Guide: The right lighting for the living room

Our guide is all about how to choose the right lighting for your living room. You may think to yourself that choosing lighting isn't that important, but it's about so much more than just making the room bright. Well-chosen lighting can completely change the atmosphere in your living room and help you feel comfortable. Plus, lighting also has an impact on your health. So it's definitely worth taking a closer look at this topic.

Why is the right lighting so important?

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable atmosphere in your living room. Have you ever been in a cold, uncomfortable room? Probably not. That's because lighting plays an important role in how we feel in a room. With the right lighting, you can create a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere.

But that's not all: lighting also has an impact on your health. Our internal clock is affected by light, and improper lighting can lead to sleep disturbances and other health problems. Since we spend a lot of time in our living room, we should make sure that the lighting meets our needs.

One aspect that many people overlook when designing their living room is the color temperature of the light. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and can have a big impact on the atmosphere. A lower color temperature, such as warm white light, creates a cozy and relaxing mood. On the other hand, a higher color temperature, such as cool white light, can have an invigorating and focused effect.

To find the right lighting for your living room, you should combine different light sources. A ceiling light alone often can't create the atmosphere you want. Instead, you can use different lamps and fixtures to create versatile lighting. For example, you could place a floor lamp next to the sofa to create a cozy reading corner. Or you could use indirect light to create soft background lighting.

Another important aspect is the dimming function. With a dimmer, you can adjust the brightness of the light to create the mood you want. In the evening, when you want to relax, you can dim the light to create a calm and cozy atmosphere. During the day, when you want to concentrate on your work, you can turn the light brighter to increase your productivity.

Choosing the right light bulbs is also crucial. Energy-saving LED lights are a popular choice these days, as they are not only long-lasting, but also offer a variety of color temperatures and brightness levels. They also consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which is good for the environment and your wallet.

In conclusion, the right lighting has a great impact on the atmosphere and our health. By combining color temperature, different light sources, dimming functions and energy-efficient bulbs, you can create a living room that not only looks beautiful, but also provides a pleasant and healthy environment.

Different types of lighting for the living room

There are different types of lighting that you can use in your living room. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can combine different light sources to create the atmosphere you want.

The living room is a place for relaxation and socializing, so the right lighting is of great importance. In addition to functional lighting, there are also various ways to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Ceiling lights and their advantages

Ceiling lights are a popular choice for the living room, as they can provide even and bright lighting. They are ideal for making the room bright and providing ambient lighting. There are many different types of ceiling lights, from simple, understated designs to eye-catching and modern models.

If you have a modern living room, you could opt for a chic ceiling light with integrated LEDs. Not only do these provide efficient lighting, but they are also energy efficient and long lasting. Another option is ceiling lights with dimmable features that allow you to adjust the brightness and create the mood you want.

Here is an example with a floor and ceiling lamp combined with our Harvey sofa in Cord. 

Wall lamps and their uses

Wall lamps can be a great addition to your ceiling lighting. They create indirect lighting that makes the room feel cozier and more atmospheric. Wall lamps are also great for highlighting specific areas in the room, such as a cozy reading nook or a special decorative item.

There are different types of wall lamps, such as uplights and downlights that shine light up and down, creating interesting lighting effects. Wall sconces with adjustable arms are also practical, as you can direct the light in different directions.

Floor lamps and table lamps: flexibility and style

Floor lamps and table lamps are perfect for creating additional light in certain areas of the living room. They are flexible and can be moved around as needed. Plus, they can also match your decorating style and add a personal touch to the room. A floor lamp next to the sofa or a table lamp on the side table not only provide practical light, but can also be a real eye-catcher. Not sure which interior style suits you? Then find it here find out here.

There are a variety of styles and designs you can choose from. From classic to modern, minimalist to opulent, there's a floor or table lamp to suit every taste. You can also experiment with different lampshades to filter the light and create a warm atmosphere.

Here you can see the Harvey sofa in Cord Nata combined with a simple table lamp.

The correct placement of lighting

The placement of lighting is just as important as the type of lighting. With the right placement, you can highlight specific areas in the living room and illuminate the room optimally.

To create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, it is important to place the light sources strategically. Various factors play a role here, such as the size of the room, the existing furniture, the sofa and the desired mood.

Let's start with the ceiling lamp. A well-placed ceiling light can evenly illuminate the room and create a bright and friendly atmosphere. However, make sure that the light is not too bright to avoid glare. One way to achieve this is to use dimmable bulbs.

To highlight certain areas in the living room, wall lamps and floor lamps can be targeted. Wall lamps can be placed in strategic locations to illuminate paintings, shelves or other decorative elements. This not only creates a beautiful atmosphere, but also draws the eye to these areas.

Floor lamps are another way to add targeted lighting accents. They can be placed next to seating to create a cozy reading nook or serve as indirect lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere.

The importance of shadow and contrast

Shade and contrast are important elements in creating an interesting and vibrant atmosphere. By placing light sources correctly, you can create interesting shadows and contrasts that add depth and texture to the room.

Experiment a bit with the placement of light sources and watch how the shadows and contrasts change. This can help highlight certain areas in the living room and create a unique atmosphere.

