Your living room should be more than just a place to crash at the end of the day; it should feel comfortable, inviting, and tailored to how your family actually uses the space. But even the most beautiful furniture and layouts can fall flat without the right lighting.
At Custom Built, we’ve helped Michigan families reimagine their living rooms with designs that feel just as good as they look. From cozy reading corners to open-concept layouts, we understand that lighting shapes how you live.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top eight living room lighting options so you can make thoughtful, practical choices that fit your style and needs.
- Recessed Lighting: Clean and Customizable
- Ceiling Fixtures: Central and Stylish
- Wall Sconces: Ambient and Architectural
- Floor and Table Lamps: Functional and Flexible
- LED Cove or Strip Lighting: Soft and Modern
- Natural Light Enhancements: Reflect and Maximize
- Pendant Lighting: Stylish and Focused
- Track Lighting: Flexible and Functional
1. Recessed Lighting: Clean and Customizable
PC: Zimmerman Electric Company
Recessed lights are installed flush with the ceiling for a clean, streamlined look. They're a popular choice for general illumination and can be placed strategically to provide even light coverage or highlight specific features in a room.
Here's a breakdown of the most common types:
6" Canless Recessed Lights (Most Common)
This is our go-to option for general lighting. Canless 6-inch fixtures offer a wide beam spread, making them ideal for large, open areas like living rooms, kitchens, or basements. They sit directly in the drywall with no bulky housing, which makes them easier to install in finished ceilings and more energy-efficient.
4" Canless Recessed Lights
Smaller and more focused, 4-inch canless lights are often used to highlight architectural features such as a fireplace, art niche, or window. They also work well for task lighting in specific zones. Their compact size makes them a great fit for lower ceilings or modern, minimalist designs.
Traditional Canned Lights with Housing (Rare Use)
We rarely use traditional "canned" recessed lights unless a project calls for an adjustable or directional bulb. These lights require a separate housing unit in the ceiling and are typically used for specialty applications where bulb angle or type matters.
Best For:
- Lower ceilings or open-concept spaces
- Highlighting specific areas like seating zones or walkways
Custom Built Tip: Use dimmers to adjust brightness throughout the day.
2. Ceiling Fixtures: Central and Stylish
From statement chandeliers to subtle flush mounts, ceiling fixtures offer both light and personality. In a living room, they often serve as the room’s visual anchor.
Best For:
- Rooms with higher ceilings
- Traditional, transitional, or farmhouse designs
Three Ceiling Fixtures Featured in Recent Custom Built Projects:
- Possini Euro Saturna Brushed Nickel
- Maeve Chandelier Crystal/Brass by Classic Home
- Birch Lane Ableton 6 - Light Dimmable Classic / Traditional Chandelier
Custom Built Tip: Choose a fixture that complements other finishes in the room, like metal trims or wood tones.
3. Wall Sconces: Ambient and Architectural
PC: Lightopia
Wall-mounted sconces provide soft, indirect light that adds warmth and style. They’re great for flanking a fireplace, highlighting artwork, or creating a reading nook.
Best For:
- Adding visual interest without taking up floor space
- Layering lighting in cozy areas
Three Wall Scones Featured in Recent Custom Built Projects:
- Eastmoreland 2-1/4" Fitter Sconce
- McGee & Co. 18" Cabinet Maker's Picture Light
- Weston Fluted Glass Indoor/Outdoor Sconce (16")
Custom Built Tip: Consider sconces with adjustable arms for flexibility in seating areas.
4. Floor and Table Lamps: Functional and Flexible
While not hardwired, these are still important. Lamps help fill in the lighting gaps and allow for quick style changes without major construction.
Best For:
- Adding focused light for reading or hobbies
- Temporary or seasonal décor updates
Custom Built Tip: Use smart bulbs or plugs to control these easily from your phone or voice assistant.
5. LED Cove or Strip Lighting: Soft and Modern
Installed along shelves, behind crown molding, or under floating cabinets, LED strip lighting adds a subtle glow. It’s ideal for accent lighting and a great way to modernize your space.
Best For:
- Sleek, contemporary living rooms
- Highlighting architecture or built-ins
Custom Built Tip: Warm white tones (2700K–3000K) are more relaxing for living spaces.
6. Natural Light Enhancements: Reflect and Maximize
No light source compares to the sun. If you are remodeling, take the opportunity to bring more natural light into your space for both health and energy savings. Along with rearranging furniture or painting with lighter tones, you can explore several design solutions to increase daylight.
