Creative Lighting Tips for Your LIving Room

Creative lighting can improve the functionality of your living room and make it more inviting for your family and guests. Your living room can serve multiple functions: a gathering area for family and friends, a quiet reading area or backdrop for special events, and so on. Flexible lighting serves an important function in living room decor.

Depending on the size of your living room, four to eight lighting sources should be sufficient. Use low-wattage lighting to avoid unflattering shadows and glare. Dimmer switches allow you set the mood according to the activity.

Avoid placing lighting sources directly next to a wall or other large object, because the light will reflect the color of the object, and will not be dispersed evenly around the room. Locate the bulk of your lighting around the perimeter of your room so that light is directed toward the center.  

Try a variety of lighting sources such as candlelight and compact fluorescent bulbs as a substitute for standard incandescent bulbs. Include a variety of lighting around the room; consider table lamps, floor lamps and stationary lamps mounted on walls and ceilings. Locate wall and ceiling-mounted lighting around fireplaces or other features in your living room that won't be moved at a later date.          

LFor reading, light should shine over the reader's shoulder with the shade at eye level to avoid shining light directly into his or her eyes. Table lamps are ideal, although floor lamps are another desirable choice. Preventing glare is also important for task lighting at a desk or computer table.  A lamp on either side of a television set can prevent natural sunlight shining into the room from washing out the picture.

If you have a bar area or a fireplace try overhead recessed or track lighting. Uplighting can provide a showcase for artwork, house plants and collections.