Highlight your home’s best features by layering different types of lighting.

But expecting one light source to fulfill all your lighting needs is unrealistic.

Lighting can be split into four key types: Ambient, task, accent, and decorative.

living room with gray couch and orange wall

Credit:Carson Downing

Create Ambient Lighting

Victoria Pearson

Start withambient lightingto lay the foundation for your living room lighting idea.

Illuminating dark areas is also a clever way to make asmall living roomfeel bigger.

In a cramped space, wall lights are best because they dont occupy valuable floor or surface space.

A green living room with several lamps and a brick fireplace

Credit:Max Kim-Bee

Opt for a Practical Floor Lamp

Thiscozy spotis the perfect example of how to incorporate task lighting.

A floor lamp like this provides the ideal light source for anything you want to do while seated.

A colorful base or shade is a great way to add a splash of color to the space.

white living room with ceiling lights

Credit:Victoria Pearson

Distribute table lamps evenly around the room and turn them on at night to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Turn lighting into a work of art with decorativewall sconces.

A fan canregulate a room’s temperatureand keep you cool and comfortable while you relax or entertain.

A small leather chair sits by a window underneath a wall sconce

Credit:KIM CORNELISON

Add another level to their utility by opting for a ceiling fan with lights.

With so many modern designs, you’ll be able to find a style tosuit any interior.

Highlight Your Favorite Decor

Adam Albright

Draw attention to your favorite works of art with picture lighting.

farmhouse living room reading room

Credit: Tria Giovan Photography, Inc

Wall lights can also highlight sculptures and books in anopen-shelving unit.

Install a Statement Ceiling Light

Have some fun with a statement-makingmodern living roomlighting idea.

They can draw attention to nooks that might otherwise get overlooked while bringing focus and definition to a space.

a brightly colored living room with a clear green glass lamp

Credit:Greg Scheidemann

They can also help youzone larger roomsor make small spaces feel bigger and more spacious.

Add Style to Your Living Room with These Ideas

small sitting room with cozy couches and colorful decor

Credit: John Bessler

a living room with a large abstract picture of a tree stump

Credit:Adam Albright

Living room with dark gray walls and pink rug

Credit: Annie Schlecther

Living room with black accent wall

Credit:John Bessler