Ryan Gosling Agrees: You Understand Lighting When You Swap This Overpowering Overhead Fixture for an Ambient Alternative
Design experts and Ryan Gosling agree: Overhead fixtures are permanently out – there's a chicer way to illuminate your living room
If you're chronically online, you might have heard of the British term for overhead lighting: Simply, 'the big light'. La La Land actor Ryan Gosling first learned the term in front of an audience of millions via BBC Radio 1, when host Greg James discussed the unpleasantness of such a fixture – and rather unsurprisingly, Ryan Gosling similarly wasn't a fan.
'[It's a big, big, bright light in the middle of the room,' Greg explains. 'Lamps are nice, soft lighting. But the big light is like we're in a [grocery store],' to which Ryan nods in agreement. 'I couldn't agree more,' he says.
In the US, such lights are more commonly known as overhead lighting – but regardless of the term, the effect remains the same. Whether it's the bedroom, kitchen, or living room lighting ideas in question, turning on overhead lighting is often too overpowering.
Article continues belowShop Atmospheric Lighting Alternatives
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Lighting experts, including Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton, the co-founders of lights&lamps, agree. Instead of simply following lighting trends, they suggest starting with fixtures where the glow is easily adaptable.
'There are a few ways in which you can create ambience with lighting in a kitchen, living and dining room. The main way is to choose light fixtures where the light direction and brightness level is adjustable,' they say.
'Creating a layered, ambient lighting effect in any of these rooms can also be achieved by using dimmer switches, which will allow you to adjust the light levels throughout the day. For kitchens, consider using a low-hanging pendant over a dining table, which will cast a soft, warm hue over your dining space. For living rooms, table and floor lamps are a great way to create cosy corners.'
Your chosen material is similarly key to the overall atmosphere of your space.
'The specific textures used depend on the overall design style of the room, but when using metallic colors, getting the balance is key,' they say.
'If used correctly, they can really enhance and lift the overall aesthetic of a room. We often design lighting that combines aged brass accents with neutral grounding textures like rattan and linen.'
Ryan is right: nobody loves the big light. Luckily, a few smart fixtures and some soft, ambient glow can turn any room into a Hollywood-approved retreat.
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