Lighting in the living room: nuances of organization and tips for choosing

The living room is a place where people spend most of their time, meet guests, and arrange holidays. Therefore, the lighting of this part of the house is very important. Artificial light sources create comfortable conditions, an atmosphere of coziness and warmth, emphasize the advantages of the layout and design of the room.

The article will tell you how to use lamps correctly in the design of the living room.

Modern manufacturers offer various lighting options. They differ in design, size, installation method and other features. By combining devices, you can simultaneously illuminate the entire room or use each type separately.

Thinking over the choice of light sources and the method of their location in the hall, some basic nuances should be taken into account.

• One chandelier in the center of the ceiling will only be sufficient if the room is small. The spacious hall requires additional lighting sources. Otherwise, dark corners may form.
• Too many different fixtures in a small space is another unwanted extreme. It is not recommended to install more than 4 types of devices in one room.
• Do not hang the sconce next to the TV. You can install a soft glow source behind the case, but open bright lamps near the screen are undesirable.
• Remember that cold lighting is only suitable for austere interiors. If you want to make the room cozy, it is better to choose light bulbs with soft warm light.
• If you decide to make a multi-level ceiling, do not miss the opportunity to use spotlights as additional spotlights.
• Consider design when choosing light sources. Devices must harmoniously fit into the interior. Also, if you choose different types of appliances (for example, chandeliers, sconces and floor lamps), it is important that they are made in the same style.

All artificial light sources can be conventionally divided into 3 groups. The main one is responsible for the illumination of the entire space. The local complements the main device and illuminates the individual zones. The decorative sets the accents.

Let's consider each type in more detail.

The overall illumination of a large room is achieved by combining several light sources. As a rule, for this they use luxurious chandeliers or overhead flat lamps, as well as spotlights. Sometimes it is appropriate to add an LED strip to the interior.

If it is necessary to highlight some specific places with light, you can combine the first type of devices with the second - additional. For example, you can use a desk lamp to illuminate your desktop. A floor lamp can be placed next to the armchairs and the coffee table. The possibility of turning on intimate light can be created by installing wall sconces.

This method will allow you to turn on both all devices together, and separately (as needed). The room will become more comfortable. You will be able to adjust the intensity of the general light, as well as the level of illumination of individual corners of the living room.

If you do not like any of the listed options, you can also use point models as special lighting devices, although they are usually included in the main group. In addition to the fact that they can be turned on separately from the main chandelier, creating a subdued light, there is always the possibility of concentrating them in a certain area.

Decorative lighting makes the space interesting and versatile. With its help, you can effectively highlight the nuances of the layout (for example, a niche or podium). You can focus on paintings or decor. You can light up an aquarium, TV or something else. For this, LED strips, point devices are usually used. Sometimes neon lamps are also used.

Many people prefer to see a chandelier as the main element of a light composition. This is a traditional appliance, although the design options are so varied that they allow you to find a model for any interior.

There are 2 types of chandeliers.

• Suspended... These models are suspended from the ceiling using hooks, cords or chains. They look very impressive, but this option will not work for a small living room.
• Overhead... Such models are more compact. They are located near the ceiling, do not hang down and are great even for rooms with low ceilings.

These are models designed to direct light to a specific area. They differ in type, design and fastening method. It can be a single luminaire or a group of identical fixtures that are part of the general lighting equipment. Spots are wall and ceiling. They can also be built-in and overhead.

In addition, static devices and models with a rotary mechanism are distinguished, which allows you to change the angle of illumination.

Embedded (mortise) spots are miniature. They are installed in a stretch or false ceiling and are called point. As a stand-alone, this type of lighting is suitable for small rooms.In large halls, a group of spots installed along the perimeter with an equal pitch can be an additional source of light.

Overhead spots are screwed to the base. There are also combined models that resemble a chandelier. Several bulbs in shades on the base can be adjusted at the request of the user. Barbell spots are common in modern interiors. The ability to turn lamps allows you to profitably illuminate any objects, emphasize details, and highlight accents.

Small wall-mounted luminaires are usually located in a seating area. The number of sconces depends on the size of the living room and design features. For example, in classic interiors, such devices are often installed in pairs. If the height of the room is small, it is better to choose models that allow directing the light upward. The brightness of the lamps is selected taking into account the installation location. For example, if the sconces are mounted above the sofa, the lighting should be soft, medium intensity.

If the room is divided into several zones, the use of table lamps may be appropriate. Such a lighting device can add coziness, become an effective design touch, and increase the comfort of spending time in the living room. The main thing is to choose the right appearance of the lamp.

Such an element can perfectly fit into the light composition. Floor lamps are comfortable and mobile. Thanks to the lampshade, the light is gently diffused around, without fatiguing the eyes. However, given that the device takes up space on the floor, it is better not to put it in a small room. The design options for modern floor lamps are varied.

It is a uniquely flexible device that can take any shape. With the help of such a tape, you can highlight the ceiling, walls and even the floor. Bright light can create spectacular geometric shapes, and dim light can simulate blurry boundaries and airiness of a room.

