Ceiling lighting is one of the most common types of indoor lighting. It’s so popular it’s often the only light source in some houses and apartments. But, not all buildings are the same, and not all of them come with installations suitable for ceiling lighting.
So, how to light a living room with no overhead lighting?
Let’s check some of the ideas!
Arc Floor Lamp
Using floor lamps is one of the best ways to get enough light to your living room without much effort (or drilling!).
And rarely any of the light sources are more stylish than an arc floor lamp. Such a lamp looks great in every style, traditional or modern, and gives the space a lot of style and texture.
Floor lamps like these are also amazing if you like reading a lot and need lots of bright light on your sofa.
Modern Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are some of the most traditional light sources, but it doesn’t mean they’re outdated or can’t be used in a modern living room. So, if you’re searching for lighting for rooms without ceiling lights, wall sconces are an excellent option.
There are modern LED variations of sconces perfect for enhancing the look of your living room while giving it tons of light.
Retro Wall Lights
Using wall lights is one of the most logical things to do when you don’t have any overhead lighting.
Naturally, wall lights won’t give you the same amount of light as a ceiling light would, but they’ll come close, especially if you combine them with some other sources of light (e.g., table lamps, floor lamps, etc.).
We recommend these chic retro disc lights that don’t require any special electrical work and that you can simply plug into the outlet.
You can put them around the edges of your book storage (like a frame), set a chair or two below, and you’ve got yourself a cozy reading corner.
Spotlights
Want to feel like a star in your own living room? Then spotlight lamps like this one are likely one of the best no overhead lighting solutions for you. All you have to do is put them next to your couch and see how your room instantly turns into a Broadway stage.
Silver spotlights like these look the best in more modern settings, but they can also easily fit a mid-century room or one inspired by old Hollywood.
Just bear in mind that spotlights may emit quite strong light.
LED Candles
LED candles aren’t some of the first types of lighting for a room without overhead lights that people think of. Still, they can be an excellent solution.
Just like the “real” ones, LED candles can be arranged into an eye-catching display you can keep on your side table. This way, you’ll get some excellent ambient lighting and fantastic decor for any style.
What’s great about LED candles is that they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can easily find the ones that’ll match your living room perfectly. And there will be no need for cords or expensive electricians — only regular changing of batteries.
Minimalist Table Lamps
Table lamps are one of the best rental apartment lighting ideas, as you won’t have to drill anything into the walls or call an electrician for help.
And they can provide you with much more light than you’d expect.
If you’re unsure what type of table lamp would fit your space the best, choosing a minimalist black metal lamp like this one is a choice you can’t go wrong with.
You can simply set it on your side table and enjoy your new reading light.
Teepee-Style Floor Lamp
If you like unusual pieces that stand out and need some lighting for apartments with no ceiling light, a simple floor lamp won’t do. Something unique, like this unusual lamp, would be a much better choice for you.
This show-stopping lamp made of long wooden dowels connected to resemble a teepee tent with an added electric lantern won’t only serve as a light source — it can also be a pretty effective piece of decor, or rather a statement piece.
It’s a perfect choice for any farmhouse living room, where it’ll combine well with the wooden furniture.
Best of all, if you’re at least a bit creative, this is a piece you can easily DIY and save some money.
Plug-in Hanging Lights
Having no ceiling light wiring installed doesn’t mean you have to entirely give up the idea of having some overhead lighting.
You can always opt for a living room hanging light that can easily be hung on your ceiling by using a hook. Just plug the cord into one of the outlets, and everything will be set.
Plug-in hanging lamps are an excellent solution for rental apartments since they’re removable. You’ll just have to fill in the hole left from the hook before you exit the apartment.
Deluxe Table Lamps
A table lamp is a must in any living room, especially one with no overhead lighting. It gives soothing ambient lighting and is an excellent light source for reading or relaxing in your living room.
There’s plenty of choice on the market, so even if simple, mundane lamps aren’t your thing, you can always get elegant, designer-style lamps that’ll also serve as an effective piece of decor in your living room.
Just make sure you get enough of them to light the space well.
We recommend combining table lamps with other sources of light (e.g., wall lamps) to get more light and some variety.
Scandinavian-Style Floor Lamp
Your beautiful Scandinavian living room has no ceiling lights? No problem! This simple but elegant Scandinavian-style floor lamp is one of the best lighting ideas for rooms without ceiling lights.
It’s made of materials traditionally used in Scandinavian interior design (light wood and neutral colored fabric), so it’ll blend perfectly into any Scandi room and give it a classic, subtle look.
We recommend picking light bulbs with warm light to get the cozy atmosphere you’re after.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s nothing to worry about if you don’t have wiring in your ceiling. You can use many different light sources to substitute your ceiling lighting. Try any of these ideas or get creative and combine several light sources, and you’ll surely get fantastic results.
FAQ
Does a living room need overhead lighting?
Not necessarily. There are many different light sources that you can use that’ll give you just enough light. And if you combine them wisely, you’ll get such a stunning effect that you’ll completely forget about overhead lighting.
Can you put a hanging lamp on a living room ceiling?
Yes, you can. This is also one of the best ideas to light your room if you don’t have ceiling wiring. All you’ll need is a hook to put it in place.
How can I light up a room without ceiling wires?
You can light up your place by using various light sources:
- Plug-in hanging lights
- Sconces
- Floor lamps
- LED strips
- Pendant lights
- String lights
- Table lamps, etc.
And if you’re still wondering how to light a living room with no overhead lighting, and need more tips and tricks, check out our ideas above and get inspired.
