How to Light a Den When Decorating

Choose accent lamps that match your decorative style. If you like a modern look, choose an all-white lamp and lampshade. Choose a vintage lamp with a unique lampshade if you have eclectic taste. Place these lamps on end tables next to chairs or your sofa. They can add light without being too bright.

Place a floor lamp in a corner of the room. Floor lamps are functional in that they can give off a significant amount of light. They are big enough that they can also fill in an empty corner in a functional way.

Add lights to any built-ins in your den. If you have built-in bookshelves, for example, add a small interior light at the top of each shelf, which will illuminate this attractive feature. Do the same for a bar area in your den. If you don't want to deal with an electrician, opt for a small lamp to place on one of the shelves or on the bar.

Add recessed or track lighting to the ceiling if you do not have an overhead light fixture. These overhead lights are unobtrusive but are a functional way to add some light to your den.

Place a chandelier in the middle of the room. Replace that ordinary overhead light fixture with an attention-grabbing piece. Your chandelier does not have be dripping in crystals. You can choose more casual designs for the den. The chandelier serves as the centerpiece of the room and can provide some added light. Consider adding a dimmer to the chandelier so you can add soft lighting with this piece.