DESIGNING
WITH LIGHT IN
THE LIVING & FAMILY ROOM
When designing a lighting plan for a living room or family room, you
need to consider the variety of activities that occur there. You'll want
to include general lighting for entertaining and watching television,
task lighting for reading or sewing, and accent lighting for artwork,
plants, and interesting architectural features. Dimming controls are ideal
for the living room because they allow you to design the lighting to suit
each mood and activity (see lighting controls).
Fireplaces made of brick or stone can be emphasized with recessed downlights installed in the ceiling over the mantle to create an intriguing
grazing effect across the surface. Wall sconces on each side of the fireplace
are an attractive addition that draws attention to the fireplace area,
while providing general lighting for the living room.
Reading requires task lighting that can come from behind the reader's
shoulder. This can be accomplished by placing a floor lamp either at the
right or the left of the reading chair. You can also read with indirect
light that reflects off the ceiling or wall. The bottom of the shade should
be located at eye level to avoid glare.
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