The secret to a living room that feels warm and polished is layered light. Learn how to combine ceiling fixtures, floor and table lamps and wall sconces for every mood.

A single ceiling light is enough to see, but it rarely makes a living room feel good. The flat, overhead glare washes out colors and leaves corners in shadow. Designers solve this with layered lighting: several sources at different heights, each with a job, all on dimmers.

The three layers of living room lighting

1. Ambient light

This is the general light that lets you move safely around the room. It usually comes from a ceiling fixture, a chandelier, recessed lights or a flush mount. In a room with an 8-foot ceiling, a flush or semi-flush light keeps headroom. With 9 feet or more, a chandelier or a large pendant adds drama. Browse our living room ceiling lights and living room chandeliers.

2. Task light

Task lighting is brighter, focused light where you read, play games or work. A floor lamp next to an armchair or a table lamp on a side table does the job. Position the bottom of the shade at about eye level when you are seated, around 40 to 42 inches from the floor, so the bulb is hidden and the light falls on your book. See our living room floor lamps.

3. Accent light

Accent light adds depth by highlighting art, shelves, plants or architectural details. Wall sconces, picture lights and adjustable spotlights are the main tools. Accent light should be about three times brighter than the ambient light on the object it highlights. Explore living room wall sconces and adjustable spotlights.

Seven living room lighting ideas

1. Light the four corners. Dark corners make a room feel smaller. A floor lamp or a table lamp in each corner, even unused ones, opens up the space.
2. Create a triangle of lamps. Place three light sources in a loose triangle around the seating area so light is spread evenly and the eye moves around the room.
3. Use an arc lamp over the sofa. In rooms without a ceiling outlet, an arc floor lamp gives overhead light without any wiring.
4. Frame the fireplace or TV with sconces. A pair of sconces at about 60 to 66 inches from the floor creates symmetry and reduces screen glare.
5. Mix heights. Combine a high fixture (ceiling), a middle layer (sconces, tall floor lamps) and a low layer (table lamps). This is what makes a room feel designed.
6. Repeat a finish. Match the metal of your chandelier and your lamp bases, or repeat a natural material such as rattan or wood, to tie the room together.
7. Put everything on dimmers. The same room can host a bright family afternoon and a quiet movie night.

Choosing the right color and brightness

For most living rooms, plan on 10 to 20 lumens per square foot in total, split across your layers, and use warm 2700K bulbs. Learn more in our guides on lumens vs watts and color temperature.

Style ideas

• Modern: sculptural LED chandeliers, slim metal floor lamps and minimal sconces from our modern lighting.
• Scandinavian: light wood, white shades and paper lanterns. See our Scandinavian lighting guide.
• Boho and coastal: woven rattan pendants and bamboo floor lamps from rattan lighting.
• Classic glam: crystal chandeliers and brass table lamps from crystal lighting.

Shop the look

• 
  Fantasia Oro Minimalist LED Light
• 
  Elefante Resina Resin Elephant Table Lamp
• 
  Globo Argento Vintage Wall Light

Frequently asked questions

How many lights should a living room have?

Most living rooms look best with at least three to five light sources: one ambient fixture plus two to four lamps or sconces.

Do I need a ceiling light in the living room?

Not necessarily. Many designers light living rooms with lamps and sconces only. A ceiling light is useful for cleaning and for children playing, though.

What height should a floor lamp be next to a sofa?

The bottom of the shade should be roughly at eye level when you sit, usually 40 to 49 inches from the floor depending on the sofa.

Keep reading

• Bedroom Lighting Guide: Ceiling Lights, Bedside Lamps and Sconces
• Bathroom Lighting Guide: Vanity Lights, Damp Ratings and Placement
• Outdoor Lighting Guide: Porch, Patio and Garden Lights

Every order over $75 ships free, and you have 30 days to return a light that is not right for your space. Questions about a fixture? Email us at contact@lighting-corner.com.

Tags

Floor Lamps Living Room Room Guide Table Lamps Wall Sconces