It is rare to find modern houses without a ceiling light, especially in the main room, the living room. With all the unique and creative designs available today, not having such a decorating tool would be a sign of lack of taste. But if you find yourself here, that's probably not the case for you. Need advice on choosing your living room lighting? You are in the right place. Our guide will help you find the ideal ceiling light to complete your decor.
How to choose your living room ceiling light?
The living room is the room that represents the state of your house. It should therefore not give a bad impression to your guests who will surely pay attention to details. Below, we highlight the parameters that will need to be taken into account when choosing your lighting fixture:
The style of your home
Here, it's about taking inspiration from your furnishings, your tastes and the architecture of your living room. Do you like modern, glamorous, minimalism or cozy cottage? Your living room lighting does not necessarily have to match those in other rooms. On the other hand, it must be similar to these in terms of scale or style. For finishes, you can choose dark colors like black or bronze when the living room has dark door fittings.
The brightness of your living room ceiling light
There are 3 types of lighting: ambient lighting, accent lighting and task lighting. Luminaires are used for ambient lighting so they must be bright enough when switched on. In living rooms, they are often combined with lamps which provide accent lighting and additional light.
Initially, determine the size of your living room. To make your choice, you will need to use the lighting standard called “lumens”. Generally speaking, living rooms need 20 lumens for 9 dm2 . Bulbs often have different brightness levels. So, you will have to check the packaging. As a guiding example, know that 40 watts = 450 lumens.
Technology
When it comes to lighting, energy-efficient LEDs are the latest developments. LED lights do not need maintenance and their integrated bulbs can take several years. As a result, designers can now create minimalist and modern lighting. You can combine your integrated LED light with a dimmer switch for ambient lighting.
The choice of a living room light can also be made following very specific themes. Some often need to bring nature, the beach, the ocean home while others like the city. Thousands of models exist and therefore cover all types of desires. It only takes a few clicks to discover and order them.
Presentation of living room ceiling lights
Living room lighting can be grouped into two main categories: recessed lighting and semi-flush lighting.
Recessed ceiling lights
These fixtures are perfect for living rooms with low ceilings. They are installed directly against the ceiling, without space and using existing wiring. A large diameter recessed light fixture can cover the marks left on the ceiling by older, smaller models. Easy to maintain, they hardly accumulate dust and insects. Plus, they're safer for that high-traffic area of the living room. You have a wide range of practical and affordable choices. For the trend, choose finishes like black, gold or brass which will harmonize with the lighting in your living room.
Suspension ceiling lights
Very common, they are installed with a ceiling dome and a short rod. Given the space that exists between the ceiling and the light source, these luminaires shine upwards and downwards. Additionally, the light provided here is more ambient and they install quickly over existing wiring. Their glass roofs do not cover the ceiling, which means that a coat of paint will be necessary to hide the traces of the old model. This type of light fixture is installed on really high ceilings to reduce the risk of accidents. A white painted living room ceiling has a big advantage with this type of tool. In fact, the light will reflect there which will give brighter lighting.
To replace the bulbs, you will have fewer problems than with a recessed light fixture. On the other hand, you should know that such lighting fixtures require frequent dusting. Thanks to the fact that they are longer, they offer a greater variety of decorative details. This is how you will find silver, gold and even crystals.
How to place your ceiling light?
Logically, such a room is placed in the center of the living room. Everyone present should be able to benefit from the same level of lighting. And at this position, it's hard to miss the light when you enter the house.
Regarding the height, it depends on where you place the light fixture. Indeed, the center of the living room is not always the targeted location. It may just be a matter of wanting to light a corner of the room or an armchair. With this in mind, place your luminaire 30 or 40 cm above the area or object to be illuminated. If, on the other hand, the goal is to put it in the center, place the lowest part at a height of at least 1.8 m.
Ultimately, the choice of a living room ceiling light, like other decorative accessories, follows many rules. It is important to know them so as not to run the risk of being disappointed. Fortunately, through this article, you have all the necessary keys to avoid making beginner choices. Indeed, at this level, you are able not only to choose a good lighting fixture but also to place it well in your living room. So, no more doubts, all you have to do is consult the site or store of your choice and place an order.