Of course, for the result to be impressive, it is better to entrust the matter to a professional designer.

All artificial light sources must match the design of the room. Otherwise, even the most beautiful devices will look out of place.

• The classics are characterized by chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps and tableware in a vintage style.... Models with gilding, imitating candlesticks, are often used. Light bulbs of the appropriate shape are selected for them. Neoclassical interiors are often decorated with crystal lamps or delicate glass fixtures. Here, two-level ceiling designs, the location of spotlights around the perimeter are permissible.

• Forged lamps and chandeliers with floral designs are ideal for Provence-style interiors. The appearance of the devices here is similar to classic models, but in this case pomp and luxury are rejected. Ease and simplicity are welcomed. Lamps with fabric lampshades with a floral print will also fit well into such a living room.

• Minimalism and hi-tech imply rigor and clarity of forms.... The main lighting here is usually provided with the help of spotlights, but chandeliers can also be found here. Unlike the options described above, modern models have a more laconic, often futuristic design. For example, it could be a ball or a flat ceiling structure. The materials used are metal, plastic, and sometimes glass. Sconces can be in the form of metal plates. Minimalistic floor lamps are a chrome-plated bulb on a curved support.Often, devices hanging on long cords are chosen to highlight individual zones. The LED strip is actively used.

• Loft - a rude style, in which only metal appliances find their place, made in industrial and urban design. These are spots, spot models, pendant chrome lamps and even ordinary bulbs hanging from the ceiling on cords.

• Modern is a free style in which anything is possible... Multilevel combinations, glass cascades, white and yellow metal, fabric models - you can choose any device options. The main thing is to select all devices of the same type.

To achieve a magical play of light and emphasize the creativity of the design, it is enough to show a little imagination. If you have shelves fitted in niches, build in spotlights in them. If you want to dazzle guests with an unusual TV area, install soft lighting behind or around the TV. The curly plasterboard structure can be highlighted with a special tape. The same tape can create the illusion of lightning sparks or spotlights on the ceiling.

Using colored lighting can create a fantastic atmosphere in a room. The main thing is not to overdo it with color. Backlights in turquoise, pink, purple colors look especially impressive in laconic black and white interiors. If the environment is full of rich colors, it is better to stick to the standard color of the lamps. In any case, even the competent use of spot systems or the combination of several types of lamps can make the living room interesting.

Typically, the living room is the largest room in the house. Therefore, it can be divided into several conventional parts. This can be achieved not only by arranging furniture, but also by a certain placement of lighting devices. The zoning issue is also relevant in cases where the apartment has only one room. Living room-studio necessarily involves the allocation of certain functional areas. In some cases, a person entering the house immediately enters the room, so the living room-hallway also needs some design tricks.

In the latter case, it is worth more brightly illuminating the entrance to the room. In the rest, you can distinguish a dining area, a place to relax, a work corner. Ceiling lamps of medium brightness should be placed above the table. The light should not hurt the eyes, but the table should be clearly visible. A wall lighting solution can be arranged near the sofa using a sconce.

There are several points to consider when choosing lighting fixtures.

• Room size... In a spacious living room (over 18 sq. M.), It is necessary to organize a full-fledged lighting system from several types of devices. One chandelier won't be enough. If the room is small, you should not overload it with different volumetric lamps. In this case, it is better to give preference to compact ceiling models (especially if the apartment has a low ceiling). Additional illumination can be provided by built-in spot devices or LED strips.
• Interior style... Obviously, in a luxurious classic room with columns and a Provence style room with wooden beams, the lighting should be different.
• Design nuances... When choosing a chandelier, pay attention to the fact that the shades are not too closed and do not look down. The light should be evenly diffused throughout the room, and not directed towards the center of the floor. When buying spots, consider whether the ability to change the direction of the light is important to you.
• Lamp color... When using different types of appliances in a room, it is better to choose the same light for everyone (warm or cold).

The chandelier is usually located in the center of the room, but this is not a strict rule. The main light can be placed over a dining table or other area where light is most important. As for other fixtures, their location depends on the areas they are supposed to illuminate (as discussed earlier).

If the room is very large, you can make 2 or 3 switches for one device. This will allow you to control lighting from anywhere in space. Usually, switches are installed at the entrance to the room, as well as in the recreation area.

Thinking over the lighting system in a large hall, it is better to draw up a project that will take into account all the nuances. The basis of multi-level light can be a two- or three-tiered ceiling. The main light source will be located in the central part, and additional spotlights will be located on the second level. The third level can be wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, illumination of niches.

• The vintage chandelier and sconces, made in the same style, are complemented by a table lamp. Traditional classic version.

• And here is a more modern, but no less sophisticated interior. Here the glass chandelier is combined with the same floor lamp and spotlights.

• The illuminated niches look great. There is a sense of the special value of the decor items that adorn the shelves.

• Illumination of a volumetric gypsum panel is an effective design technique. The interior immediately acquires zest and unique charm.

• TV area backlighting is a great solution. In a similar way, it turns out to "revive" a minimalistic austere interior.

You can find out how to organize LED backlighting with your own hands by watching the video below.