Assess the Space and Your Lighting Needs
A great place to start is to assess both the space and your lighting needs. Consider things like:
- How much natural light does the room get?
- How do you intend to use the space?
- How do you want the room to feel?
Large multipurpose rooms, like a living room, typically benefit from three types of lighting:
- Ambient lighting – The base layer that lights up the whole room.
- Task lighting – Brighter light for specific activities like reading or crafts.
- Accent lighting – Decorative or directional lighting to add warmth and visual interest.
Choose Ceiling Lights That Complement the Room
Ambient lighting needs to be accounted for first. This can be tricky when there’s architectural details like these high ceilings and exposed wood beams. It can feel like adding ceiling lights would make the space too busy.
However, Monica insists that adding ceiling lights won't compete with beams and vaulted ceilings, it'll actually accentuate them. “As soon as you walk in, your eye is going to go up, you’re going to see the light but they’re also going to do something else,” says Monica. “They’re going to bring the ceiling down a little bit so it gives it more of a cozy feeling.”
The rattan pendant lights shown here have the same tones as the wood beams, which ties the two elements together. If your living room has lower ceilings, you can still get the same look with flush and semi-flush mount options.
Layer in Task Lighting
This is where you need to consider how you want to use the space. Do you love to curl up with a good book? Use a dedicated pendant light or a lamp to create a reading area in a corner of the room. Since this isn't the main source of light, it's the perfect opportunity to choose a fixture that’s a bit edgier than the others in the room.
Are you going for an eclectic bohemian vibe? Try a lamp with a neutral shade and a textured base resembling vintage pottery. For a sleek, modern space, try something with gold accents.
If your overhead lights also have a shade, it’s helpful to keep all the colors within the same palette to give your space visual balance. The goal is to enhance the space with each element instead of having one that commands all the attention.
Add Accent Lights
If your living room doesn’t get much natural light, you’ll need multiple sources of light to brighten it up. Not to mention you may not want to turn on your bright overhead lights when you have guests over in the evenings.
Instead, add a tall floor lamp in the corner of the room. The lamp’s diffused lighting will make the space feel cozy and welcoming. A floor lamp with multiple bulbs will distribute the light evenly around the living room, while a lamp with a single bulb will keep the light contained to a single area.
Choose the Right Light Bulbs
Having stylish fixtures but the wrong light bulbs can leave you unsatisfied with the results. Choose from options like smart bulbs that can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, dimmable bulbs and specialty bulbs that are great for exposed fixtures.
Pay attention to the color temperature of the bulbs when you’re shopping too. Bulbs described as soft white are warm and perfect for overhead lights. Bright white bulbs are more neutral and are great for task lighting, while daylight bulbs are crisp and bright. For more in-depth information, check out our article all about choosing the right light bulbs.
The right fixtures and the right bulbs can instantly change the look and feel of a room. Explore our assortment of on-trend lighting to elevate your space today.