How to layer light in a living room

A living room lit by a single ceiling fixture tends to feel flat: bright in the middle, gloomy in the corners and harsh on faces. The fix is not more watts but more sources, spread across three heights.

1. Overhead: the base layer

A pendant, flush mount or chandelier gives general light for cleaning, searching and busy evenings. Put it on a dimmer if you can, so it can step back once the other layers are on.

2. Eye level: the comfort layer

Table lamps and floor lamps do most of the work on a quiet evening. Place them where you actually sit: next to the sofa, beside a reading chair, on a sideboard. A shade in linen or paper softens the bulb and spreads a warm glow across the wall.

3. Low: the mood layer

Small cordless lamps, candles and lanterns on low surfaces add depth and make a room feel finished. They are also the easiest layer to move around as the seasons change.

Quick rules

• Aim for at least three light sources in a living room, at three different heights.
• Keep the colour of the light the same throughout the room. Warm white (around 2700K) works for almost every living space.
• Light the corners. A lamp in a dark corner makes a room feel larger.
• Use dimmers or smart bulbs on the overhead light so you can switch between bright and calm.

Browse table lamps, floor lamps and cordless lamps to build your layers.