3 Types of Lighting and Why you Need Them

Lighting can have a significant impact on the way you use your home. How many light sources should you have in a room? The correct answer is 3! You need layered lighting that corresponds to the way you use your spaces. Think of all the different ways you use your home. Cooking, relaxing, reading, entertaining…. you’re not going to use the same type of lighting for these activities. Or at least, you shouldn’t. So, let’s talk about the 3 types of lighting you should have in your home and how to add them.

Ambient lighting

General or ambient lighting is lighting that is intended to light up the room. It is your most basic lighting. Usually it even comes with the house (aka ceiling lights). It is a necessary part of any room because provides the overall lighting and glow in a room. But ambient lighting is more than just ceiling lighting and when used correctly it can set the whole tone and mood in a room.

Types of ambient lighting:

• Table lamps

• Floor lamps

• ceiling lamps

• recessed lights

• chandeliers

  Tips for ambient lighting:

  I am one of those people who RARELY use the ceiling light. I hate how harsh it is and I hate the direction of the lighting. However, in some rooms it’s necessary. But, when given a choice I prefer lamps. Especially lamps with a white shade. A white shade lamp with a warm bulb is always the best choice for ambient lighting. It really creates a relaxed and comfortable ambience. Make sure you use enough lamps to properly light the room.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is lighting that adds drama and draws the eye to a focal point. It’s a great way to accent art, decor, a unique design element, or just to add some character.

Types of Accent lighting:

• Picture/art lights

• wall sconces

• under cabinet lighting

• directional recessed lights

  Tips for accent lighting:

  Accent lights should be brighter than your ambient lighting. This will bring more attention to what you’re trying to accent. Don’t choose gaudy lights that steal the attention- that defeats the purpose. And don’t over do the amount of accent lights per room. The key is to draw the eye to certain features- not all over the room.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is lighting that helps you accomplish….a task! Choosing task lighting should fit your specific needs. Like to read in bed at night? Add an articulating wall sconce you can angle towards your book. Task lights above your stove and cabinets help you see better when cooking. They are designed to be turned on when you need them and then turned off when you’re done with the task. Task lights are contributing to that layered light look but also serve a purpose and make your home more functional.

Types of Task lights

• vanity lights

• desk lamp

• under cabinet lighting

• appliance lights

• pendant lights

  Tips for task lights:

  Choose a task light that suits your needs. Make sure it’s bright enough to properly complete your task and prevent eye strain. And buy the correct lighting type for your task- you can’t put make-up on with a desk lamp and a you can’t do paperwork with a vanity light. It’s also worth investing in fixtures with extra features such as dimmers, adjusting arms, etc.

Proper lighting will elevate your homes functionality and aesthetic appeal. It creates interest and sets the atmosphere. And adding lighting is so easy these days- we have battery powered bulbs and lights so you can put lighting anywhere. So, add those layers of light. You’ll be glad you did.