LIGHTING

GUIDE

Residential
LIVING ROOM LIGHTING

VOLUME 03• ISSUE NO.3A

NORTHERNCULT.COM
CONT
BASICS TERMS
ENTS OF LIGHTING
Basic terms, IP rating chart, and
information about lighting and
terminologies.

LAYERS OF
LIGHTING
Layering light in a space is the key to
effective lighting design and is
important because it provides
functionality and visual interest to
every space.

DO'S AND
DONT'S
The common lighting mistakes during
luminaire selection and installation
process, and how to avoid them to
get the maximum output from the
luminaires in each space.

KEY POINTS &

RULES OF THUMB
Key points and standard values that
help the lighting design easier and
will avoid additional costs and mess-
ups.
COMMONLY USED
TERMS IN LIGHTING
A
Alternating Current (AC): Electric Current in which the flow of electric charge reverses direction at
regular intervals.
Amps (A): Standard Unit of Measurement of electric current.

B
Beam Angle: The Angle between the two planes of light where the intensity is at least 50% of the
maximum intensity at the center beam.

C
Candela (cd): Measurement of luminous intensity of a source in a given direction.
Color Rendering Index (CRI): A Measure of a light source's ability to show colors accurately. The Scale is
from 1 to 100. The sun is considered 100.
Color Temperature: Correlated Color Temperature (CCT). A measurement of the hue of the light
produced by a source.

D
Diffuser: A device used to alter light by scattering it in order to create a softer light with minimal glare.
Dimmer: A device used to control the light output of a light source.
Direct Current (DC): Electrical current that flows in only one direction without cycling. DC current is most
commonly used with batteries and PV cells.
Driver: Electrical or electronic circuit that controls other components. In LED Lighting Systems, the driver
regulates the power to the LEDs.

E
Efficacy: Lumens per Watt of a light source

F
Footcandle (fc): Unit of Measurement for Illuminance. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square
foot.

G
Glare: Glare is a visual sensation caused by excessive brightness. It can be discomforting or disabling.

H
Halogen Lamp: Halogen Lamp is a type of incandescent lamp that incorporates halogen in order to
increase the average life and light output of the light source.
Heat Sink: Device incorporated in LED Lighting Systems to disperse heat away from the LED diode.

I
Illuminance: Measured in Lux or Footcandles, Illuminance is the total luminous flux on a surface.
Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings: Measurement of environmental protection for electronic equipment.
Utilizes two numbers. First Digit rates ingress of solid objects. Second digit rates ingress of liquids.
COMMONLY USED
TERMS IN LIGHTING
K
Kelvin Temperature (K): Unit of measurement of the Correlated Color Temperature of a light source.

L
Lamp Base: The Portion of a lamp that connects to the luminaire socket and power.
Light Emitting Diode (LED): A semiconductor device that emits light as an electrical current passes
through it. Light-emitting diodes are more efficient than other light sources and offer exceptionally
long life.
Lumen: Standard unit of measurement of luminous flux. Used to measure the total quantity of visible
light emitted by a light source.
Luminaire: Light Fixture. A complete unit consisting of lamp, ballast, reflectors, lens, and other parts.
Luminaire Efficiency: Lumens emitted by a light fixture compared to lumens emitted by the lamp
source used in the fixture.
Lux: SI unit to measure illuminance. One lux equals one lumen per square meter.

M
N
O
P
Photocell: Light Control that turns a light source on/off depending on daylight.
Power Factor: The ratio of real to apparent power supplied to a circuit. Power factors can range from
0 to 1.

Q
R
Reflection: Light bouncing off a Medium.
Refraction: Bending of light as it passes through a medium. The bending in light is a result of the
change of speed as it passes from one medium to the next.
Retrofit: Upgrading old and inefficient technology with new equipment to improve the efficiency of a
light system.

S
T
U
V
Voltage: Potential Difference in charge between two points in an electrical field. Measured in Volts (V).
Voltage Drop: Loss of voltage caused by resistance. Voltage Drops can be created by a too-long or
too thin wire.

W
Wall Sconce: Decorative Style Luminaire commonly hung on walls.
Watt: Standard unit of measurement for power. One Watt equals one Volt-Amp.
X
Y
Z
IP
RATE
An IP rating of light
fixture is the
measurement of
protection that light will
have against liquid
(water) and solid (dirt,
dust etc.) objects.

There are two numbers

in the IP rating,

The first number (0

to 6), in an solid IP
rating. It shows the
resistance against
solid objects.

The second
number (0 to 8)
implies the
protection against
water.
 INTROD
UCTION

The living room is easily the most dynamic area of the home. Since we are in 2021 living
room lighting should have great lighting fixtures for both function and ambiance. Although
every living room is different and requires a unique lighting design, there are a few
elements all good living room lighting design should have.
LAYERS OF
LIGHTING

Let’s break down the various layers of Living

room lighting
Task lighting task helpful lighting for reading a book or playing a board
game

Accent lighting that highlights key focal views such as a picture frame or
sculpture

