Congrats on your new home! Did you use the ceiling lights in your previous living room? The only place I use overhead lights is in the kitchen. I've never had wall sconces. It will be interesting to hear what others say.

Our new to us house was build in 1978. Popcorn ceilings. No ceiling lights anywhere except kitchen and dining room. First thing we did was hire an electrician and have ceiling lights done. Best money spent. I think it took him 3 or 4 days plus extra because he had to rewire the diy basement job from the previous owner. We had it all inspected and the city was very impressed with the quality of the work. It's a big job but totally worth it! As a bonus the pretty new ceiling fixtures were a good start to updating the home.

I have never had any ceiling lights in the living room in the 3 homes I lived in. Most homes around here don't My current home was built in 1975. Besides the lamps I have wall sconces on each side of the picture window that gives off a lot of light.

I have not got a ceiling light anywhere but the dining room. WHAT IS WRONG WITH LAMPS?! Answer: nothing. You plug them in and presto! Let there be light.

I detest overhead lighting. Every client with recessed forgets they OWN a gorgeous lamp or three, or four.. I am going to begin refusal on recessed, excepting the kitchen and bath.

I like to flip a switch as I enter a room, rather than make a leisurely circuit flipping on lamps. Put some recessed lights on a dimmer and you have have whatever amount of lighting you want.

Timers anyone?

Switched outlets. Ain't technology grand :-)

Even grander technology - Amazon Alexa or Google Home and smart wifi plugs. The ones I prefer are TP-Link HS105 (HINT: The exact same plug is sold exclusively by Walmart as TP-Link KP100 for a tad cheaper). You can also set on/off schedules and "routines". There's nothing easier than walking into my dark bedroom and say "Alexa, turn on the lights." I can also control them from anywhere in the world with a phone app.

At first a scoffed at the idea! And thought how lazy can you be. But once I tried 'em, I love 'em.

And this is coming from someone who doesn't need to hire an electrician for anything - I'm capable and qualified of doing whatever I need. I grew up with a father who was an electrical contractor for 60+ years. He was adamant that by the time me and my siblings were adults, all of us would have the knowledge, skill and experience of completely wiring a house from top to bottom. Those countless summer vacations and Saturday's working with him is the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks Dad! RIP.

Thanks for the responses! We do use our overhead light a lot in our current living room. I really like a well lit space. There is nothing wrong with floor lamps or table lamps except that I have two small children and one of which does not mix well with cords or things that can be toppled over. The family room in this house also does not have an overhead light. I do like to flip a switch for light as well.

But I’m really curious about what the process would be for installing lights in a textured ceiling with asbestos. Does the whole ceiling need to be remediated? Is it possible to have done? What is the cost?

I've never heard anybody worry about asbestos in a ceiling like this. I think I'd just have an electrician come and do it (or give you an estimate) -- they'll tell you if they foresee any issues.