Are You Under-Lighting Your Living Room? Here’s How Many Lamps You Actually Need for a Cozier Space
Is there a magic number? Designers deliberate on how many lighting sources to use and where to use them
A single overhead fixture is never going to cut it when it comes to living room lighting. These soft, lived-in spaces need layers; they need lamps. But how many lamps does a living room actually need? Well, unsurprisingly, the answer entirely depends on a few factors: the size of your living room, your interior design style, the room's layout and more. Generally though, it's best to opt for at least one type of lighting, and scatter them according to each 'zone'.
'I'd say at least two, but the floor plan really dictates the number. Depending on the size and layout of the room, four, five, or even six lamps can work beautifully!' says Amy Peltier of Peltier Interiors. 'The goal isn't to hit a specific number. It's to create little pockets of warm, inviting light throughout the space.'
A glass chandelier, table lamps, and picture lights create pockets of warmth in this cozy living room.
A small living room might feature only two lighting sources, whereas a large living room might layer several types, from table lamps to wall lights. There is no exact figure to aim for; it all comes down to how you use your space.
While living room ceiling lights have their purpose, they should never be the only light source. A scheme layered with various lighting styles typically feels far more lived-in, cozy, and inviting than one that relies solely on an overhead fixture. Incorporating types of lighting will ensure every pocket of your living room feels equally illuminated and cozy. 'It depends on the size of the space, but I think each living room needs a minimum of one table lamp and one floor lamp,' says Shannon Hubby of Shannon Eddings Interiors. 'I look for every opportunity to bring in lamp light as it puts out a nice, warm glow that you cannot get from overhead lighting.'
'This living room design remodel has all of my favorites in one space – statement overhead light fixture, wall sconces and a table lamp,' adds Shannon.
Placement of your lighting is just as crucial as the styles themselves.
Scale plays an equal part in living room lighting. While the number of lamps matters, paying attention to the size of your pieces and how they hang or stand in a space is crucial.
'I don’t think there’s a magic number, but I typically like to incorporate at least one ‘main’ overhead chandelier, one hardwired wall lamp, and one table or floor lamp layered in,' Brooke Mennen-Talsma of Brooke MT Interiors says. 'Rather than relying on overhead lighting, I prefer lighting layered in at various heights in the room.'
'I especially love incorporating smaller lamps in unexpected places, like a bookshelf, built-in cabinetry, or a window nook,' Brooke adds. 'These little pockets of light make a room feel much more lived-in. Every space should be a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.'
Layering your lighting is the best way to achieve ambiance and drama.
Instead of fixating on a set number of lamps (all designers are in agreement that no such figure exists, as every scheme looks different), incorporating types of lighting is a good place to start. A common living room lighting mistake is forgetting to consider each corner's purpose and how you intend to use the room.
'Layered lighting is becoming a focus for homeowners who want to unwind after a long day,' Sarah Fontanez of Pomme House explains. 'We are saying goodbye to single-source lighting that feels harsh and often comes from overhead. Mixing sconces and reading lamps within a single space highlights the features of the room, making it feel serene and allowing you to turn down the space with the setting sun.'
'You should think about groupings of light in a space and zones when figuring out how many light sources are needed,' Sarah adds. 'An overhead light throws a lot of centralized light; then think about the perimeter walls – what do you want to highlight? A piece of art or an architectural feature? Then, move inward, giving each sitting area a dedicated task light, either a table lamp or a telescopic floor lamp for reading. Don’t forget candlelight; nothing is cozier than the warm glow of a candlestick sconce.'
The Living Room Lighting Edit
All designers seem in agreement that living room lighting should consist of more than one overhead fixture, but the exact number of lamps a room needs varies depending on its size and purpose.
'You want enough lamps so that you never reach for the ceiling switch. I want a mix of table lamps, floor lamps and sconces, with overhead light used sparingly, if ever, to be honest,' says John Maloney McNamara of Coosa. 'There's no reason to put can lights in any room other than maybe a kitchen. They usually go in a grid, dictated by the ceiling rather than the sofa or the art. The light is cold and unflattering even to a supermodel, and the living room ends up lit like a parking garage.'
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