I think that if you use a smaller watt bulb (60) it will bring down the brightness. Also, try setting up a sheet or foamboard or some such other things as 'backround' to get rid of the TV & stuff. You could also try to diffuse the light by turning the source away from what your shooting or by using something to cover the directness of the light on your subject.
Also, you can put light in various other places in the room and then set the camera to 'P', well that's what it is on my camera, and let the camera pull whatever light is around.........

Just play with different stuff, you'll get it!!!!! Good Luck!!!