While some design errors are easy to fix or even ignore, living room lighting mistakes can be impractical to live with, disruptive, and costly to fix. there is.
Interior designers often say that living room lighting ideas are often low on a client’s list of design priorities, but the right lighting can maximize the architecture of the space and It helps bring living room ideas to life by highlighting objects and artwork on display. And, of course, by itself creates a beautiful element of the room.
From pendants and chandeliers to wall, floor and table lamps, as well as lights to illuminate artwork, illuminate staircases and more, there are plenty of choices to elevate a room and make it work.
So if you don’t have an expert on hand who stresses the importance of well-planned lighting ideas, it’s easy to see how things unravel.
Wrong lighting in the living room
Our expert panel covers all the major living room lighting mistakes to avoid. Plus, we’ve included practical solutions on how to plan your living room lighting, as well as tons of advice from top lighting and design experts.
1. Do not install dimmer switches on pendants or main lights
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
Jennifer Ebert, Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, said: “Making your home special is down to the smallest details. Light switches are often a prime example of this. Traditionally seen as purely functional, almost nothing Our unthinkable attitude is changing in favor of decorative brass dimmer switches in favor of ditching white plastic switchboards.
By choosing a beautiful switch, you can create a styling foundation that determines the interior of your living room. “Dimmers and layers of light in separate circuits allow you to switch between bright light for cleaning needs and softer levels for a relaxed mood,” says Sally Story of John Cullen Lighting. says. (opens in new tab) About creating the right mood.
2. Forget the importance of ambient or general lighting
(Image credit: Kelling Designs)
“Think of ambient lighting as a platform or canvas for painting unique lighting paintings,” says Kichler’s Carla Jordan. (opens in new tab)Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting or background lighting, illuminates the entire room. In the living room, it typically includes ceiling light fittings, spotlights, fixed wall lights, and natural light.
“We rarely need chandeliers or pendant fixtures, but it’s all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere,” says Emma Deterding, Founder and Creative Director of Kering Design. (opens in new tab)‘Try to combine wall, floor, and table lamps to complement your ceiling lights. You can also install lighting. ”
3. Placing table and floor lamps at the wrong height
(Image credit: Arteriors)
A common mistake is to confuse floor and table lamp heights. That’s easy with a table lamp, and can depend on the height of what you’re placing it on: a side table, stool, sideboard, etc. A general rule of thumb is that if you put a standard table lamp on something, It should match the height of the nearby floor lamp.
“This may seem like a small thing, but seeing it too often in the living room is a mistake and can be a real eyesore.
4. Assume you need the same level of lighting throughout the day
(Image credit: TR Studio)
“Living room lighting is often a single pendant light. This kind of lighting covers the space with one type of lighting and is often too intense,” says TR Studio founder. Tom Rutt advises. (opens in new tab)“Combining different levels of lighting, ideally with dimmers, gives you the flexibility to adjust the amount of light and the direction of lighting depending on the time of day.”
When considering where to place lights to make the most impact, consider how the light changes throughout the day. Think of a flexible light source that can adapt to different situations. A floor light with a swivel arm is ideal as a night reading light behind a sofa or chair, says Holly Moreland, Creative Director of David Hunt Lighting. (opens in new tab)Remember that shade colors can affect the mood of a room. Choose darker tones for a more subdued feel to add atmosphere.
5. Choosing the Wrong Light Temperature and Color for Your Space
(Image credit: Pookie)
The living room should be warm and inviting without being unnaturally bright. “The first rule is to use a consistent lighting temperature in your fitting,” says Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co. (opens in new tab)“I use a warm white color of 2700K.” is to think about In addition to using metal card backing, you can also use patterned or colored fabrics. “Don’t forget that it affects the color of the light it creates,” adds Eileen. “For example, a green lining provides a green light.
6. Choose recessed light bulbs over stacking lamps and pendants
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
Camilla Clarke, Creative Director of Albion Nord, said: “It’s not ideal to be in a really strong spotlight. (opens in new tab)“Instead of overhead recessed light bulbs that make you feel like you’re in an airport or a sad office cubicle, I want to fill the room with a variety of floor and table lamps and pendant lighting. Multiple arms, ambiance.” is a good way to create
7. Not enough lighting options in a large living room
(Image credit: Bartone Interiors/Lissa Gotwals)
Contrast is important for lighting enthusiasts. A living room needs a lot of light and shadow.
Let’s start with overhead lighting. Pendants and chandeliers are a beautiful way to “dress up” lighting, says Lucy Barlow, her director of creatives at Barlow & Barlow. (opens in new tab)“Look at the art next. A picture light is a great way to add a second layer. Next is a decorative wall light placed at head height as an eye-level light source.” In addition, a table lamp illuminates the lower part of the room: “If we could do this, we might not even need a single downlight, which is a big advantage over traditional methods.”
Kristin Bartone, Creative Director and Principal, Bartone Interiors (opens in new tab) He agrees: “One layer of lighting is never enough for the living room. Consider living room wall lighting ideas, ceiling lighting, walls, floor lamps, and other types of lighting all is important.”
8. Don’t control the overall look
(Image credit: Susie Atkinson)
Place floor and table lamps on the five amplifier sockets in the living room. Using lighting controls so you can control each effect individually is key to setting the mood. John Cullen Lighting Creative Her Director Sally Storey said: She also recommends installing sockets on the floor by the sofa in the middle of the room to keep the wires from dragging. “If you have a small alcove, she adds two slim wall lights on each side, which creates an intimate place to sit, relax, and read.”
9. Use only downlights in a large living room
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
“The problem with downlights is that they are often used in large numbers and the light they emit is harsh,” says Jo Bailey, deputy editor of Homes & Gardens. “A better solution is to invest in subtle lighting within alcoves and reading nooks. They are great for directional and task lighting, but can make walls appear darker. Needs stronger light.” If so, consider a large sconce or articulated wall light.
Use light to emphasize the architectural strength of the room. A timeless approach is to frame the mantelpiece with a pair of lamps or sconces. “It’s also an opportunity to add patterns in decorative shades,” says Nicole Salvesen, co-founder of Salvesen Graham. (opens in new tab).
10. Investing in the wrong proportions of the main luminaire
(Image credit: Gunter & Co)
When faced with the possibility of a beautiful pendant light being too big or too small for the proportions of a room, it can be overwhelming. says. (opens in new tab).
Make sure your design has room to breathe and can be hung reasonably low as it relates to the furniture in the room and the person using it. So people tend to think the pendant is too high, in fact it looks and feels better if it’s a little lower.” You can always lower it to the top.
