Between November and February, it gets dark in Central Europe around 4 PM. Those returning home or spending the afternoon in the living room then need artificial light for the next six to eight hours. The ceiling light alone is rarely sufficient to illuminate the room evenly and support various activities. Reading, working, or watching TV require different light intensities and colours. This article shows how to functionally and pleasantly illuminate your living room during the short days.
Why the Ceiling Light Is Not Enough
A central ceiling light distributes light from top to bottom. This creates harsh shadows under furniture, in room corners, and behind seating areas. Faces appear flat, textures disappear, and the room loses depth. For activities like reading or handicrafts, directed light at eye level is also missing. A single light source on the ceiling cannot meet these requirements, even if it is dimmable.
Three Lighting Levels in the Living Room
Professional lighting designers work with three levels: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. General lighting provides orientation and usually comes from the ceiling or indirect spotlights. Task lighting illuminates individual areas such as a reading nook, dining table, or sideboard and is created by floor or table lamps. Accent lighting specifically highlights objects, such as pictures or display cabinets. In the evenings from 4 PM, you should be able to use all three levels to flexibly adapt the room to your needs.
Floor Lamps for Flexible Lighting
Floor lamps can be placed without structural changes and moved as needed. Models with an adjustable arm or swivel shade are particularly suitable for reading areas next to an armchair or sofa. The top edge of the shade should be approximately at eye level when you are sitting comfortably. This corresponds to a height of 110 to 130 centimetres above the floor. Arc lamps with an extended arm can illuminate a coffee table or seating group from the side without the base getting in the way. The base then requires about 40 to 50 centimetres of distance from the wall.
Table Lamps for Spot Lighting
Table lamps on sideboards, side tables, or consoles create islands of light at medium height. They fill the zone between floor and ceiling and prevent the room from being illuminated only from above or below. For a balanced look, table lamps should be placed in pairs or asymmetrically. The height of the lamp depends on the furniture height: on a 75-centimetre-high sideboard, a 50 to 60-centimetre-high lamp looks harmonious; on a 40-centimetre-high side table, 30 to 40 centimetres are sufficient.
Adjust Light Colour and Brightness
For living rooms, warm white light sources with 2700 to 3000 Kelvin are suitable. They create a cosy atmosphere and make wood and fabric surfaces appear natural. Brightness is measured in lumens. For a reading lamp, 400 to 600 lumens are useful; for a decorative table lamp, 200 to 300 lumens are sufficient. Dimmable light sources allow you to adjust the brightness to the time of day: brighter for working or reading, dimmed for late evening.
Guidelines for Lighting Planning
| Area | Light Type | Brightness (Lumens) | Height above Floor (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Nook | Floor Lamp | 400–600 | 110–130 |
| Sideboard | Table Lamp | 200–300 | 120–135 (Furniture + Lamp) |
| Side Table | Table Lamp | 150–250 | 70–80 (Furniture + Lamp) |
| Arc Lamp over Coffee Table | Floor Lamp | 300–500 | 180–220 (Bottom edge of shade) |
Practical Tips for Placement
- Place reading lamps to the side of the seating area, not behind it, to avoid shadows on the book.
- Ensure that lamp shades are opaque when you are sitting at eye level, so you are not blinded.
- Distribute light sources evenly throughout the room, instead of concentrating them all on one side.
- Use separate switches or dimmers to turn individual lights on and off as needed.
- Place table lamps so that their cables do not run across the floor or hang over furniture edges.
You can find suitable pieces under Floor Lamps and Table Lamps. How the pieces are constructed, what dimensions are available, and what the delivery time means can be found on Eichholtz Floor Lamps and Eichholtz Table Lamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lamps do I need for a 25 square meter living room?
In addition to the ceiling light, you should plan for at least two to three additional lamps: a floor lamp for the reading area, a table lamp on the sideboard, and possibly another lamp for a second seating group or a work area. The exact number depends on the room layout and your usage habits.
Can I mix different light colours?
You should stick to one colour temperature in the same room, either consistently warm white or neutral white. Different colour temperatures appear restless and make surfaces look distorted. If you use dimmable light sources, the colour temperature remains largely constant when dimmed.
How bright should a floor lamp next to the sofa be?
For relaxed reading or handicrafts, 400 to 600 lumens are sufficient. This corresponds to approximately a 40-watt incandescent bulb. If you only use the lamp as mood lighting, 200 to 300 lumens are enough. Dimmable models offer you the greatest flexibility.
Where is the best place to put an arc lamp?
The base usually stands to the side of or behind the sofa, with the arm extending over the seating area or coffee table. Make sure the shade hangs at least 180 centimetres above the floor so that no one bumps into it when standing up. The base should be stable enough to support the weight of the extended arm.