The family room reflects the true spirit of your home. This social sanctuary is often the most used space, and everything from entertaining company to rest and relaxation occurs here daily. For this reason, you want your family room to be warm and inviting for whoever may be hanging out. Furthermore, decorating the area with attractive fixtures that create a compelling atmosphere helps the room feel even more cozy.

In this design guide, we’ll explore a variety of family room lighting ideas and discuss how to determine the best forms and styles of fixtures to fit the aesthetic in your home, then look at how to display these lighting types throughout the space.

How Do You Light a Large Family Room?

Family rooms come in all shapes and sizes, so there are many different approaches you can take to achieve the illumination you want. The following types of fixtures are the most used in these common spaces.

• Chandeliers – Nothing exudes charm and flare like a chandelier, and various styles of these fixtures offer a captivating glow while also serving as an artistic element.
• Pendant Light Fixtures – The diverse compositions and capabilities of pendants allow them to complement many interior décor themes, and their ability to hang solo or in pairings allows for extensive range.
• Wall Scones – In order to illuminate the outer perimeter of the family room, wall sconces can mounted to the surfaces for either accent or task lighting.
• Floor Lamps – A great way to add light in an area of the family room where there’s no fixture is a floor lamp, which can be set wherever you find most convenient.
• Table Lamps – These smaller lamps need a surface to sit upon, but they are extremely useful when reducing overhead brightness to curate a moodier setting or acting as task lighting.

Choosing the Right Ambient Lighting for Your Family Room

The first step in choosing the most suitable lighting for your family room is determining which kind of fixture is best for your space. This will require taking the dimensions of the area while also considering ceiling height and the floor plan. These details will help you decide which fixtures are the most effective in terms of visual aid and appeal.

Molten Chandelier by Regina Andrew by Regina Andrew

@laurafremontdesign, photography by @patrickbiller

In this transitional family room, the Molten 43-inch 6 Light Chandelier by Regina Andrew is a striking piece that commands attention and breathes sophistication. Its hand-crafted glass shades and natural brass give it a modern look that also provides ample lighting for those conversing below. 

Task Lighting Solutions for Reading and Entertainment Areas

Many family rooms serve dynamic purposes, meaning you may have certain zones dedicated to a certain activity, seat, or focal point. Depending on what you’re illuminating, various styles of fixtures can assist by exuding a direct glow. Oftentimes, lamps or wall sconces are used for these purposes.

Nyack 9 Inch Wall Sconce by Hudson Valley Lighting

@everickbrowndesign

Light flows both directly through the shiny opal glass shade and indirectly through the perforations in the black metal cap of the Nyack 9-inch Wall Sconces by Hudson Valley Lighting. Strategically placed on either side of the fireplace, these elegant fixtures highlight the heat source while also offering task lighting to those tending the fire or reading beside it. 

How to Light a Living Room with No Overhead Lighting

Not all family rooms have overhead lighting, and that’s usually due to lower ceilings that would make certain levels of brightness overwhelming. Instead, these homeowners can opt for alternative ambient lighting methods, such as using wall sconces, assorted lamps, or even recessed lighting. Displaying different combinations and layering can elevate these arrangements.

Abington Wall Sconce & Mark D. Sikes Curves No. 1 Reading Lamp by Hudson Valley Lighting

@roomfortuesday

The pairing of the Abington 4.75 4.75-inch wall Sconce and Mark D. Sikes Curves No. 1 25-inch Reading Lamp by Hudson Valley Lighting give this family room a dynamic look and feel. While the sconce is part of a set that offers ambient lighting, the curved lamp is aptly positioned behind the chair and adjustable for your convenience.

Lighting Tips for Open-Concept Family Rooms

If your home has an open-concept family room, you have even more ability to mix and match fixtures, especially when layering lighting or tying separate areas into the overall design theme. It’s especially helpful to illuminate the most traveled areas, but defining zones can help disperse light sources around the room so that it’s evenly spread. In these larger spaces, you have the most freedom to use various styles and designs.

Finch Large Pendant by Arteriors Home

@refinestudios

The absolutely stunning Finch 43-inch Large Pendant by Arteriors Home is comprised of natural wood branches growing out from an iron center. With their large size and bursting shape, a pair of these stunning fixtures bathe the family room with ambient lighting while also complementing the interior décor. Additional lighting placed around the space completes the lighting design.

If you’re looking for family room lighting ideas, don’t hesitate to check out all Capitol Lighting has to offer in our 2024 catalog. Curious homeowners can also stop into one of our showrooms and see our entire selection in person, allowing you to get a real feel for how our fixtures would look in your room. At Capitol Lighting, we strive to breathe new life into each space, and with our selection, you can add more vibrance and character to your home’s family room.