When designing a lighting plan for a living room, you need to consider the variety of activities that occur there.

Dimming controls are ideal for the living room because they allow you to design the lighting to suit each mood and family activity.

Fireplaces of brick or stone can be framed with recessed downlights installed in the ceiling over the mantle. Wall sconces on each side of the fireplace are an attractive addition that draw attention to the fireplace, while providing general lighting for the room.

TV and video games require low level lighting that does not wash out the screen’s image.

Glass shelves and glassware can be accented by recessed fixtures.

Miniature track lights can be installed under shelves to provide the room with accent and general lighting.

The use of low-voltage fixtures with tungsten-halogen bulbs will emit a bright, white light that will make glassware sparkle, while providing light for serving.

Reading requires task lighting from behind the reader’s shoulder. The bottom of the shade should be at eye level.