| In most homes, the living room is the center of | | | | make sure to tie all the areas together. Try using |
| day-to-day life. It's where you take a break after work, | | | | oriental area rugs as your focal point to give your |
| watch TV, play with the kids, and entertain guests. You | | | | room some color. |
| may not notice it, but much of it has to do with living | | | | Avoid overhead fixtures. More and more designers |
| room lighting. Living rooms need to be brighter, warmer, | | | | are moving their lights away from the ceiling. Instead of |
| and more inviting than the rest of the house. | | | | the traditional chandelier, install your lights along the |
| Unfortunately, it takes more than a new lamp or fixture | | | | walls for a more subtle effect. Wall lighting is more |
| to create that effect. | | | | flattering and much easier to control. For task lighting, |
| Having said that, lighting your living room doesn't have | | | | consider getting a floor lamp-it takes up more space, |
| to be difficult or costly. The trick is to make all the | | | | but you can easily move it around to suit your needs. If |
| room elements-not just the light-work together to | | | | you have a small living room, go for recessed lights to |
| brighten up the room. This includes your walls, area | | | | give it a roomier atmosphere. |
| rugs, furniture, and even small accessories. Get started | | | | Light your favorite items. Do you have a favorite |
| with these few simple tricks. | | | | painting, antique collection, or a sculpture you'd like to |
| Use more natural light. The best kind of lighting for any | | | | show off? Living room spotlights are a great way to |
| room is natural light. If you're lucky enough to have | | | | do that. Wall accessories can be lighted with small |
| large windows, use them as your main light source in | | | | sconces on either side, or with movable lights from |
| the daytime. Sheer drapes or frosted glass panes can | | | | opposite walls. Combine spot lighting with rugs to |
| diffuse the light and cast a soft glow around the room. | | | | create an instant focal point. Braided area rugs are |
| Pair them with yellow area rugs or cream area rugs | | | | particularly eye-catching and make great accents for |
| and you've got a bright, sunny room that doesn't use a | | | | wooden furniture. |
| single artificial light! | | | | Use bright fabrics. If you have to rely on artificial light, |
| Combine ambient and task lighting. There are two main | | | | avoid dark shades as much as possible. Soft, |
| types of room lighting: ambient lights and task lights. | | | | bright-colored fabrics work well for carpeting, rugs, |
| The best setup is a combination of the two, especially | | | | curtains, and upholstery. Limit strong shades to room |
| if you have a multi-purpose living room. Ambient light is | | | | accents, and make sure they complement the |
| best provided by wall-mounted sconces instead of the | | | | dominant color. For example, if you're using earth tones |
| usual overhead lamp. Use smaller task lights on areas | | | | as your color scheme, you can bring them to life with |
| like reading nooks, play areas, and the family TV. Just | | | | red area rugs or bright blue throw pillows. |