Lighting can transform an ordinary space into an extraordinary one. That’s especially true of the living room, which is one of the most important areas in the home—and the one most frequented by visiting guests. A different lamp, chandelier, or pendant can completely change the look and feel of your evening cocktails or afternoon read.
With so many lighting options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. We took some of the guesswork out the process by connecting with top interior designers, who shared their favorite illumination strategies. Let it be inspiration for your next renovation or refresh.
Flush Mounts
Photography by Lauren Taylor Creative / Interior Design by CC Zippert Design
“A statement flush mount makes living rooms with standard ceilings feel grand,” says Christine Costa Zippert, founder of CC Zippert Design. “If you center it over the coffee table, you can drop it slightly lower than you typically would in a passageway, giving more flexibility on the height and scale of the light.”
Sculptural Pendants
Photography by Greg Riegler / Interior Design by In Detail Interiors
“Living room lighting is the unsung hero of a well-designed space—it can solve layout challenges and completely transform the mood!” says Cheryl Clendenon, owner and creative chief of In Detail Interiors. Her solution for a tricky condo living room was a sculptural, three-piece pendant light that filled the space beautifully.
Statement Lamp Shades
Rose Street Trading Co
“Lampshades may seem simple, but they can transform a space,” says Skye Gibson, a designer at Bri Macdonald Designs. “Experiment with bold colors, playful patterns, or matching fabrics to elevate your décor and diffuse light beautifully.” Plus, lampshades are easy to swap out, making them a more straightforward and affordable lighting solution.
Wall Sconces
Getty / azndc
“Sconces are fantastic for creating a cozy ambiance and highlighting specific areas,” says interior designer and DIY expert Bri Macdonald. “I love a ‘sconce sandwich’—that is, placing them on either side of a feature like a mantel or artwork.” Sconces can frame many different moments in a living room, whether that’s a large sofa or a cozy reading nook.
Statement Chandeliers
Photography by Jen Morley Burner / Interior Design by Lark Interiors
“Nothing says wow like a stunning chandelier,” says Macdonald. “They can totally become the focal point of a room. Some great sources include vintage markets, CB2, Rejuvenation, or splurge-worthy brands like Flos.” It may seem like a big commitment, but the payoff in terms of style is always worth it.
Vintage Lighting
Lyfairs
“Vintage lighting adds character and charm to a space,” says Macdonald. “Look for unique finds that tell a story and bring personality to your living room.” You can track down especially rare offerings by perusing flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales, and more.
Layered Lighting
Photography by Nathan Schroder Photography / Interior Design by Lark Interiors
“The biggest mistake you can make is relying too heavily on overhead lighting,” says Janelle Patton, principal designer and owner of Lark Interiors. “We layer sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps for a balanced, inviting atmosphere.” In other words, the more the merrier—so long as it’s all curated, of course.
Glowing Candles
Getty / Anjelika Gretskaia
Candles may be a more old-school form of illumination, but you can’t deny their appeal. “They shouldn’t just be for special occasions,” says Macdonald. “A few lit candles add warmth and charm, transforming your space into a cozy haven.”
Large Fixtures
Emery Davis Photography / Interior Design by the Collective
Sometimes, bigger really is better—especially if you’re looking to make a statement. “In a two-story living room, a multi-level fixture creates drama,” says Sarah Hargrave, owner and principal designer of The Collective. “Tall ceilings deserve lighting that draws the eye upward and fills the space.”
Balanced Arrangement
Photography by Sammi Smith / Interior Design by Bri Macdonald
“Balance is my go-to rule for lighting a room,” says Macdonald. “Mix floor, table, backlighting, and overhead options for a layered, dynamic look that works for any space.” It’s also a good idea to mix glamorous statement lighting with softer pieces that offer a warmer, cozier look.
Layered Heights
Getty / alvarez
“I love layering in different heights of lighting in a living room,” says Ariel Okin, founder of Ariel Okin Interiors. “It’s important to light people from different angles.” Unique lampshades in block prints or pleated silks can add a special glow to this varied scheme.
Smart Lighting
Philips Hue
“Swap out your regular light bulbs for smart ones,” says Gibson. “You can adjust brightness, color, and even mood via your phone or voice. It’s a simple upgrade with big impact.” Smart lights are easy to install and set up too, so they’re a great option even if you’re not the most tech savvy.
