Set the mood with the right living room lights
The living room is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home. It is where you welcome guests, spend quiet hours with a good book and a glass of wine, or unwind in front of the television. The right living room lights help create the atmosphere you want, perhaps with cosy pools of light. When planning your living room lighting, consider several factors, including the light source and how you will use each light. Read on to find the right living room light for your space.
Modern living room lights: what to consider when buying
1. Light distribution
2. Atmosphere & colour temperature
3. Size
4. Style & brands
5. How you will use the lights
6. Why choose LED?
7. Price
8. Accessories
1. Create the right lighting with designer living room lights
Would you like to create an even base layer of light in your living room? Ceiling lights are a good place to start. Depending on the size of the room, you can choose one light with enough reach or combine several ceiling lights. The understated WAN ceiling light by Flos has a glare shield that provides pleasant, balanced, diffused light.
Pendant lights are a good way to illuminate a particular area from above, such as a designer coffee table. These elegant lights, including designs by Flos, need a high-output bulb to achieve their intended effect. The timeless PH 5 pendant light by Louis Poulsen provides a warm glow. It comes in different colours to suit a range of interior styles. The Ice Chandelier 9 SR6 by &Tradition shows that chandeliers do not have to be large and take up a lot of space. Its simple, elegant design also works well in smaller rooms.
2. What atmosphere would you like to create?
Warm light makes a living room feel particularly inviting. Indirect light is created when light reflects off a wall or ceiling. Uplighters are a good example: they direct light upwards, where it reflects back into the room. Compared with direct lighting, the effect is softer and warmer. Some uplighters also have an additional spotlight that you can position for a reading or craft area. The elegant, distinctive Up LED table light by Muuto has a rotating shade, so you can quickly switch between wall-washing and uplighting.
The type of light also plays an important role in creating a warm atmosphere. Spotlights can illuminate a workspace or draw attention to a particular object in the living room. Ambient lights create a more restful setting. Dimmable floor lights and table lamps are particularly useful, allowing you to bathe the room in different shades of light.
3. How large should your living room light be?
Choose a ceiling light in proportion to the size of your room. Ceiling height also matters: the higher the light hangs, the wider its reach. Consider both the size of the area you want to illuminate and the ceiling height. A light that is too small may look out of place and may not provide enough illumination; one that is too large can overwhelm the room. In a larger space, you could combine several ceiling lights, for example in a row or group. The Beat Light pendant series by Tom Dixon is one example.
4. Find lights to suit your interior style
Ideally, your new light will complement the existing living room furniture. A vintage-style light may work better with traditional furniture than a contemporary design. You can also create an interesting contrast with a more unusual combination. However, the living room is a place to relax, and a coordinated interior can help create a calm atmosphere.
Lighting has a special place in Scandinavian interiors, as reflected in the thoughtful light output of designs by Normann Copenhagen. If you prefer Italian design, explore Artemide. Its lights combine understated style with functions designed around people's needs.
5. What do you need from your light bulbs?
Colour temperature has an important effect on the atmosphere in your living room. It is measured in kelvin: the lower the value, the warmer the light. When buying LED living room lights, look for a colour temperature of around 7 kelvin. This creates a warm white light similar to that of an incandescent bulb. You can find more information about LED lights in the next section.
Energy-saving bulbs cost more than incandescent bulbs, but their lower energy consumption can offset the initial cost quickly. They also offer greater light output and a longer service life. Their light colour depends on the composition of the phosphors. Energy-saving bulbs are now available in many shapes and for almost all fittings.
Halogen bulbs provide pleasantly warm light and create a lively atmosphere. If you need a high light output, choose bulbs with a mains voltage of 23 volts. For illuminating individual objects, low-voltage bulbs are sufficient.
When choosing a bulb, check the base or fitting, whether it is dimmable and the maximum wattage allowed. Not every bulb is suitable for every light. The product descriptions for all our living room lights provide the information you need.
6. Why choose LED living room lights?
LED lights have several advantages over other types of bulb, even though their initial cost is higher. A 9-watt LED bulb provides the same brightness as a 6-watt incandescent bulb, while using up to 8 per cent less energy, making it more efficient than an energy-saving bulb. It can also last for up to ten years.
LED technology is becoming more common, and LED bulbs are available for standard E27 and E14 fittings. You no longer have to choose between design and energy saving.
7. Prices: options for different budgets
Living room lights at nestoran.livee in a range of price brackets, depending on their design and type. Twister Lighting offers simple, affordable basics with straightforward installation. At the higher end, you will find exclusive lights by Foscarini and Lumini. The mid-price range includes distinctive designs by LucePlan and Ingo Maurer.
8. The right accessories complete your light
The accessories included with a living room light vary. Check the product description to see whether the canopy and suitable bulbs are included. Our shop lists the compatible bulb types for each light. Some living room lights are controlled by an external dimmer, while others have one built in. Energy-saving and LED bulbs are only dimmable in some cases and may require a special ballast.
You may also be interested in:
Fritz Hansen lights
Gubi lights
Gubi table lights
HKLiving lights
Paper lights
Designer living room lights from Connox – your benefits at a glance
- A carefully selected range from top design brands
- High-quality living room lights by well-known designers
- Simple, direct online shopping
- Personal support from our customer service team
- Fair delivery costs
- Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
- Delivery in just a few working days
Shopping advice from Connox
Would you like to buy a modern living room light online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your living room light delivered straight to your door in just a few working days.