Design Options to Consider:
- Larger or Additional Windows: Replacing small windows with larger units or adding new windows can brighten up your home significantly. Picture and casement windows are particularly effective at letting in more light.
- Transom Windows: These narrow windows above doors or larger windows allow additional sunlight without reducing privacy. They are great for interior or exterior walls.
- Sun Tunnels (Solar Tubes): Ideal for enclosed or windowless spaces like hallways, bathrooms, or closets, sun tunnels use reflective tubing to direct sunlight from your roof into interior areas of your home.
- Glass Doors: Adding or upgrading to glass patio or French doors can introduce a large, effective light source. This works especially well in kitchens, additions, and living areas that open to outdoor spaces.
Best For:
- Improving energy efficiency
- Creating a brighter, more inviting space
- Reducing the need for artificial light
- Supporting mental and physical well-being
Custom Built Tip: Install light-filtering window treatments like woven shades or sheer panels. These help control brightness without blocking natural light. For even better light balance throughout the day, pair your layout with dimmable lighting fixtures.
7. Pendant Lighting: Stylish and Focused
PC: Decoist
Pendants aren’t just for kitchens. In the living room, they can define smaller zones within a larger space, like a reading corner or a lounge area, without the bulk of floor lamps or fixtures.
Best For:
- High ceilings
- Defining small zones within open layouts
- Layering design details with purpose
Three Pendant Lighting Fixtures Featured in Recent Custom Built Projects:
- Frankie Small Single Light Pendant by Lark
- Large Black Kiro 1 - Light Single Pendant by Williston Forge
- Everly 1 Light 9 inch Natural Brass Pendant Ceiling Light by Kichler
Custom Built Tip: Use pendant lights with translucent or open shades to avoid casting harsh shadows in relaxed spaces.
8. Track Lighting: Flexible and Functional
If you are looking for directional lighting but want more flexibility than fixed recessed lights, track lighting is a great alternative.
Track lighting allows you to adjust each fixture head individually, so you can direct light exactly where you need it. This makes it ideal for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or shifting the lighting focus with seasonal décor. It is especially effective in kitchens, hallways, and living areas where lighting needs may change over time.
Best For:
- Homes with rotating artwork or displays
- Spaces where lighting needs may change over time
- Modern and industrial styles
Custom Built Tip: Choose low-profile track systems in finishes that match your ceiling for a clean, unobtrusive look.
How to Choose the Best Lighting Idea for Your Living Room Remodel
1. Consider How You Use the Room
Start with function. Do you need bright light for reading or working? Or a softer mood for relaxing and watching TV? Task lighting helps with focus, while ambient lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
2. Work with the Room’s Layout and Ceiling Height
Tall ceilings can support statement fixtures like chandeliers or large pendants. Lower ceilings may need flush or semi-flush mounts. In larger living rooms, use layered lighting by combining overhead, accent, and floor lighting to fill the space evenly.
3. Match Your Lighting Style to Your Remodel
Modern living rooms pair well with brass or stainless fixtures and clean lines. For more traditional spaces, consider lighting with warm finishes, classic shapes, or fabric shades that complement the room’s character.
4. Align Lighting with Furniture Placement
Lighting should enhance your layout. Center overhead fixtures above seating areas or focal points to create a balanced and thoughtful design.
Next Steps to Remodeling Your Living Room
The right lighting can elevate your living room from functional to unforgettable, setting the mood and enhancing how your space is used.
You’ve explored top lighting types, from ambient and task to accent, and how they work together to create a balanced, flexible design.
At Custom Built, we help families across Michigan design living spaces that feel bright, warm, and truly livable.
Ready to reimagine your living room? Schedule a Discovery Call with our team to start designing a space that looks great and lives even better.
Now that you know more about the top lighting ideas for your living room remodel, let’s take a look at whether a design-build firm like Custom Built is right for you, how we will approach your project, and other ways to vet your remodeling partner options:
- Top Living Room Fireplace Types and Designs - Explore the most popular fireplace styles to bring warmth and character to your living room.
- 8 Stylish Living Room Storage Ideas - Get inspired with smart storage solutions that keep your living room tidy and beautifully organized.
- 12 Layout Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Living Room - Learn the most common layout pitfalls and how to design a space that truly works for your lifestyle.
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