How to Create the Perfect Ambience with Lighting in a Renovated Living Room
- Matej Svoboda
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
When you renovate a living room, the flooring, walls, and furniture might be top of mind—but if the lighting isn't right, the entire space can fall flat. Good lighting isn't just about visibility; it's about creating atmosphere, highlighting features, and making your home feel warm, inviting, and stylish.
Lighting can set the mood for any room, especially in a renovated living space, this guide breaks down how to design lighting that elevates your living room to its full potential.
Why Does a Renovated Living Room Lighting Matters?
Lighting is what ties a room together. It's the final layer that enhances colour schemes, makes textures pop, and sets the emotional tone.
With the right lighting ambiance, you can:
Make a small room feel larger
Highlight artwork or architectural features
Create mood—from relaxed to energised
Transition easily from daytime brightness to evening calm
The Three Layers of Living Room Lighting
To create a balanced and flexible lighting scheme, combine ambient, task, and accent lighting. Think of these as layers that work together.
1. Ambient Lighting (General Light)
This is your main source of light—what fills the room when you flip a switch.
Examples:
Ceiling-mounted fixtures (e.g. flush mount or semi-flush lights)
Pendant lights
Recessed downlights
Renovation Tip: Consider dimmable ceiling lights so you can adjust brightness based on the time of day or activity.
2. Task Lighting (Functional Light)
Focused light that helps with specific activities: reading, working, hobbies.
Examples:
Table lamps near sofas
Floor lamps by reading chairs
Wall-mounted swing-arm lights
Placement Tip: Task lighting should eliminate shadows. Place lamps to the side or slightly behind you when seated.
3. Accent Lighting (Decorative/Mood Light)
Accent lighting adds atmosphere, highlights focal points, and brings the room to life.
Examples:
LED strip lights behind shelving
Picture lights above artwork
Uplighters aimed at textured walls
Fireplaces or media wall lighting
Renovation Tip: Use accent lights to add contrast—warm light on dark walls creates drama, while cool light on white walls feels airy.
Choosing the Right Bulbs for the Right Mood
The type of light bulb you use impacts ambience more than you might think.
Warm White (2700K–3000K): Cosy and relaxing—ideal for living rooms
Cool White (3500K–4100K): Clean and crisp—better for kitchens and bathrooms
Daylight (5000K+): Bright and energising—too harsh for cosy spaces
Renovation Tip: Install smart bulbs or switches so you can control colour temperature and brightness with your phone or voice assistant.
Lighting Ideas Based on Room Features
For Large Windows and Natural Light
Use lighting to complement, not compete with daylight.
Add sheer curtains to diffuse natural light during the day.
At night, layer in table lamps and floor lamps to recreate the warmth.
For Feature Walls and Artwork
Use directional spotlights or wall washers to highlight textures or gallery walls.
Picture lights add elegance and focus to framed art or family photos.
For Fireplaces
Install uplights in the alcoves beside the fireplace.
Use flickering LED candles or soft lamp lighting to mimic natural firelight.
For Media Walls and TVs
Add backlighting or LED strips behind the TV to reduce eye strain.
Keep lighting subtle so it doesn’t reflect on the screen.
How to Plan Lighting Ambiance During a Home Renovation
If you're in the middle of a remodel, this is the ideal time to rethink your wiring and layout.
Plan Your Furniture Layout First
Knowing where your seating, tables, and focal points will be helps determine where you need sockets, switches, and fixtures.
Pre-wire for Flexibility
Add wall sconces with hidden cables.
Install floor sockets for table or floor lamps.
Include dimmer switches or smart switches in key areas.
Zone Your Lighting
Break your lighting into zones so you can control each one independently:
Overhead lighting
Accent lighting (shelves/artwork)
Task lighting (seating area)
Ambient lighting (perimeter or coves)
Do's and Don’ts of Living Room Lighting
DO: Layer your lighting—no single light source can do it all.
DO: Use dimmers for every main light.
DO: Choose bulbs that match your room’s tone and paint colour.
DON’T: Rely only on overhead lights—they flatten everything.
DON’T: Mix too many colour temperatures in one room—it looks chaotic.
DON’T: Forget switches near seating areas for easy access.
Bonus Home Renovation Tips
Smart Lighting: Use programmable scenes like “Relax,” “Movie,” or “Entertain.”
Statement Fixtures: Try a dramatic pendant or chandelier to draw the eye upward.
Recessed LED Strips: Install behind crown moulding or floating shelves for sleek, modern ambience.
The Final Word
Lighting isn’t just the cherry on top of a renovation—it’s the backbone of your living room’s mood, function, and beauty. Whether you’re designing a calm retreat or an energised social space, a well-lit living room can make all the difference.
Remember: light what matters, layer it well, and always think about how it will feel during real-life moments—from slow Sunday mornings to lively Friday nights.
Need help with paint, lighting, or full room transformations? At Painter Adam, we don’t just paint walls—we help you design better homes. Reach out today for a consultation or get a free estimate for your next project.
