11 modern living room wall lighting ideas for 2024

When it comes to living room wall lighting, the goal is to create a space that's comforting, welcoming, and aesthetically appealing. But how do you know what's going to work in your space? How do you even decide, especially if you have a room that has a particular style or shape? The best approach is to follow the success of others and there are plenty of great living room lighting ideas to learn from.

One of the best ways to bring timeless energy into a space is to incorporate matching materials, be it wood, fabric, or metal. This makes a space look cohesive, but be careful not to overdo it. It can look beautiful, especially when done in subtle ways, but it can take something away from itself if not done in moderation.

That being said, metals always look good together, and as far as matching materials go, metal is exceptionally versatile.

Don't be scared to go for a wall light that introduces a sleek, modern edge if that's what you want. Nothing enhances the space like something truly contemporary and edgy, especially because contemporary lighting schemes often speak for themselves in an interesting and sculptural way.

Horizontal and geometric designs are brilliant for both up and down lighting. This not only brings an ornamental element to your living area but enhances the room with ambient lighting.

Related article: A complete guide to contemporary home decor

Lighting trends come and go, but if you're looking for something timeless, then consider the period and style of your home and choose authentic wall lights that match it. For example, if you have a home that's reminiscent of the Victorian era, then consider old oil wall lamp style fittings.

If you have something more rustic, then go for sconce or lantern style wall lights with wood and metal accents. That being said, no matter the style, try to keep your lighting as soothing as possible. Living rooms are meant for relaxation, and bright wall lights can feel overwhelming.

So, though we just mentioned that you may want something more subdued, this is very much space-dependent. And we're not implying you need a light fitting the size of a stage spotlight.

But, big, rounded, wall-mounted shapes can add interest to a space, especially if you work with illumination that focuses either upwards or downwards. In these instances, modern and artistic designs are popular because they're not too bright and don't feel like spotlights, yet they still bring their own character to a space.

Some living room lighting ideas are there to inspire personality in the decor. Consider ornamental wall lights that bring the outdoors inside, especially if you're trying to evoke a more natural and organic feeling in your home. You can convey this feeling through wall lights in the shape of flowers, petals, leaves, and other natural components.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials, too. Wood and bronze or copper would pair beautifully with this particular style.

Minimalist designs made of gold, glass, brass, and other metals can be a popular choice for modern living rooms, so experiment where you can with materials that seem like they're contradictory in some way. Glass and stone, for example, metal and wood perhaps, and even steel and fabric.

These will enhance the atmosphere created in your room (and make for an interesting point of conversation).

Related article: Effective ways to use interior wall lights

How about using wall lights as wall art? What better way to make a statement? Try out unique designs like flexible strips of steel that allow you to experiment with light and shape. You can use one-of-a-kind lights to bring an unusual and whimsical mood to your living area.

You can also try hanging lights in organic shapes, crisp geometric shapes along with corners, or lighting tones and colours that break the mould.

In a living room of any size, you can use wall lighting and various forms of task lighting to create a cosy nook for reading. This combines practicality and beauty for something timeless and elegant.

This can be part of your overall lighting scheme, or if it's a more hidden corner of the room, you can opt for a more unique light to highlight the space.

Sometimes you want (or need) consistency in your living room, and this is where things like matching wall sconces can bring a charming symmetry to your space. Pairs of things add balance and order, and if you want to elongate your space, you can add a series of wall lights across the space to create unity and peace.

You can also consider using living room lights to bring contrast into a space. For example, a classic chalky blue paired with matching black lighting fixtures lends itself to a more modern vibe, all while harmonising with other areas of space.

Sometimes you have a space that feels dull and heavy. These are often bookcases, display cases, and other large pieces of furniture. The best way to minimize this is to use display lighting. This can be anything from lights inside the shelves to spotlights beneath paintings and vases.

Play with shapes and contrasting elements (like we mentioned above) but consider curved lighting on straight walls to increase the perceived size of a space. If you are using lighting to illuminate works of art, try to not have the lighting operate as an ornamental piece on its own.

In these instances, it's better to go for subtlety, simplicity, and elegance.

Related article: 8 tips for great room lighting in your home

Slim lights have several benefits. They're decorative, they can tuck into dark spaces, and they're space-saving (so you don't necessarily need a table lamp). When used in combination with dark and dramatic painting schemes, they can bring a softer, more diffused look to a room. Though this seems contradictory, it can actually ramp up the drama.

Consider how you want to arrange them, whether it's horizontal or vertical, as this can change the way the space is perceived.

Exploring modern living room wall lighting ideas is a fun and exciting journey, and with the right inspiration, just imagine what you could create. Be bold, be imaginative, and consider options that will enhance your living room, not diminish it. Adapt the lighting in your home to suit your needs and style and you'll be all set.