In addition to light source placement, you can also play with different light colors to affect the mood in the room. Warm light can create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, while cool light can give a modern and dynamic feel.

Also remember that the placement of lighting should not only be functional, but also aesthetic. Make sure that the lights match the style of the room and the decor. This way you can create a harmonious overall look and put the living room in the right light.

Choosing the right illuminants

There are many different options when it comes to choosing light bulbs. There are LED lamps, halogen lamps and energy-saving lamps. Each type of lamp has its own advantages and disadvantages.

LED lamps are energy efficient and have a long life. They are a bit more expensive to buy, but in the long run they save you money and protect the environment. They also offer a wide variety of color temperatures and brightness levels, so you can customize the light to suit your needs.

Halogen bulbs are less expensive, but consume more energy. They produce a bright and clear light that is good for working or reading. However, they have a shorter lifespan compared to LED lamps.

Energy saving bulbs are a good option if you want to save energy. They use less power than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan. However, they have a longer warm-up time and contain mercury, which makes them a bit more harmful to the environment. Therefore, energy-saving bulbs should be disposed of properly.

Color temperature and brightness: What should be considered?

The color temperature and brightness of the bulbs also play a role in the atmosphere of your living room. Depending on the ambience you want to create, you can choose between cooler and warmer light colors.

Warm white light sources create a cozy atmosphere and are particularly suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. They give the rooms a cozy atmosphere. If you want an even warmer light color, you can also choose amber light sources.

Cooler light colors, such as neutral white or daylight white, on the other hand, are more energetic and create a bright and clear atmosphere. They are well suited for work areas or rooms where good visibility is required.

The brightness of the illuminants should be adapted to the different usage situations. For example, you need brighter lighting for reading than for watching TV. Dimmable lamps offer a flexible solution to adjust the brightness individually.

Colors in general have an amazing ability to influence your mood and well-being. In your living spaces, where you spend most of your time, their effect plays a crucial role. Learn more about it in our blog post the psychology of colors.

Tips for lighting in special living areas

In addition to general lighting in the living room, there are also special areas that require separate lighting.

A well-lit living area creates a pleasant atmosphere and ensures optimal use of the space. Here are some tips on how to properly light different living areas in your living room.

Lighting for the reading area

A cozy reading area in your living room is perfect for quietly reading a book. Here you should pay attention to targeted lighting. A floor lamp next to the armchair or a reading lamp on the side table provide the right light for relaxed reading. Make sure that the light is not too bright so as not to strain your eyes.

To make the reading area even cozier, you can also use indirect light. A small table lamp on the side table or a wall lamp with dimmable light create a pleasant atmosphere and allow you to fully concentrate on your book.

Lighting for the TV area

The TV area in your living room needs a different kind of lighting. Here, you should go for indirect lighting to avoid blinding the screen. A wall lamp behind the TV or an indirect light band around the screen can create a great atmosphere and be easy on your eyes at the same time.

If you like watching movies or playing video games, you can also use LED strip lighting that is located behind the TV and frames the picture with colored light. This not only creates a moody atmosphere, but can also help the image on the screen stand out even more.

Lighting for the dining area in the living room

If you have a dining area in your living room, proper lighting is important here as well. A pendant light above the dining table is a classic choice. It provides enough light for dining and creates a cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, you can use several smaller lamps that illuminate the table evenly.

To make the dining area even cozier, you can also place candles or tea lights on the table. These create a warm and romantic atmosphere and make the meal a special experience.

Lighting in special living areas can have a big impact on the mood and functionality of the room. With the right lamps and bulbs, you can optimally illuminate every area in your living room and create a harmonious atmosphere.

A well-lit living room is key to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. There are many ways you can choose the perfect lighting for your living room. A good starting point is to combine different light sources to create a versatile lighting.

One popular option is to use ceiling lights. These can evenly illuminate the room and create a bright environment. However, if you prefer a softer and cozier ambiance, you could also consider indirect lighting options, such as sconces or floor lamps.

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, you should also think about using table lamps. These can be placed on side tables or sideboards and give off a soft and diffused light. This is especially pleasant when you watch TV or read a book in the evening.

Another important aspect of living room lighting is to consider the natural light source. If you have large windows, make sure you open the curtains or blinds during the day to let in the natural light. This can make the room look brighter and more open.

When it comes to choosing the right light bulbs, make sure you choose the right brightness and color temperature. Warm white light is often perceived as more pleasant and can create a cozier atmosphere. Also, pay attention to the energy efficiency of the light bulbs to lower your electricity bill.

In addition to functional lighting, you can also play with light and shade to create a certain mood in the room. This can be achieved by using dimmers or lampshades. With a dimmer, you can adjust the brightness of the lighting to create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere.

Also remember that the lighting in your living room should not only be functional, but should also reflect your personal style and needs. You can achieve this by choosing lamps with interesting designs or colors that match your decor.

Experiment a bit with different lighting options and find out which one suits your living room best. You could also consider getting a professional lighting consultation to make sure you get the best lighting for your space.

By choosing the right lighting for your living room, you can create a space that is inviting, cozy and functional. Use the tips and ideas above to create the perfect living room lighting and transform your home into a place where you can relax and feel comfortable.