Sure, we'd all love to have a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood our space with natural light, but the reality is that we don't all have the budget to afford such a luxury. So for those of us furnishing a living room that receives minimal sunlight, a stylish light fixture is the next best thing. Luckily, there are plenty of layouts and fixtures to choose from, and we're sharing some of our favorites.
When considering lighting, think of your lighting and decorating needs in terms of three categories: General lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. All three work together to serve practical and vibe-making purposes. Whether you're a homeowner looking for a timeless staple or a renter searching for an affordable fix, we have a solution that'll brighten up your space.
Scroll through these five living room lighting ideas that will always work.
If you're lucky enough to have high ceilings, take style notes from interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, and hang a statement chandelier. This lighting option is a foolproof way to create a focal point in your living room, and a modern mobile design (like the one pictured) sheds light while adding visual interest to your space.
Wall-mounted sconces are ideal for small living rooms with low ceilings that may not allow for hanging light fixtures. Rather than sacrificing precious square footage to floor lamps or side tables to house table lamps, install a pair of sconces, as interior designer Max Humphrey has above the fireplace here.
For a fixture that'll blend seamlessly into your space, a pendant lamp offers all the convenience of overhead lighting with all the style of a decorative hanging light. If you're working with white walls and a relatively low ceiling, copy this living room and hang a white pendant lamp to give the illusion of a larger space.
The fun part about pendant lighting (and well, lighting and décor in general) is that there are so many style options to choose from. For example, if you're partial to linear, bowl, or drum pendants, or dome, globe, or cylinder pendant lighting, the choice is up to you.
Using wall sconces to illuminate artwork offers several benefits, including focused light that accentuates details and textures, enhancing the visibility of the art. They create a layered ambiance that improves the room's overall atmosphere while saving floor space due to their wall-mounted design. Additionally, sconces come in various styles, allowing them to complement both the artwork and the decor seamlessly, and they help reduce glare, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience. Overall, wall sconces significantly enhance the presentation of art in any space.
Accent lighting is the cherry on top of your glowing sundae, adding texture, shape, and contrast to the room. Whether you opt for a sculptural sconce, a shimmering chandelier, or even an array of candles, decorative lighting can really amp up the mood and style factor of a room.
