Lighting Ideas for the living room
photo credit: bmak
Let’s talk about lighting ideas for the living room. First, imagine walking into a friend’s house, and the living room is dark with small windows, dark curtains, and a table lamp glowing next to the sofa. Does it make you feel sleepy? Do you wonder what may be lurking in the corners?
Now imagine walking into that same living room, but it is full of light instead of dark. The ceiling shines down natural lighting from several spaces. The curtains are light, and the windows are vast. Feel the difference? Now you can breathe and relax.
We are not meant to hide away in the dark of corners, and in today’s rushed world of computer screens and working indoors, it is all the more important to light up your living room area. As the hub of the home, the living room space needs to be an area of relaxation, enjoyment, and comfort. It needs to be welcoming. Lighting can create this welcoming environment, and here are seven great lighting ideas for your living room space.
Light up the mantel or bookshelves:
The fireplace in your living room is the room’s focal point, so why waste it? That space can be just as attractive without an open fire crackling when you install beautiful mantel lighting. Such lighting comes with the capability to change the colors of the light to create different effects. Install vibrant lighting in large built-in bookshelves to highlight classic books or family heirlooms. Your home remodeling contractor can easily install these lighting ideas for the living room.
Add a centerpiece to the room:
Use the center of the room to hang a masterpiece creating the feeling you are hoping for in the room. Consider a fancy chandelier if you are looking for a traditional look or a modern lighting piece to change the look. Large dramatic amounts look fabulous in the center, and when installed by a professional, you can have dimming options and Smart lighting installed.
Recessed lighting:
Recessed lighting is when a renovation contractor cuts holes in the ceiling and installs the lighting to flush the ceiling. Usually, contractors install more than one recessed light into a space to create a full-coverage effect. Ceiling beams look classic when you add recessed lighting to them. It is a perfect way to light up a room and still have the ability to tone the lights down if needed.
Add character to your ceiling:
Custom ceiling designs are all the rage in home remodeling design. Why settle for a flat ceiling when you can have beams, plaster, or a variety of trim added to create a work of art above you? Couple that with all of the lighting options now on the market, and designers can create some unique custom designs that will have you sitting back and enjoying your living room.
Install large open windows:
Living room spaces with small windows are just plain dreary. If you are going to invest in one thing for your home, it should be to open that space up with some big bright windows. Let in the sunshine. Don’t worry about the elements making it cold because now, instead of a wall, you have a window. Window manufacturers have great energy-saving options available. Consider Bay and Bow Windows for a great seating or display area. They also add depth to the living room and the outside look of the home. For a more classic look, try Casement Windows or a modern look; consider one of the more trendy Double-Hung designs.
Illuminate the corners:
Don’t forget to light up corners in your living room space. Often overlooked, lighting a corner can help a room look larger and add dimension to the area. Consider large standing lamps or even built-in sconces in the corners. Other lighting ideas for the living room corners are pendant lights, wall-mounted corner lights, and backlit panels on corner shelves.
Install skylights:
Finally on our list is the skylight. Skylights bring large amounts of light to a room and add depth to the ceiling. Skylights open, bringing natural light and air into your home. Modern skylights often have rain sensors on the solar and electric models, which automatically close the skylight at the first sign of rain. It is a great way to bring that natural light into a room without adding to the electric bill constantly. This option is also excellent for people who suffer from depression as the natural light helps to raise serotonin levels.
Before investing in fancy new furniture for your living room, why not invest in something that will give you comfort and a positive ROI over time? Invest in betting lighting for your living room with some of these options. If you have a dark living room space that you want to light up, give our High Quality Contracting team a call and see how to illuminate your world with new lighting.
