“To make a small living room feel bigger, light the edges of the room, not just the middle. Aim for roughly 10-20 lumens per square foot in total.”
Designer tip
6 ways to light a small living room so it feels bigger
- Layer three light sources. The ALA recommends overall, task and accent layers, so mix ceiling, wall and table heights.
- Wash the walls. A softly lit wall reads as farther away than a dark one.
- Light the corners. Tuck a slim floor lamp into the darkest corner and the room stops ending early.
- Go up the wall. Put sconces beside the seating to free up floor and side-table space.
- Match your bulbs. Stick to one warm 2700-3000K color so the room feels like one space.
- Soften and dim. Use opal glass or fabric shades and a dimmer for glare-free party and movie modes.
Our top picks
Tolomeo Micro Wall Light by Artemide
The smallest Tolomeo wall light, for a reading corner or a narrow wall.
Tolomeo Wall Spot Light by Artemide
A wall spot that lights art or a shelf without taking floor space.
YOY Wall Illusion Sconce for Innermost
Innermost YOY, a minimal sconce that almost disappears into the wall.
Bracket Wall Washer by Steve Jones for Innermost
Innermost Bracket by Steve Jones, a pared-back wall light.
Bolt Wall Light by Steve Jones for Innermost
An industrial nut-and-bolt wall light by Steve Jones for Innermost.
Victoria Rechargeable Lamp by NEOZ, Fabric Shade
A rechargeable indoor lamp with a fabric shade, rated IP30.
Tolomeo Classic Wall Light by Artemide
The classic Tolomeo wall light by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina.
Tolomeo With Shade Wall Light by Artemide
A Tolomeo wall light with a shade for softer, diffused light.
Frequently asked questions
How many lumens do I need for a small living room?
A common rule of thumb is 10-20 lumens per square foot, so a 10 x 10 ft room needs roughly 1,000-2,000 lumens. Spread it across several lamps.
What color temperature suits a small living room?
Warm white, 2700K to 3000K. Use the same color in every fixture so the room reads as one space.
Can I add wall lights if I rent?
Yes. Plug-in wall lights mount with a couple of screws and run to a regular outlet, so no hardwiring is needed.
Is one ceiling light enough?
Usually not. It lights the middle and leaves corners dark, so add at least two more sources at different heights.
Where should a floor lamp go?
In the darkest corner, a little away from the wall so the glow spreads across it.
Want a second pair of eyes on your floor plan? Get design help from LoftModern.