Though we tend to focus on
furniture and decoration when it comes to interior design, lighting is an
integral part of our home! There are four basic types of lighting that should
be used in different parts of the home to design the best atmosphere. The
lighting types are ambient, task, accent and decorative. Let’s take a closer
look at each one!
Ambient Lighting
Ambient
lighting fills the undefined areas of a room with a soft level of general
light, enough for someone to navigate through the room. Common ambient lighting
fixtures are lamps, sconces or cans.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/ |
This
room isn’t particularly bright but the soft spotlights provide a nice, calming
light.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/ |
Task Lighting
Unlike ambient lighting, task lighting is generally a bright light that illuminates a particular area where a visual activity, such as food preparation, crafts or reading takes place. Task lamps and pendants are great for this type of lighting.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/213842/2011-Dream-Home-Bedroom-at-Merchandise-Mart-contemporary-bedroom-chicago
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As
you can see here, the lamp next to the bed is bright enough for some reading,
even if the rest of the lights are dimmed or off.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/148103/Heather-Garrett-Design-contemporary-living-room-raleigh |
This
nicely illuminated room would be a good place for reading, scrapbooking,
crossword puzzles or anything that requires an attentive eye.
Accent
lighting is similar to task lighting in that it consists largely of directed
light, but accent lighting is used to focus attention on artwork or
architectural features instead of to help you do a task. Generally provide with
track, spot or picture lights, accent lighting helps set a mood or provide
drama in your decorating space.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/1400846/Modern-house-remodel-modern-hall-montreal |
This light perfectly illuminates the flowers, making them the focal-point.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/685175/interior-modern-hall-austin |
Decorative Lighting
Any
of the three previous types of lighting can come in the form of decorative
lighting. This type of lighting draws attention to itself and can sometimes
even be the centerpiece or focal point of a room. A chandelier above a dining
room table is a perfect example! It’s very important that you select the proper
type of decorative lighting to create the environment you desire. Candles, chandeliers
and lighting over a furniture grouping are common uses of decorative lighting.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/318329/Grand-Parlor-modern-living-room-orlando
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These lights are clearly the focal point of this room, thus
setting the tone for the space.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/1123259/Casual-By-The-Lake-traditional-dining-room-atlanta
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These big lanterns are a perfect example of decorative
lighting. They are being used for light, yes, but they are also great
decoration pieces.
When you are designing the lighting of a room, be sure you
know what theme you’re going for! And keep in mind that a well-lit room is a
well-designed room.
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