Your living room is the heart of your home—a space where you relax, entertain guests, and spend quality time with family. The right lighting can enhance the ambiance, functionality, and overall aesthetics of this central space. Whether you prefer a cosy, warm character or a bright, airy atmosphere, choosing the perfect living room light involves considering factors like light type, placement, and the overall design scheme. Here’s a guide to help you find the ideal lighting solution for your living room.

Evaluate your space

Wooden ceiling lights bring warmth and natural charm to the living room. A wooden pendant light can be a striking focal point, especially when the design complements other elements in the room, so it is vital you choose the right size.

Size and Scale. The size of your ceiling light should correspond to the size of your living room. For smaller rooms, a design with a diameter of around 300-450mm is usually sufficient, designs such as our Shore Pendant or Artus Pendant work great. For medium-sized living rooms, a pendant between 500-700mm works well, such as our Gwenen Pendant and Skipper Pendant. Larger rooms can accommodate lighting pieces with a diameter of 800mm or more, such as our Arame Pendant or Loer Chandelier.

Hang Height. The height at which you hang your ceiling light is crucial. For standard ceilings (around 2.4-2.7 metres), the bottom of the light should hang about 2.1 metres from the floor. If you have higher ceilings, add about 75mm for each extra 300mm of additional ceiling height. This ensures the light is both functional and an aesthetically pleasing presence without obstructing the space.

For spaces with lower ceilings, a Flush Lighting Design is a great way to still excite your interior with iconic Tom Raffield design, without compromising on space.

The Perfect Atmosphere

Combine Lighting. Start with a central ceiling light for general illumination, then add task lighting in key areas. For instance, place a Stem Floor Light next to your reading chair or a Raya Table Light on a side table next to the sofa.

Highlight a piece of artwork with a wall light that creates a spotlight, such as the Stem Wall Light, or create a cosy nook with a Noctis Loer Pendant Small suspended in a once gloomy corner. This not only adds depth to the room but also draws attention to specific features you want to showcase.

Mix Materials. Don’t be afraid to mix materials in your lighting fixtures. Combining wood with ceramics or glass can create a visually interesting contrast that adds to the room’s overall aesthetic. The Norden Pendant Range and Kera Lighting Range are great examples of varying materials working together to create a beautiful design.

Feeling Moody?

Warm vs. Cool Light. Warm light (around 2000-3000K) creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unwinding. Cool light (3000K and above) is more energetic and is ideal for task-oriented activities or rooms with a more modern aesthetic. You can also opt for dimmable lights to easily switch between different moods.

Shadow Play. Sculptural lighting designs can cast interesting patterns of light and shadow across the room, adding an artistic element. For example, the No. 1 Pendant it’s an intricate design can create a warm, dappled effect on the walls, perfect for intimate gatherings or quiet evenings.

Clustered Lighting. For a dynamic and visually striking effect, consider hanging a cluster of pendant lights at varying heights. This technique adds depth and dimension to the room while creating a sense of movement and artistry. It’s particularly effective in living rooms with high ceilings or large open spaces.

Posted: 06.09.24
Updated: 08.11.24