Farmhouse Fanatics, Stop What You're Doing And Check Out These Living Room Lighting Ideas
It might be safe to assume that farmhouse style is here to stay. Ever since Chip and Joanna Gaines rolled out their reality show Fixer Upper in 2013, legions of homeowners began bringing Joanna's trademark look into their own homes. Best known for its pastoral characteristics — including things like chipped paint, well-loved wood, neutral palettes, soft textiles, and storied decor discovered at flea markets — the farmhouse look really, truly shines in living rooms.
And to up the cozy factor even more, you'll undoubtedly need some lighting. As you pull living room lighting ideas for your modern farmhouse, don't forget to look for quintessential touches like worn woods, industrial metals, traditional glass, and vintage details. But where to begin? Ahead, nine designs that have mastered the country aesthetic, plus we're letting you in on where you can snag the same dreamy light fixtures.
1. Hang a vintage-inspired pendant light.
Metal lanterns have been around forever, reaching the height of popularity in the 19th century and continuing today. It's no surprise that they were often used in old farmhouses. To capture this bygone living room lighting idea, hang a lantern-style pendant like Shelby and Michelle of Farmhouse Living did in this space.
Get the look: Currey and Company Four Light Hanging Lantern, $940
2. Weave in cozy textures.
Farmhouse style is known for its relaxed aesthetics — inspiring afternoons spent with hot cocoa and a captivating book (or movie). Good news: you can keep the cozy vibes rolling with your living room lighting, too. Take a page from this space belonging to Jessica of White Picket Farmhouse and hang a tasseled chandelier from the ceiling.
Get the look: Justina Blakeney Fela Tasseled Chandelier, $248
3. Incorporate industrial sconces.
Wall sconces are a great way to add more light to shadowy areas of your living room (like a built-in bookcase), and selecting fixtures with an industrial look is the perfect addition to a farmhouse-inspired space. For example, a pair of black articulating sconces in this living room designed by Erin and Kristen of House of Jade Interiors are just what these perfectly-styled shelves needed.
Get the look: Schoolhouse Princeton Long Sconce 2.25", $259
4. Throw a pair of table lamps into the mix.
Turn that living room console into a striking design moment like Anissa from House Seven Design + Build did with the help of two statement table lamps. Their earthy, alabaster-esque finish balances out the rustic wood of the table and the natural materials of the woven baskets below with a hint of elegance.
Get the look: Troy Lighting Zen Table Lamp, $262
5. Illuminate your farmhouse treasures.
You spent a long time hunting down the perfect collection of farmhouse finds at countless antique stores and flea markets. Don't leave them in the dark! Instead, employ this clever living room lighting idea and illuminate your shelves, giving them the attention they deserve. Cristin Cooper mounted a picture light to the top of her bookcase, and the final result is radiant. Just be mindful that the lower shelves won't receive as much light.
Get the look: Circa Lighting Dean 24" Picture Light, $655
6. Go simple with a flush mount.
Many farmhouse spaces are praised for their simplicity, and your living room lighting should follow that example. When you're weighing your options, consider a flush mount that won't compete with the rest of your design, as proven by this room designed by CC + Mike.
Get the look: Cedar & Moss Conifer 18" Flush Mount, $379
7. Juxtapose airy hues with a black floor lamp.
We love a white farmhouse living room as much as the next person, but to mix things up a bit, why not bring in a black floor lamp? The brass and ebony light fixture spotted in this rustic design injects additional contrast and a hint of glam.
Get the look: West Elm Industrial Task Floor Lamp, $199
8. Get an old-school look with a semi-flush mount.
Flush mounts and semi-flush mounts were typical in homes back in the day, and they still are nowadays. Capture a vintage vibe by hanging a semi-flush mount (complete with milk glass or stripes for bonus antique flair) in your living room, like this one belonging to Morgan Ford and featured on Schoolhouse Living.
Get the look: Schoolhouse Otis 4", $139
9. Opt for a farmhouse classic.
Amid the many farmhouse living room lighting ideas out there, you can never go wrong with a classic chandelier. The wagon wheel-inspired design seen in this space by Shea from Studio McGee pairs up quite nicely with the rest of the decor, offering undeniable country flair. And we love the way the white ceiling with exposed beams acts as the perfect backdrop to the contrasting black fixture.
Get the look: Geoffrey Chandelier, starting at $1,265