Lighting up the living room can be very challenging and fun at the same time. While planning for it, we have to take into account the numerous activities that will take place in the room. It could be used to relax and to watch television after a tiring day at work or could be used to party along with friends during weekends.

In the initial stages, one should try and imagine the places where the lights will be reflected. An intelligent combination of ambience, task and accent lighting can be experimented in the living room. Ambience lighting can be done with a good ceiling lamp that will provide the general lighting required for the interiors.

The living room could do with some extra lighting, building up different effects in the room. Dimmers are an efficient way of adding a dramatic effect to the room. They are installed for mood specifications where the intensity of light can be altered according to the desired mood. Chandeliers that cover the entire ceiling are slowing moving out of fashion. The current trend is to have small and sleek contemporary fixtures. Sporting a minimalist look, these fixtures that reflect lights bouncing off the walls are now in vogue.

Stylish, modern floor lamps can be placed near the seating arrangements. Clear lamps might create a glare and cast harsh shadows on the walls and ceilings and hence you should seek out frosted lamps or diffusing filters for such fixtures. Pictures on the wall can be highlighted using small picture lamps.  Incandescent lights can be used to illuminate showpieces or glassware placed in the room.  The same goes for a bar cabinet, where the lights filtering through the glasses bring out brilliant reflections.

False ceiling widens the scope of adding a striking effect to the interiors. Lights inserted in the false ceiling with radiating streaks of light create a luxurious effect. A completely lit up false ceiling also helps create an illusion of great height.

Also read: general tips on lighting, and lighting tips for the kitchen, the bedroom and bathroom