It is responsible for so many varied activities that the lighting plan should be flexible. Think of all the activities that you will do in the room and then add various levels of light. If there is a game table or pool table, supply over head light on a separate dimmer switch. Be sure any bar areas, bookcases, DVD/Video collections, or architectural features like fireplaces are not overlooked. Track or recessed lights, wall sconces, and floor and table lamps can all be utilized in this multi-purpose 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

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.

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Requires task lighting that comes 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. The bottom of the shade should be located at eye level to avoid glare.

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can be highlighted with low-voltage, tungsten-halogen picture lights. These frame-mounted lights spread a beam of bright, white light across the face of the painting.

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House plants can be accented by aiming an uplight can at the wall behind the plant, creating a dramatic silhouette of the plant against the wall.

can be accented by two recessed adjustable fixtures. The use of low-voltage fixtures with tungsten-halogen bulbs will emit a bright white light that will make glassware sparkle, while providing added illumination for serving and cleanup.

can be lighted from above with recessed or track fixtures, or with miniature, low-voltage pendants that hover intimately over the bar.

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Require low-level general lighting that does not wash out the screen's image nor reflect into the viewer's eyes. Miniature track lighting can be installed under shelves to provide both general and accent lighting. Choose from accent spots, mini-lights, and compact or linear fluorescent light sources.

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Require bright, even overhead lighting. Shaded pendants equipped with either incandescent bulbs or energy-efficient compact fluorescent tubes are one solution. Or, install two recessed downlights over each half of the table..

Do you treasure time spent with family and friends playing games around the coffee table? Have you finally invested in that home theater system? Is your preferred pastime a quiet night at home, curled up with a book in your favorite chair? Whatever your pleasure, your living room lighting should reflect your lifestyle.

Don't rely on a single light source. A central fixture provides general room lighting but may generate awkward shadows on your tasks. Even for television viewing, one light directed downward is inadequate. Place wall sconces or torchieres on either side of the TV to reduce eyestrain when you are watching. This type of lighting eliminates the contrast between the dark room and illuminated screen without producing a glare on the screen.

Use accent lighting to create visual focus on art, sculpture or other favorite architectural features. Consider recessed or adjustable downlights, or a track lighting system for multiple lighting sources and directions. To highlight features from below, use wall sconces and torchieres to throw light upward to the ceiling. Wall sconces complement recessed downlighting and visually expand a room when positioned so that they appear aesthetically balanced. You can even place dramatic lighting in a bookcase to generate a focal point.

Provide ample, targeted light for activities. Add a table lamp, pendant or recessed light where you need it to make reading, playing cards or working on a favorite hobby easier. Portable lighting, such as a table lamp, is the easiest to change. Give yourself some intensity options with three-way bulbs whenever possible; use 60- or 75-watt bulbs for single-option task lighting.

Don't forget the ceiling fan. With or without a light kit, a ceiling fan is a must in the living room. Find one that suits your style and room size. Remember to reverse the blade direction in the winter to keep air circulating without chilling your guests!
No matter what activities dominate your living space, choose the right fixtures to shed some light on your subject.

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