Variation
To create a pleasantly lit room you need variation. Varying light placement, size and intensity. For a smaller room, five to seven light sources is appropriate, while a large room might need up to 10 lights to set the right mood. It may sound like a lot, but if you vary your light choices it won't feel overwhelming and over-the-top. Naturally, you don't have to have all the lights switched on at the same time either.
Pictured: Gravity floor lamp and 9602 floor lamp, both from Gubi.