Ambient lighting that brings balance and harmony to the living room

Feature lighting that gives the space personality and identity


TASK
LIGHTING
Task lighting in living room lighting isn’t a
luxury, task lighting illuminates the tasks a
person carries out in a given space such as
reading, cooking, computer work. A brighter
light is required in a smaller focal point of the
room for these sorts of tasks. For a more
pleasant illumination, it is often best to avoid
harsh lights or lighting that cast troublesome
shadows. It is also practical to install a single
switch for focal lighting, independent of the
room’s overall lighting switch.
Floor lamps with low
level lighting for reading
and other activities
Floor lamps or table lamps resting on end
tables are two common examples of task
lighting in the living room. You will likely use
these fixtures to create low-level lighting
while you’re watching TV or to direct light
onto a book or other activity while you’re
sitting on the couch.
The light quality for this space should
either match that of your ambient light or
be a little brighter and whiter so you can
have stronger, clearer light to increase
your focus on activities. Studies have
shown that high color temperature lighting
can boost productivity. So if you have a
space in your living room dedicated to
work or a hobby, you may want to
consider using a bulb that emits light in a
color temperature above 4000K.
Pendant lights over
islands for focusing
on activities

ACCENT
LIGHTING
Accent lighting is used mainly to focus on a
specific point of interest or to achieve the
desired effect. This type of lighting gives the
impression of a larger room. It is more
frequently used to highlight an architectural
feature, a plant (in outdoor layout), a
sculpture, or a collection of objects. There are
many ways to incorporate accent lighting into
your living room lighting, three of the most
common techniques used in living room
lighting are backlighting, display lighting, and
wall-washing.
Cove light & Backlighting is when you
place a light behind an object to create
the illusion of depth, typically using LED
strip light. In the living room, some of
the best places to use backlight
accents include inside alcoves, under
cabinets, beneath furniture, behind
screens or displays, and underneath
steps.
Display lighting is to light or objects you
want to make more prominent in a
room. You may want to use display
decorative objects resting on alcoves
or shelves inside a large, glass-door
cabinet, to better display artwork on
your walls or above your fireplace.
Wall-washing is accomplished by
directing light towards features on your
wall. This technique is typically used to
expand boundaries or call attention to
positive aspects of a room. Create a
wall-washing effect with recessed
eyeball lights, track lights, or other
directional fixtures.

AMBIENT
LIGHTING
Ambient lighting is intended to create a
uniform light level throughout a space,
independent of any special lighting that
may be needed in targeted areas of a
room. While many living rooms are
equipped for this task with the standard
“centered ceiling fan with four light bulbs”
fair, you may want to consider alternative
light fixtures to give your living room a
more stylish or updated look.
If you’re looking to make major changes or
want a more even light distribution, spot
and downlights are one of the best
choices for ambient light in this space
since they take up little room and are often
installed in multiples to ensure wider light
coverage. If you decide recessed lighting is
right for you but your ceiling is not already
equipped for a recessed can lighting
layout, consult an electrician to learn how
to accomplish this task.
Also, there are surface mount lights that
can be used if there are no gypsum
ceilings available. Regardless of your light
fixture(s), you will need light bulbs. When
choosing bulbs for any space, you should
carefully consider factors such as bulb
shape and size, light source, brightness,
and energy efficiency, although one of the
most important yet overlooked factors to
think about is color temperature.
FEATURE
LIGHTING
Feature lighting is definitely the most
eyecatching type of lighting in living room
lighting, Feature lighting extends beyond
ambient and accent lighting to accentuate
desired characteristics, create mood or
orientation functions. Feature lighting
provides an array of solutions for many
diverse applications.
Feature lighting is the underestimated
gem of the lighting world. Your living
room is home to such a diverse range
of activities, and you need to have the
right lighting to help you in each and
every situation. Feature lighting will
bring the design element in any living
room – just make sure you have all
three layers of lighting in the mix too.
DO'S AND
DONTS

positioning down lights

too close to the wall
or curtains will
create nasty scallops

have a large enough detail that

allows the light to travel across the
ceiling or wall otherwise you may be
stuck with a harsh band of not so
useful light
 KEY
POINTS
FIXTURE IP LUX COLOR
AREA
TYPE RATING LEVEL TEMPERATURE

GENERAL SURFACE MOUNT, WARM WHITE

IP20 500LX
RECESSED DOWNLIGHTS 2700K - 3500K
AREAS

TASK FLOOR LAMPS, NATURAL WHITE

PENDANT LIGHTS,
IP20 500lx
4000K - 5000K
LIGHTS

JOINERY LED STRIP LIGHT WITH 100lx NATURAL WHITE

IP20
PROFILE & DIFFUSER 200lx 4000K - 5000K
LIGHT

100lx- WARM WHITE

COVE LIGHT LED STRIP LIGHTS IP20
200lx 2700K - 3500K

LIVING ROOM LIGHTING

DESIGN RULES OF THUMB
Develop a basic lighting plan understanding your requirements
Choose the right color temperature, the Warm white color is best for living rooms,
bedrooms, providing a traditional warm, cozy feel to them or any room that requires an
intimate and personal mood. Consider using Neutral light (4000K) for task lights.
Use layers of lighting such as downlight as ambient lights, Pendant lights as accent lights,
and consider using floor lamps if you need task lights.
Consider using decorative pendant lights or chandeliers as feature lights to match the
ambiance of the living room, which gives a personality to space.
Install dimmer switches to adjust the brightness, and maybe a DALI lighting system to
group the lights for turn on, dimming, and wireless light control system.
speak NORTHERNCULT
DESIGN STUDIO

with us hello@northerncult.com