Living Room Lighting

Lighting Ideas for Living Areas

A bedroom or living room typically has a single flush light fixture in the center of the ceiling; in a dining room this light may be a chandelier or other type of pendant light. Although this is fine, you will be happier with a more creative arrangement that enhances the way you live. Try these recommendations:

Adding more illumination can have positive results. You'll likely be surprised by the room's pleasant atmosphere.

Living, family and great rooms almost always benefit from layers of lighting. It's a good idea to supply two types of ambient lighting. This can include a single flush light or chandeliers in the center of the room, plus track lighting or a grid of recessed lighting running around the room's perimeter.

Add one or two fun lights, even if you use them only occasionally. For example:

1. Accent lighting in a cabinet can showcase glassware or china.

2 . A spotlight placed on the ceiling near the wall can point down and graze the wall to accent a textured surface.

3. Euro-style lights suspended from wires or snaking around a ceiling in a curved track add a touch of whimsy.

Dimmer switches are often a good idea, even if you usually only turn a light on and off. Some dimmer switches can turn a light on and off at a prescribed level of illumination, so you don't have to fiddle with the brightness each time.

Table and floor lamps are an important part of the lighting plan. If you wire the receptacle so it is controlled by a switch you can control the lamps with a wall switch.

People will be more likely to linger and talk at a nicely lit dining table. A pendent light is the usual choice. Make sure the light does not shine in people's eyes.

An entry area should be lit brightly but warmly; consider a light fixture with a globe that is slightly yellow rather than white. Usually a single fixture is enough.

—Content courtesy of the American Lighting Association