While kitchens are often hailed as the “heart of our homes,” living rooms play an equally vital role in contemporary interiors. From quiet nights spent reading and watching television to intimate gatherings of friends and families, living rooms support a multitude of everyday activities.
Although many factors come into play when it comes to creating luxurious and livable spaces, one element, in particular, has transformative potential — lighting.
The right lighting doesn’t just provide critical illumination to see, work, socialize, and play by, it also sets the tone for the entire room by directly impacting its look and feel. The takeaway? If you’re looking to improve your living room, there’s no better place to start than with your lighting.
Wondering where to start? Here are six tips for elevating your living room with better lighting.
1. Make a statement
Lighting is often an afterthought in our living spaces. However, viewing lighting this way is a major missed opportunity to add an element of true beauty and distinction to your space. Today’s high-end lighting brands are constantly pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. The result? Remarkable lighting with the potential to be works of art — in and of themselves.
From sculptural mid-century modern sleek floor lamps to industrial floor lamps, the options are almost endless. In addition to seeking out usual styles and designs, you can also play with size and scale in the form of an oversized chandelier or a series of mix and max lanterns in varying designs, materials, and textures.
And remember: lighting doesn’t have to be ornate or embellished to make a statement. Modern, minimalist lighting can be a simple yet striking choice.
2. Layer it on
We love a show-stopping piece of lighting, and certainly, bold chandeliers, pendants, arc lights, and other fixtures add drama and visual interest to a space. However, the best lighting plans comprise three primary lighting types: accent, task, and ambient lighting.
Not only does layering lighting create an alluring contrast between light and shade, but incorporating a mix of lighting fixtures ensures that your living room will be inviting, functional, and comfortable.
3. Get your glow on with wall lights
While overhead lights, table lamps, and floor lamps may be the first lighting types that come to mind when we think of lighting options. However, another type of fixture has excellent potential when integrated with your living room lighting scheme. We’re talking about sconces and other wall lights, which help to create a gentle and even glow by bouncing light back into living spaces.
Another reason to love wall sconces — especially in smaller living rooms? They take up minimal space thereby minimizing both clutter and wasted space.
One caveat? The positioning of wall lights matters. To help prevent glare, place them above eye level.
4. Consider the corners
If you’re not making use of your corners, lighting is an excellent opportunity to do so. For example, a plush chair, side table, and elegant table or floor lamp add up to a chic and cozy reading nook.
5. Shine a spotlight
In rooms with a deficit of natural lighting, spotlights can be an excellent addition — especially when balanced by floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lights.
We also love dimmable spotlights, which allow you to adjust lighting depending on how you’re using the space at any given moment. Having a game night or helping your kids with homework? More lighting is a must. On the other hand, less light can help you create a particular mood or vibe if you’re hosting a party.
Spotlights and other accent lights are also wonderful tools for showcasing elements within your living room. Bookshelves, wall art, and family portraits are just a few examples of elements within a space that can be highlighted by mindful lighting.
6. Lead with what you love
With so many elegant lighting options from which to choose, it can be overwhelming. One rule of thumb for getting it right? Look for pieces that speak to your sense of style.
If you favor all things sleek and chic, more modern pieces may speak to you. Love old-school Hollywood style? Go for something bold and glamorous. The more your lighting reflects your taste as a homeowner, the more joy and comfort it will bring you.
At Fashion Light Center, we’re big believers in the transformative power of extraordinary lighting, and we like nothing more than helping homeowners enhance their living spaces through better lighting. Whether you’re at the start of your journey and just looking for living room lighting ideas and inspiration or you already know the example floor lamp lighting or accent interior lighting you need to bring your vision to life, we’re excited to help.
FLC is Connecticut’s leading destination for the best floor lamps for living space, decorative floor lamps, ambient living room lighting, reading lamps for living room, task lights, and more—all from trusted leading lighting brands like Robert Abbey, Hinkley, Arnsberg, Regina Andrew, Alora Lighting, Koncept, and more.
For a consultation on your current lighting or to peruse our extensive inventory of high-quality indoor and outdoor lighting, be sure to reach out to us or stop by our Greenwich, CT showroom today.