Whether your commute home is an hour through mind-bending traffic, or a slow slog in your Buzz Lightyear PJ’s from your “office” in your house, your living room is always there to comfort you and allow you to relax in front of a roaring fire, a good book, or the antics of the latest “reality” TV show. We gather in the living room as a family and having the living room functional and designed to fit our style aids in the relaxation we so desperately need at the end of our busy workday.
As the evening progresses, lighting will become more important to keeping the room cozy and inviting. There’s a big difference between a bare bulb plugged into THE ceiling light, and soft light coming from multiple spots in the room. This multiple lighting (layered) effect is critical to a nice, even glow that will keep the festivities moving. Your living room presents multiple areas where a little bit of light can be just right, and let’s take a look at how this all works.
Many living rooms begin with lighting that goes on a side or end table, near a couch or chair. One of our favorites right now is this farmhouse-friendly design by Uttermost. On top of these tables you will find what the lighting industry calls “Portables,” and what most people call “table lamps.” These versatile, moveable (portable?) lamps are also frequently seen on credenzas or other cabinets to add just the right amount of light to a small space. Here are a few of our favorites:
Many living rooms begin with lighting that goes on a side or end table, near a couch or chair. One of our favorites right now is this
farmhouse-friendly design by Uttermost. On top of these tables you will find what the lighting industry calls “Portables,” and what most people call “table lamps.” These versatile, moveable (portable?) lamps are also frequently seen on credenzas or other cabinets to add just the right amount of light to a small space. Here are a few of our favorites:
With the main sitting areas lit, it’s time to add lighting to those spaces that don’t have an adjacent table… and that’s where floor lamps come in. A lamp that sits on the floor and has a long stem(s) could be just a floor lamp (bulbs usually behind a shade that shine out into the room) or a torchiere (pronounced torch-ee-air) which has a cone-shaped shade that points the light up to the ceiling, bouncing the light off of the ceiling and providing a more diffused glow. Here are some great examples:
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I really enjoy playing board games, and many family rooms have a little area set up with a small table and chairs specifically for (non-electronic!) gaming. Over these tables, you’ll see pendant lighting (hung by a chain or wire from the ceiling and dangling down) that illuminates these areas perfectly. Taking the time to pick the right ones won’t only help you illuminate the current Uno battle, but will add color and flare that helps make the room feel like you.
Frequently found above a fireplace, flanking the portrait of Great Uncle Ezekiah, you’ll find small wall-mounted lighting to help illuminate the painting. Again by taking the time to find just the right style, you’ll strengthen your décor while lighting up Uncle Ezzy’s face at the same time.
Lastly, you can follow that gentle breeze upward and make sure that you’ve selected a ceiling fan with a light kit, or integrated light, that allows you to create a general overhead light whenever you need it. For me, this is particularly handy in the bi-annual vacuuming of the rug, but you can use it for whatever you need. Some of our favorites:
Having a little bit of light in multiple places adds warmth and invites your guests to relax and enjoy the conversation and love that surrounds your family room. Finding the right one that fits your style is part of the fun – and we can help by giving you thousands of options to choose from. Not sure what may be best for you? We’ve got an office full of industry-trained support staff ready for your call. We’ve got you on this - we’ll take the stress off you so you can look forward to relaxing in your wonderfully lit living room.
