When decorating your living room, homeowners often place a priority on selecting the right upholstery, wall color, and curtains, but the same emphasis should be placed on using a good lighting scheme. After all, the living room is where you entertain guests, hang out with family, watch television, and read books. Lighting is essential for both function and the overall look of the room. It also sets the mood in the room. Since the living room is likely the first room that your guests will enter, you want to make sure you are setting the right tone. Here are tips for effectively lighting up the living room:

Layering Lighting

A pleasant living room lighting scheme uses different types of lighting that sit at different levels within the room and work together to add warmth and intimacy. You can layer lighting by using multiple lighting fixtures within the space. For instance, in addition to overhead lighting, you might want to include lamps on the end tables. Opt for dimmers since they allow you to control the level of lighting in the room according to the activity that’s taking place.

Additionally, there are three lighting strategies that you can implement in your living room:

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is suitable for accentuating specific areas of the living room. If you want to bring attention to an architectural feature such as the fireplace or a piece of artwork, accent lighting is the best way to go. Use recessed adjustable light fixtures that highlight the area of interest. Accent lighting should illuminate as much as five times more than the other lighting sources your use within the room.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting will provide overall illumination in the living room area. You can use overhead lights such as a chandelier, mounted wall fixtures, or a lamp. Ambient lighting is crucial because it is the general source of lighting and must be of quality. Be sure to look for high-quality pieces that add your room’s overall lighting.

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting adds some visual interest to the living room. You can use unique table lamps, hanging pendants and other decorative lighting fixtures to add that extra hint of coziness. Additionally, decorative lighting adds more personalization to the room. It is your chance to add a little bit of style and flair to your living room design.

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