Layers of Light

Lighting is one of the most exciting yet underused elements of design. Adequate lighting is imperative to the function and purpose of your home, but good lighting can also go beyond simple function.

There are three main components to a good lighting design: ambient light, task light, and accent light.

Ambient Lighting (aka General Lighting) - Ambient lighting is the primary lighting of your room. This light could come from a chandelier, ceiling mount fixture or recessed cans. In a setting like as a media room or theater room this may be a softer light around the perimeter, such as wall sconces. Ambient light should provide a uniform level of light throughout the room. Proper ambient lighting would help reduce harsh contrasts between concentrated pools of light, aid in traffic and provide light for basic visual tasks throughout the room.

Task Lighting- Task lighting allows you to see essential details of an activity. This light can come from mini pendants over your kitchen island or bar, a table lamp on your nightstand or puck lighting under your kitchen cabinets. Task lighting may be used for activities such as cooking, reading, crafts, etc. and should provide enough light to avoid eyestrain or accidents. Your task light should be located near the area of you activity and placed in a manner to avoid glare while providing an even distribution of light.

Accent Lighting (aka Decorative Lighting)- Accent lighting may be used to highlight artwork, plants, statues, alcoves and even wall texture. This lighting can be achieved by the use of track lighting or monorail systems, recessed cans, spots, wall sconces or picture lights. Proper use of accent lighting can add visual drama to a room by creating focal points and highlighting specific objects or pictures.

Just like clothing, lighting looks best in layers. Lighting is one of the main factors in design that makes all of the other elements work well together. By adding layers to a room, you can add depth and dimension to the entire space.