

Important to know!

If you use a ceiling lamp or a chandelier in the center of the kitchen as the main lighting, do not hang pendant lamps above the dining group! They will "argue" with each other. The best solution is a sconce.

If the main lighting is spotlights, hanging lights above the dining group will be a great option!

Corridor lighting

Consider several options. Let's say we have a wide spacious hall with a width of at least 1.5 meters with a console table for keys or a bench. For such a room, central lighting with a chandelier or overhead lamp is suitable. On the walls you can make a sconce. Place them, for example, over a table or near a mirror. The installation height of the sconce can vary from 1.6 to 1.8 m above the floor.

If your hall is narrow and long, the best option would be to use built-in or overhead accent lights.

Recessed lamps will be appropriate in a minimalist interior. It can be both spotlights and linear ones.

Tip! If you have a long corridor, you can visually reduce it by making the far wall accent and highlighting it. All bright or illuminated surfaces visually appear closer.

Bedroom lighting

The bedroom can also have main lighting in the form of a chandelier or ceiling spotlights. Although often it is not done in order to initially create a cozy atmosphere for relaxation and sleep. The issue of lighting in this case is solved by decorative lamps. These can be sconces, spot lighting of individual interior elements, hidden LED lights. And, of course, nightlights by the bed, so that, for example, you can read a book.

The reading sconce can be comfortably installed at a height of about 100-120 cm from the floor.

Bedside lamps can be pendant, wall or table lamps. By the way, they can be placed asymmetrically - on one side of the bed - a lamp, on the other - a table lamp.

If we talk about pendant lights, you can combine 2-3 lights together. The recommended ceiling installation height is 90 cm from the floor. It's a good idea in this case to consider a small hook for fixing so that they do not sway from side to side when you accidentally touch them or open the window and the wind blows.

The main thing for bedside lamps is that they can be turned on without getting out of bed. Choose fixtures with a switch on the body. Or make a walk-through switch - one at the entrance to the bedroom, the second - above the head of the bed.

Light in the nursery

A child's room is a whole world with many tasks and functions - it is a bedroom, a playroom, and a workplace. There should be general lighting in the form of a chandelier or spotlights, and a sconce by the bed (or pendant lamp), and a table lamp, and possibly some other additional decorative lighting.

It is advisable to choose a sconce by the bed in the nursery with a power button on the body and swivel so that you can adjust the direction of the light. The installation height of the sconce is not less than 50 cm above the bed.

Shower room and toilet

In the toilet, in addition to general lighting, it is also good to have mirror lighting. It can be a sconce or a backlight mounted in a mirror. Its main purpose is to shine on the face without creating falling shadows. Therefore, it is good if the sconce is with a general flood light or with the possibility of turning the ceiling.

Interesting solutions can be obtained with LED lights. It is only important to remember that it makes sense to highlight something beautiful. It can be a wall made of an unusual material (for example, stone, wood, or embossed) or a separate interesting element on the wall.

When choosing luminaires for damp rooms, you must also look at the level of protection against moisture. It is designated as IP44, where the first is protection against the ingress of solid objects and dust on a scale of 0-6, the second is the degree of protection against moisture on a scale of 0 to 8. More on this in our other post on the protection class of devices - here . If the luminaire is marked IP44, it is suitable for wet rooms.

Where can I find lamps?

Logical question! Well, first of all, of course, in the legko. com store. And there are several industries that I would like to pay special attention to. High quality thoughtful design. But judge for yourself!

When it comes to recessed, surface-mounted and track systems, I would recommend two brands. The first is more economical option, the second is more premium. Both are noteworthy.

SLV is a German brand of built-in and surface-mounted luminaires. Minimalistic design and excellent quality!

Centrsvet is another manufacturer of spotlights and recessed luminaires in minimalist and functionalist styles.

A pendant lamp or chandelier is an important topic, I have already said that they can become an accent around which the rest of the space is formed. The choice of pendant lights is very large, it is easy to get confused. Therefore, I will tell you a little about the design icons that are always on everyone's lips and are always appropriate, and about the lamps that I like, but have not yet gained such popularity.

If three or four years ago loft-style lamps were at the peak of popularity, now there is a return to the styles of the 60-80s of the last century. Designers are not afraid to mix retro styles with minimalism, classics or loft. Many manufacturers make replicas of lamps created by famous designers of the 20th century. Factory FLOS, for example, whose history began in the 70s. XX century.

One of the first lamps was Zeppelin (pictured above), it is still being produced with success.

60s-80s design and big brands are not limited. Dima Loginov, a famous Russian designer, one of his lamps is Mountain view, designed for the Axolight factory, in the photo above. There are young productions in Russia, the founder of one of which I myself am: Khvoya, Woodled, Garage Factory, Tayga Design, Anastasiya Kosheeva, Mayna. About some of them there was a separate post dedicated to wooden lamps. Designers work with traditional Russian materials and technologies. This makes the lamps memorable and distinguishes them from foreign counterparts.

Many are members of the Industrial Designers Club and are gathered in a common space - the Design Library in Moscow.

NEEDLE. Pendant lamp "Cap"

WOODLED. Pendant lights "Rotor and Satellite"

GARAGE FACTORY. Pendant lamp "Loona" and wall lamp "Boomerang"

Tayga Design. Pendant lamps "Crusta White" and "Iussi"

Anastasia Kosheeva. A series of pendant lamps "Svetoch"

MAYNA. Floor lamps "Aton, Las, Nodo"

Conclusion

Everything is changing rapidly in the world. More recently, in the bedroom, we conservatively put two table lamps or sconces on the bedside tables.

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