How many lamps in a living room?

Figuring out how many lamps you need in a living room isn't about strict formulas or calculators. You could go down the lumen calculator route… or most designers recommend at least five to eight light sources... but in reality, every space is different.

Darker walls absorb more light, carpets treat light differently to polished floors, lamp shades can contain or diffuse light and furniture placement plays a big role. Instead of getting stuck on numbers, the best approach is to think about layers of lighting and how you actually use the space. Plan enough sockets that you have the flexibility to add and change lamps!

A well-lit living room isn't about brightness, it's about creating the right atmosphere for different times or activities.

Task lighting

This is your focused, functional, practical lighting for reading or working from home, or doing a jigsaw puzzle at the coffee table. Think adjustable floor lamps, reading lamps beside sofas, or even a light attached to a wall near the armchair.

Ambient lighting

This is the soft, general glow that makes the room feel cosy in the evenings. Table lamps, wall sconces, and floor lamps work well here. You can even control them from the light switch if you invest in lamp sockets as part of your electrics plan.

Accent lighting

Want to highlight a painting with a picture light? That's where accent lighting comes in.

General lighting

For when you need a wash of light. A pendant light (often 'the big light') is not compulsory - however lots of us have them! Use a dimmer switch so that you can adjust the mood when needed.

It depends on the size of the room, but most designers recommend at least five to eight light sources in a living room.

Focus on covering a mix of these different types of lighting types spread throughout the room. A ceiling pendant, two table lamps, a floor lamp, and a couple of wall lights should be plenty for most spaces.