A ceiling light fixture often solves the challenge of living room lighting: a chandelier is usually considered sufficient to create the right ambience and lighting comfort in a space, but a single overhead fixture is rarely enough to light a room fully. Lighting designers recommend supplementing it with additional lights placed around the space. But what if installing a chandelier in the living room isn’t an option? The electrical setup may be unavailable, ceiling decorations might prevent wiring, or low ceilings could make such a solution disproportionate. Luckily, there are design tricks and ideas to solve this issue. So, what is the best light for a living room? Here are five alternatives to the ‘classic’ chandelier for living room lighting.
Lighting the Living Room with Track Lights
Overhead lighting without the limitations of a fixed point: track lighting systems are the ideal solution for living room lighting that’s flexible and adjustable over time. With a technical and minimalist look, they work well in modern spaces but can also bring contrast to a classic living room. These lights are versatile thanks to straight and curved segments, offering various configurations. They require a driver and power supply mounted on the wall. Their biggest advantage? Adapting to new furniture layouts by simply moving or adding spotlights. A flexible and innovative option for those seeking living room lights.
Wall Sconces: Perfect Allies in Any Room
Elegant yet discreet, wall sconces can replace a chandelier to provide the right living room lighting. Before installing them, it’s essential to consider both the power and the type of light emission: uplight (towards the ceiling) or downlight (directly below). Sconces can define the style of a room just like a piece of art, installed individually or in pairs.
What is the best light for a living room? With a Swing-Arm Lamp
Swing-arm lamps are close relatives of wall lights but allow for overhead lighting, which is perfect for placing over a sofa. They are available in slim or bulkier designs, minimalist black or more colourful and expressive options to add a practical lighting solution. However, much like a chandelier, they can restrict furniture arrangement. Still, they provide an elegant solution for those seeking living room lights without altering the existing electrical setup.
Arc Lamp: Overhead Light Without Ceiling Installation
Designed in 1962 for Flos by the Castiglioni brothers, the Arco lamp has become emblematic of a category of floor lamps distinguished by their tall, curved arms. It is an ideal replacement for ceiling lights in spaces without ceiling wiring, as it can be placed anywhere with access to an electrical socket. Arc lamps offer one of the most iconic and functional lighting solutions for living rooms, combining practicality with timeless design.
Lighting the Living Room with a Mix of Floor and Table Lamps
A solution that creates a soft atmosphere, adjustable according to the activity, living room lighting using ‘mobile’ lamps enriches the decor with design elements that define the ambience style.
Floor lamps are perfect as reading lights or for creating ambient lighting, while table lamps provide soft illumination when watching TV or enjoying an evening chatting with friends.