9 tips for properly lighting the living room

In a living room, choosing the right lighting is essential for creating a warm, comfortable, and functional atmosphere. It is a room where you spend a lot of time, alone or with family, with lighting needs that vary depending on the time of day and the activities. A few simple rules will help you select the best lighting for your living room.

Vary your sources

The key to good living room lighting is to vary your light sources. Floor lamps, pendant lights, wall sconces, accent lamps... Multiplying light points helps add depth and life to the living room. It is also important to be able to adjust the brightness according to the time of day, season, weather, and activity, whether you are reading a book or entertaining friends.

 

 

Find the right placement

It is crucial to distribute light sources well to obtain uniform and harmonious lighting. You must avoid poorly lit areas, as this reduces the perception of space. Provide general lighting on the ceiling, such as a large pendant light, a flush mount, or well-distributed LED spots. However, this lighting can sometimes flatten the room, so it is important to balance it with softer lights, such as accent lamps on furniture or a reading light near the sofa, to provide depth.

 

 

Think about lighting power

For a well-lit and welcoming living room, it is recommended to have a light intensity between 100 and 150 lux. To achieve this intensity, use the formula: lumens/m² = lux, and distribute the luminous flux (lumens) of your lamps according to your needs.

 

 

Choose the appropriate color temperature

Color temperature is also a key factor when choosing bulbs. It is expressed in degrees Kelvin (K) and determines the look of the light. The lower the value, the warmer and more yellow the light. Depending on your tastes and the desired atmosphere, you can choose between "warm" or "bright white" lights, available in LED, compact fluorescent, or halogen options.

 

 

Opt for variable lighting

To vary light intensity, choose lighting fixtures mounted on dimmers. The dimmer, often combined with the switch, allows you to easily modulate the power of the lamps. Be sure to check that your bulbs are dimmable, as this is not always the case for LEDs. This solution also allows you to save energy by adjusting consumption.

 

 

Install switched outlets

Make your life easier by choosing switched outlets. Switches at the entrance generally control recessed lighting, but independent lamps must be turned on manually. To avoid this, ask an electrician to install switched outlets. This allows you to group all controls in one place and manage all the lighting in the room.

 

 

Distribute direct and indirect lighting

It is important to consider how light diffuses in the room to create a pleasant atmosphere. If your eye is in direct contact with a very bright bulb, it can be uncomfortable and glaring. Therefore, place lamps with bare bulbs, such as filament bulbs, sparingly. These bulbs are primarily decorative and provide low light. Opt for frosted glass lamps, which diffuse a soft and homogeneous light. Traditional lampshades protect while adding a decorative touch. For spots, choose those with a low lumen count and add several if necessary.

 

 

Choose models adapted to the size of the living room

The choice of lighting fixtures must be proportional to the size of the living room. A large living room can accommodate XXL floor lamps that dress up the space and harmonize with the furniture. Lamps must be in line with the style of your living room. For a small space, prefer reading lights or wall-mounted lighting to free up floor space.

 

 

Position at the right height

The height for placing wall sconces can be a question. With a standard ceiling height of 2.50 m, place the sconce 1.80 m from the floor. Adjust according to the shape of the lamp or the area to be lit. For a pendant light, the standard height is 2.15 m to allow for fluid movement, but you can place it lower over a coffee table, avoiding going below 1.80 m.