Layered lighting: how to make your living room cosy in the evening
, by Kezaro,
1 min reading time
Why a single ceiling light is rarely enough, and how three layers of light create a calm, warm atmosphere in the evening.
Many living rooms have exactly one light source: the ceiling light. It makes the room bright, but rarely cosy. That is why lighting designers work in layers. It sounds complicated, but it is simpler than it seems.
Layer 1: ambient light
Ambient light lets you move around the room safely. Usually that is a ceiling light. In the evening you often do not need it at all, or only dimmed. During the day and when tidying up, it is practical.
Layer 2: mood light
This is the layer that carries a room in the evening. Wall lights and floor lamps with indirect light shine against the wall or ceiling. The light becomes soft, shadows become gentle, and the room feels bigger and calmer.
Indirect light on the wall: the Sento floor lamp.
Layer 3: accent light
Small points of light add accents: a table lamp on the sideboard, a light above a picture, a light on a shelf. They draw the eye and bring the room to life.
An accent on the sideboard: the Spira table lamp.
How to put it into practice
Three heights: light at the top (ceiling), in the middle (wall) and low down (table or floor). Even two of these make a big difference.
One colour temperature: stick to warm white in the living room, so the light feels calm and consistent.
Dimmable where possible: dimmable lights adapt to your evening, from reading to watching a film.
Away from the ceiling: in the evening, switch off the ceiling light and use only wall, floor and table lights. The room instantly feels different.
Start without an electrician
You do not need new wiring straight away. Floor lamps and table lamps simply plug in. That already gives you two layers, without any drilling.
