We have nearly finished planning everything in our new semi-detached house, but we’re having trouble deciding on the lighting for the living room.
Brief description: On the ground floor, we have the kitchen and living room, which are separate from each other. We have planned recessed ceiling spotlights for the kitchen, matching the kitchen area. For the living room, we are unsure and are considering options like two ceiling lights, wall and ceiling lights, wall and ceiling spotlights, or just ceiling spotlights combined with floor lamps, and so on. I would also like lighting for our display cabinets, but in that case, the recessed spotlights might be too much? Each ceiling spotlight costs us 40 euros, which is cheaper than the lamps I like...
The room is rectangular, approximately 7m x 5.5m (23 ft x 18 ft) in size, and faces northwest. On the west side (the 7m side), we have planned two double patio doors, and on the north side (the 5m side), a tall, narrow, wide window (not openable, just for light and aesthetics...).
I find it generally quite difficult to plan this room because of all the windows and doors. It’s a large room that only needs to accommodate a sofa, TV, piano, and a few pieces of furniture, but it has limited wall space. Our sofa will be the focal point (with an armchair and ottoman) and can be placed freely in the room. It’s very modern, made of light gray leather...
I look forward to tips and ideas!
PS In the living room, no eating or working will take place, but it definitely needs to be suitable for reading, playing the piano, listening to music, and watching TV!
Brief description: On the ground floor, we have the kitchen and living room, which are separate from each other. We have planned recessed ceiling spotlights for the kitchen, matching the kitchen area. For the living room, we are unsure and are considering options like two ceiling lights, wall and ceiling lights, wall and ceiling spotlights, or just ceiling spotlights combined with floor lamps, and so on. I would also like lighting for our display cabinets, but in that case, the recessed spotlights might be too much? Each ceiling spotlight costs us 40 euros, which is cheaper than the lamps I like...
The room is rectangular, approximately 7m x 5.5m (23 ft x 18 ft) in size, and faces northwest. On the west side (the 7m side), we have planned two double patio doors, and on the north side (the 5m side), a tall, narrow, wide window (not openable, just for light and aesthetics...).
I find it generally quite difficult to plan this room because of all the windows and doors. It’s a large room that only needs to accommodate a sofa, TV, piano, and a few pieces of furniture, but it has limited wall space. Our sofa will be the focal point (with an armchair and ottoman) and can be placed freely in the room. It’s very modern, made of light gray leather...
I look forward to tips and ideas!
PS In the living room, no eating or working will take place, but it definitely needs to be suitable for reading, playing the piano, listening to music, and watching TV!
Hi,
Personally, I'm not a fan of spotlights. I find them somewhat uncomfortable. They work in the kitchen, but in the living room? Not my preference. Do they actually light up the whole room or do they focus like floodlights on a specific spot?
I like light from above, so we planned everything with ceiling fixtures. They have plenty of power, so you can read comfortably. For a cozy atmosphere, we also have floor lamps and the cabinet lighting connected through several outlets to a dimmer.
Personally, I'm not a fan of spotlights. I find them somewhat uncomfortable. They work in the kitchen, but in the living room? Not my preference. Do they actually light up the whole room or do they focus like floodlights on a specific spot?
I like light from above, so we planned everything with ceiling fixtures. They have plenty of power, so you can read comfortably. For a cozy atmosphere, we also have floor lamps and the cabinet lighting connected through several outlets to a dimmer.
kaho674 schrieb:
Hi,
personally, I'm not a fan of recessed lights. I find them somewhat uncomfortable. They work in the kitchen, but in the living room? Not my style. Do they generally illuminate the entire room or just focus a beam on one spot?
I like overhead lighting, so we planned everything with ceiling fixtures. They provide plenty of light, making it easy to read. For a cozy atmosphere, we have floor lamps and the cabinet light connected via several outlets to a dimmer. During the planning phase, we also considered two ceiling fixtures. Shortly after, I changed my mind again. And again and again... Basically, I’m a big fan of recessed lights in a new build (though LED spots tend to have a slightly bluish tint, halogen looks better). Yes, the recessed lights focus more on a specific area, so you would need many spots to light the entire room. They would only be part of the solution. We also thought about wall lights, but they tend to limit furniture arrangements and we have very little wall space anyway.
What do you use above the seating area? Just the ceiling light or something more "intimate"? I was thinking about one of those arc floor lamps that swing out into the room...
Could you share some details about the cabinet lighting? I’m looking for ideas!!!
In terms of cost, floor lamps combined with recessed lights would probably be the most affordable solution, unless you’re fine with inexpensive IKEA-style lampshades...
PS: The quote from Frau Gabor is great
I was thinking of having at least one floor lamp as an arc lamp, so it can be used as a reading light without having to turn on the main lights. In our cabinet, the light is built in. It’s a very basic display case lighting, nothing more. Because of the price, I really wouldn’t want to go with an Ikea lamp. I’d rather just use the painter’s lights on the ceiling for now until I’ve saved enough money.
As main lighting, spotlights in quantity are effective, but to create a cozy atmosphere or for reading or working (including playing the piano), I would tend to prefer floor lamps.
When do you really need ceiling lights? For searching for something, ironing, or cleaning. For a room of about 35 square meters (375 square feet), you’d need quite a few... which would be too expensive for me.
I have no problem with IKEA lamps. We have a bathroom spotlight (with warm LED) and floor lamps.
Arc lamps look very stylish and offer flexibility.
When do you really need ceiling lights? For searching for something, ironing, or cleaning. For a room of about 35 square meters (375 square feet), you’d need quite a few... which would be too expensive for me.
I have no problem with IKEA lamps. We have a bathroom spotlight (with warm LED) and floor lamps.
Arc lamps look very stylish and offer flexibility.
D
DerBjoern16 Jan 2014 08:24I also prefer ceiling lights over spotlights. We install ceiling lights that provide plenty of brightness. For ambiance, there are various floor lamps, arc lamps, cabinet lights, and decorative lamps...
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