Living Room Lighting

The living room is the most used and most versatile room in the house, so it needs the most flexible lighting. One overhead light on its own leaves a room feeling flat; the secret is to layer it, combining a ceiling light with lamps and wall lights so you can shift from bright and practical to warm and relaxed at the turn of a switch.

How do I light a living room well?

Think in three layers. Ambient light from a ceiling fitting gives overall brightness, task light from a floor or table lamp covers reading and the sofa, and accent light from wall lights or a lamp picks out a fireplace, shelves or a piece of art. You rarely want all of it at full, so put the layers on separate switches and add a dimmer, and one room covers movie nights, reading and entertaining.

What ceiling light suits a sitting room?

For most rooms a flush or semi-flush fitting or a central pendant gives even background light, while a chandelier makes more of a statement in a bigger or more formal room. Keep it dimmable, and remember the ceiling light is the background, not the whole scheme.

Lamps and wall lights for the cosy layer

This is where a living room really comes to life in the evening. A floor lamp beside the sofa gives reading light and fills a corner, table lamps on side tables add a warm glow, and a pair of wall lights either side of a fireplace or TV gives balanced accent light. Together they let you switch off the main light and keep the room warm and inviting.

Warm or cool white in a living room?

Warm white, to keep the room relaxed and welcoming. A warm 2700K glow suits a space you unwind in, while cool white feels too stark for a lounge. Pair warm bulbs with dimmers across your layers and you can fine-tune the mood for any evening.

Buying living room lighting in Ireland

From ceiling lights and chandeliers to floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights, we have every layer you need to light a living room, all available to order online with fast delivery across Ireland and Europe.

Related categories

Browse floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights, or see all ceiling lights.