Gloomy, dim living rooms can really dampen a home’s appeal. Yet transforming lackluster living spaces into brightly lit, captivating rooms is wonderfully within reach using smart wall lighting. Wall-mounted fixtures open up small living rooms, sculpt stylish atmospheres, and upgrade ambiance without demanding precious floor or table space. Read on as we spotlight 7 insider lighting design secrets setting living rooms aglow through the power of wall lamps.
Strategizing living room wall lighting transcends selecting pretty fixtures. Thoughtfully chosen and positioned lamps mold both aesthetic impact and functional utility. Before mounting new fixtures, ponder lighting priorities reflecting how your family enjoys this hub. Note activities, traffic flow, and mood. Wall lamps effortlessly multi-task – washing spaces in ambient glows, precisely highlighting key areas, and crafting captivating stylish statements.
Types of Living Room Wall Lights
Living room wall lighting choices share versatility yet differ in directing illumination. Categorize options by utility then intermix for custom living room lighting schemes.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting casts directional illumination precisely where desired. Wall mounted picture lights train pinpoint spotlights onto displayed artwork. Rotate and adjust flexneck swing arm lamps to tackle tasks. Light up architectural niches or shelves with elegant wall sconces fitted with downlighting. Shape dramatic focal points and dimension with any of these.
Ambient Lighting
For overall living room illumination, ambient lighting washes entire spaces in general lighting without glaring bright spots. Wall mounted semi-flush ceiling fixtures throw glows across ceilings for gentle, uniform lighting. Or make a spectacular statement suspending a sparkling oversized chandelier as living room focal point.
Task Lighting
Living room desks or reading nooks require more concentrated task lighting. Mount swing arm, buffet, or table lamps offering portable illumination levels bright enough for intricate work or eyestrain-free reading. Place at seated height near surfaces needing light.
Design Factors to Consider
Effective living room lighting balances both aesthetic and practical considerations. Visualizing spatial dynamics before installation prevents missteps.
Lighting Needs
Catalog typical living room activities like TV viewing, reading, homework, entertaining, then cross-reference with lighting priorities. Ambient lighting suffuses general illumination. Task lighting spotlights specific zones. Accent lighting creates drama by highlighting architectural details or displayed artwork. Determine which (or all) are most relevant then strategize fixtures accordingly.
Living Room Size and Layout
Living room proportions and layout significantly influence lighting planning. Visually opening smaller spaces relies on strategic fixture placement to exaggerate vertical reaches while eliminating dark corners. Incorporate wall lighting to reduce bulky floor and table lamps cramming tight quarters. Analyze architectural elements to highlight before final fixture and positioning decisions.
Aesthetic and Style
Lighting selections must harmonize with your living room’s decorating vision. Define overall aesthetic goals like modern, traditional, transitional to narrow suitable styles. Consider finishes that pop against wall colors from polished chrome to antique brass. Layer ambient chandeliers, reading lamps, and accent sconces mixing shapes for added interests. Match light warmth to room use – bright cool white for tasks, soft warm glows for relaxing.
Key Benefits of Wall Lighting
Living room wall lighting bestows must-have perks impossible for floor or table fixtures. Take advantage by incorporating all three ambient, task, and accent wall lamps.
Visual Interest and Dimension
Positioned properly, wall lighting sculpts living rooms by molding light, shadows, and dimension. Wall sconces generate intriguing silhouettes while swing arms permit redirecting illumination. Ambient chandeliers overhead make small rooms appear taller. Accent uplights highlight architectural niches or displayed collections. Enjoy lighting layering affording depth and visual appeal.
Space Savings
Demanding floor and table real estate is freed up using space-saving wall mounted lamps for added functionality. Slim swing arms situate task lighting without dominating surfaces below. Sconces replace table lamps to polish off sofa end tables or drinks stations. Your living room feels more expansive and less cluttered illuminating it almost exclusively using wall fixtures.
Ambiance and Mood Lighting
Nothing transforms a living room’s atmosphere faster than adjusting lighting. Wall mounted fixtures enable instantly dialing in everything from bright working environments to mellow evening retreats. Change direction or brightness at anytime using adjustable swing arm lamps. Dim chandeliers low to unwind at day’s end with wall sconces glowing. Lighting controls turn even ordinary rooms into extraordinary customizable spaces.
Installation Tips and Considerations
Living room wall lighting runs the gamut from simple plug-in fixtures to elaborate hardwired installations. Evaluate options below when planning.
Hardwired vs Plug-in: Permanent built-in wall sconces and chandeliers require professional installation wiring directly into junction boxes. Costly yet beautiful additions. Many swing arm lamps offer plug-in convenience. Consider convertible hardwire options flexible for wall switch controls.
Height and Placement: Standard sconce and picture light mounting situates fixtures 60” to 66” above floors unless otherwise noted. Extend swing arm lamps near seated tasks. Position chandeliers approximately 12” from ceilings for best illumination. Consult designers if unsure.
Use Licensed Electricians: Wall lighting presents tricky electrical complexities. Employ reputable licensed electricians following local building codes for any fixture installation for safety plus proper functioning.
Lighting Controls and Smart Technology
Today’s lighting controls remove annoying limitations transforming ordinary wall lights into extraordinary living room fixtures.
Dimmers: Manual or smart dimmers afford dialing chandeliers and sconces up or down matching activities and moods.
Smart Bulbs: LED smart bulbs in fixtures enable voice or app controls. Schedule automatic on-offs. Optimize brightness. Shift color temperatures from energizing blue-toned white to soothing warmer tints.
Timers and Motion Sensors: Hardwire chandeliers and sconces to switches incorporating automatic shut-offs or occupancy sensors to prevent lights left on.
Safety Precautions
Improper living room wall lighting risks accidents or fires. Heed basics below for protection.
Choose Appropriate Wattages: Match bulb wattages to fixture specifications avoiding overheating. Replace spent bulbs promptly.
Secure Fixtures Properly: Follow manufacturer mounting guidelines precisely. Do not suspend chandeliers from older ceilings unable to support extreme weight.
Employ Circuit Breakers: Update older homes relying solely on fuse boxes to incorporate circuit breakers preventing hazardous electrical overloads.
Style Inspiration for Wall Lights
The design options for living room wall lamps are virtually endless. Scope out some of our favorite looks certain to brighten up lackluster spaces.
Sconces
Check out how this couple mixes modern and traditional elements using sleek LED sconces contrasting an ornate chandelier and sofa.
Swing Arm Lamps
This tiny apartment feels roomy with a gallery wall mirror visually expanding tight space. Twin antique brass swing arms flank a sofa providing targeted reading light.
Chandeliers
Dramatic overscale pendant chandeliers steal this open concept living-kitchen’s spotlight. White palette maximizes light reflections from the faceted fixture.
Transforming living rooms from dreary to dazzling is wonderfully doable by focusing efforts upward. Mount swing arm lamps for tasks, picture lights showcasing displayed artworks, then fill spaces with ambient chandeliers or semi-flush mounts overhead. Enjoy brilliant upgrades without sacrificing floor or table area. Discover inspiring ways to showcase interior architecture using functional sculpture sconces. Finally, take advantage of lighting controls for enjoyment anytime matching activities or moods.
Kick lackluster living room lighting to the curb. The solution for making mediocre spaces shine lies easily within reach on the wall. What lighting changes might your home benefit from? Discover the power possible working thoughtfully with switches, fixtures, and electricity!
