My formal living room does not have any ceiling lights and the room is very dark. What type of ceiling lights do you recommend to lighten the room?

An alternative for lighting a room are “uplights,” which illuminate upwards, and can be placed in the tops of planters.

A profusion of fun and creative options are currently available to fulfill residential lighting needs. In fact, an ever-increasing number of functional and aesthetic alternatives exist today due to advances in lighting technology, says Dottie Diener, Manager of CES Lighting Design & Showroom.

“As a starting point, I always take note of natural light sources,” says Dottie. “Assuming natural lighting is limited, I’d consider recessed lighting to ‘wash’ the walls and increase the room’s spatial appearance. Recessed lighting can actually make a room appear larger. With the selection of correct trim options, technological advances in recessed components now allow for functions providing a myriad of effects, including ambient, diffused, and indirect lighting as well as lighting for pin-spot focused areas of a room or projection-framed artwork on walls. Whereas recessed lighting previously provided a flood of light, technology now allows for emphasis on select elements.”

“Another consideration would be to layer light via wall sconces, picture lights, and cove lighting,” Dottie continues. “These are all decorative accent lighting sources, emitting ambiance and character.”

Additional alternatives include “uplights” for dark corners. As the name implies, these lights illuminate upwards, and can be placed, for example, in the tops of planters. Sillites®, direct plug-in electric window candles, are new in the uplight product line, offering homeowners a traditional choice. Sleek, sophisticated micro track lighting and low-voltage, hand-bendable MonoRail systems provide contemporary options that can be integrated into any architectural setting.

“Amazing lighting selections are available for all budgets,” says Dottie. “Whether your home is very traditional or ultra modern, lighting choices are plentiful.”

Photo courtesy of CES Lighting Design & Showroom