These Contemporary Living Room Lighting Ideas Are Guaranteed to Spark Some Interest

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Making a house a home isn't just about the finishing touches — it's about the practical ones, too. Your living room is a place of function, and when the entire family isn't watching the TV, they're also reading, studying, or just generally being sociable (game night anyone?).

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One surefire way to guarantee that your space works for everyone is with a well-rounded living room lighting idea. There are three main types of lighting that you need to consider: accent, task, and ambient, and lucky for you, we've got loads of stylish options to get you off to a running start. We're not lying — scroll on for seven contemporary suggestions that are lit.

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1. Take over the room

Contemporary lighting tends to be sleek and streamlined in style, just like this gorgeous overarching floor lamp from the home decor legend better known as West Elm. Its minimal yet statement-making silhouette adds a little something extra, while maintaining the modern aesthtetic.

Get the look: West Elm Overarching Linen Shade Floor Lamp, $329

2. Pick a theme

If you're already rocking a style, don't change it. Contemporary design is one-size-fits-all and easily blends with other aesthetics. Jenni K. of KohTeessa has seamlessly created a modern boho scheme in her living room, combining layers of natural textures with a neutral color palette and that iconic IKEA pendant light.

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Get the look: IKEA Sinnerlig Pendant Lamp, $69.99

3. Stay simple

A flush mount is ideal if you have a low ceiling or just don't want to make lighting the center of attention in your living room. The fixture in this modern space by Shea from Studio McGee offers a simple silhouette that's charming but doesn't get in the way of your bright and airy design.

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Get the look: McGee & Co. Basil Flush Mount, $555 - $780

4. Finish with task lighting

A contemporary living room lighting idea needs to reflect au courant trends, and that means a gracious nod to minimal but high-end materials such as brass. Sarah Sherman Samuel nailed the look with this oh-so-chic space featuring monochrome details and a lust-worthy mobile chandelier with matching table lamp.

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Get the look: West Elm Mobile Chandelier, $399

5. Go for glam

Light fixtures with glass globe shades are one of the most popular modern design features of our time and can add an instant midcentury hint to any living room. An update on the traditional chandelier, this showstopper will easily become the center of attention in your home. Moral of the story? If you're looking for an easy fix in your living room, just add globes.

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Get the look: Anthropologie Tanner Chandelier, $898

6. Make it different

Add luminous glow and architectural structure to your home with a design-forward wall sconce that's a work of art in its own right. Designer Emily Henderson enhanced this gallery wall with the help of a double sconce in her family room, breaking up the artwork in an unexpected way.

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Get the look: Orange Furniture French Articulating Double Zig Zag Light Sconce, $2,000

7. Keep it short and sweet

If you're after a living room lighting idea that doesn't swing around the ceiling but provides plenty of light, a semi-flush fixture could be the answer. Mandi of Vintage Revivals styled this space with a simple yet glam option that features more than one bulb. Let there be light!

Get the look: IlluminateVintage Gold Hanging Light, starting at $265.99

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