Light up your living room for cosy ambience

 

 

She says the living room draws a family together for rest, conversations, games, hosting guests and watching television, among other restful activities. 

 

Achieving a cosy ambience in the living room is greatly determined by the type and positioning of the lighting chosen. 

 

Gitta says there can be a central ceiling fixture that allows the light to wash over the whole room. "This is the type of lighting most of us have adopted. It covers the lighting needs in a room," she says. 

 

However, better mood and atmosphere can be achieved by using modern and varied light options. It does not have to be a naked bulb hanging from the ceiling. 

 

Take advantage of the various pendants and chandeliers made in attractive designs. From glittering beads and glass-panelled to the powered glass cups and wrought iron candelabra, the market is teeming with options. 

 

Gitta says light shades make a key accessory to any lighting scheme. "They come in several colours and designs, providing a dimming quality to lights, as well as being artistic objects for the eye to behold". 

 

It is also fairly common to have the living room light coming from wall fixtures. These diffuse the harshness that can come from a central ceiling light. 

 

When used in conjunction with shades, they enhance the calming quality in the room.  This is where transparent doors and windows become an asset. You can employ an old trick to multiply the effect of the lights using mirrors. 

 

Strategically placed, a mirror reflects the light from one source-say a window or wall light on the opposite side- making the room appear bigger and brighter.  Choose ornamental mirrors with decorative frames.  

 
Special purpose lighting may be necessary to section off areas for certain purposes. For instance, stand and table lamps are handy for corners that are used for relaxed reading. 

 

The light needs to fall from above and behind the person reading. If you have art décor that you want to showcase, then accent lighting will help to highlight your paintings, photo collections, trophies or statuettes, for example. As they say, go ahead and let your lights shine.