How to choose lighting for your living space..

Lighting design in a space is one of the most important aspects in interior design because it will directly affect how all the other elements such as the wall paint and decor appear. 

In addition to this, because the living room is a multi-functional space where so many activities take place, your lighting design has to have a combination of different lighting layers. The lighting in your living room has to create a warm atmosphere for relaxation with your family in the evenings, it has to be functional enough for tasks such as reading and create the right mood or ambience when entertaining or hosting friends. 

Here are the three essential layers of lighting that must be incorporated in every living room:

Task lighting 

Begin with the most functional layer of light in a living room which is task lighting. As the name suggests, task lighting helps you perform certain tasks such as reading without any eye constraints. Task lights are typically white lights that are much more focused than ambient or accent lighting. 

In a living room it usually includes floor lamps, table lamps or pendant lights. 

Floor Lamp; photo credit: Tina Witherspoon

2. Ambient lighting.

Build on the task lighting with ambient lighting which is also known as background lighting. Ambient lighting is essential for the general illumination of the space. It usually has warm or yellow light to set the mood of the room. Ambient lights usually include natural light directly from sunlight, chandeliers or pendant lights.

Wall Sconces

3. Accent lighting.

Finally, finishing off the lighting design with accent lighting is about evoking a mood or atmosphere in a space and is specifically used to highlight design elements in a room such as textured wall, paintings, shelf displays or other key architectural features in a room.  In living rooms it usually includes spotlights, recessed downlights, or wall sconces.

Chandelier Accent light

You should combine the various lighting fixtures based on the size of your space and the overall interior design style that you are going for. A simple rule of thumb is to make sure all the different parts of your living room are catered for. For example incorporate ceiling light fixtures, floor lights, wall lights, table lamps and obviously natural sources of light.

If you would like an interior design consultation on lighting design contact us on info@kwanziaccents.com