How to Arrange Recessed Lights in a Living Room

Allow for one recessed light for every 25 square feet of your living room. This is roughly the size of an area rug that is 4 feet by 6 feet. Installing this many lights will adequately light your living room.

Install the recessed lights in a pleasing, familiar shape like a square, a circle or a straight line. Placing them randomly throughout the room can make it look haphazard and make the lighting look uneven.

Light an entire wall of a small living room to make it feel larger. Install multiple recessed lights along the wall at an equal distance from it. Space the lights close together so that their brightness overlaps, giving the wall a light-washed look.

Place additional recessed accent lights where you are most likely to perform tasks that require good light, such as reading or playing an instrument. Tilt the bulbs in these special fixtures to shine the light exactly where you need it most. Install these recessed lights above a corner desk or upholstered chairs flanking an end table. If you have a piano in your living room, consider placing an accent light above the keyboard.

Illuminate the contents of a bookcase or a curio cabinet by installing recessed accent lights near it as well. This makes finding books and arranging collectible items in your cabinet easier. It also shows off your decorating by drawing the eye to the area.

Install recessed accent lights near hanging artwork and photos. Again, angle the bulb so that the light illuminates the pieces. Recessed lights can also help highlight decorative plants and other artwork such as tabletop sculptures.