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Living room lighting

Layered light for relaxing, TV and company

A living room does many jobs in one evening. The trick is several light sources at different heights — never one bright ceiling light.

How bright?

15

lumens per sq ft (range 10–20)

A typical 10 × 12 ft room needs about 1,800 lm.

What colour?

2700–3000K

Target 2700K

Quick tips

  • Put everything on dimmers — it's the cheapest way to change the mood.
  • Aim for 2700K warm white; it flatters skin, wood and fabrics.
  • Light the walls, not just the floor: a lit wall makes a room feel bigger.

Layers

Three layers make a great room

01

Ambient light

A chandelier, pendant or dimmable downlights for the base glow.

02

Task light

A floor lamp by the sofa and table lamps for reading and side tables.

03

Accent light

Wall sconces, picture lights or a cove strip to add depth.

Get a plan for your living room

Enter your room size and we'll work out the lumens, the number of lights and where each one goes.

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