What lighting is best for living room?

---

Buying expensive pieces of furniture or artwork is pointless if they are not highlighted & presented in the best possible way to create a sophisticated space. Lighting is the magic wand that brings together the various elements and unites them to create a warm and inviting space. The days of bright white tube lights are long gone. The world of lighting has advanced with various types and styles; the possibilities are limitless. This makes it significantly easier for homeowners to create well lit spaces. The key is to understand the different types of lighting and how to use them. There are three types of lighting in any space : ambient lights, task lights and accent lights. The layering and balance between the three types is important to create a cohesive space.

1) Ambient lighting: This is the background light that provides general illumination to your space; the best example of ambient lighting is sunlight. It is the backbone of lighting your space; any mistake made while designing this lighting scheme can make your space look dull and dark. The best way to create an ambient lighting scheme is indirect lighting - a false ceiling with cove lights. Other types of ambient lights are ceiling-mounted lights, wall lights, and spot lights.

2) Task lights : This lighting provides increased lighting to assist in a particular task. The most common examples of task lighting in living rooms can be a floor lamp in a reading nook, a pendant light in a dining area / bar; or strip lighting in storage wardrobes / TV units.

3) Accent lights : This type of lighting is used to highlight certain elements in a space and add a dramatic effect. This lighting helps create the mood of a space. In living rooms, an accent light can be a wall sconce to highlight the texture of wall or art work, a strip light to highlight furniture; or a designer chandelier to create a focal point in the space.

Generally, there should be a minimum of four to eight sources of light. It seems like too many lights, but the layering and balance of these lights is what elevates the look of a space. Another important factor is the temperature & colour of lights. The industry standard is that one should always opt for warm or warm white lights in living rooms to create a cozy vibe. White light can be used for task lighting but should be completely avoided as an option for ambient lighting.