3 Types of Lighting and How to Use Them
Learn about the three different types of lights to incorporate in your home
Laura Neumann
March 29, 2018
There are three main types of lighting that, when combined correctly, will provide a safe and comfortable environment to live and work in. All well-designed spaces will contain a combination of these three types of lights: ambient, accent and task. Read further to learn more about the different kinds and which types of light fixtures will help you achieve each.
Ambient Lighting
The most basic type of lighting is called ambient lighting, also known as general lighting or mood lighting. This lighting type is intended to create an evenly lit room, for both safety and ambience. Ambient light can, and should, bounce off walls and ceilings to illuminate as much as possible in a non-harsh way —more of a soft glow. It’s not ideal for doing specific tasks, though it can certainly help. It’s smart to incorporate dimmer switches with your ambient light fixtures so that you can adjust the mood accordingly. You can even strategically position other decor elements, like mirrors, to your advantage to reflect soft light. Ambient lighting also comes from natural daylight, so use that to your advantage when coming up with a game plan.
Use any of the following types of light fixtures, either alone or in conjunction with one another, to build a comfortable setting in your home:
Ceiling Lights
Chandeliers
Pendants
Wall Lights
Recessed Lights
Track Lights
Lamps
This bedroom makes excellent use of a few different types of ambient lighting, including the daylight streaming in from the windows and skylight. When the sun sets, they are well-equipped with recessed lights to keep everything well lit.
Use any of the following types of light fixtures, either alone or in conjunction with one another, to build a comfortable setting in your home:
Ceiling Lights
Chandeliers
Pendants
Wall Lights
Recessed Lights
Track Lights
Lamps
This bedroom makes excellent use of a few different types of ambient lighting, including the daylight streaming in from the windows and skylight. When the sun sets, they are well-equipped with recessed lights to keep everything well lit.
Accent Lighting
The next type of lighting is accent lighting, which is best for creating focal points by enhancing a piece of art or architectural feature. Typically, accent lighting is directional, which means the light source is directed at something specific and is not intended to light up an entire space. Try using these types of lights to illuminate shelves, decor, plants or even entire walls — unique textures make great features!
Track Lights (Directional)
Recessed Lights (Directional)
Wall Sconces
Display & Picture Lights
This photo is a perfect example of accent lighting. Backlit shelves can help both accentuate the objects on them and create a spot for the eye to be drawn toward. Accent lighting can also be used outdoors to emphasize unique landscaping or interesting features. It also doubles as ambient lighting to help you see at night without the need for overhead fixtures.
Track Lights (Directional)
Recessed Lights (Directional)
Wall Sconces
Display & Picture Lights
This photo is a perfect example of accent lighting. Backlit shelves can help both accentuate the objects on them and create a spot for the eye to be drawn toward. Accent lighting can also be used outdoors to emphasize unique landscaping or interesting features. It also doubles as ambient lighting to help you see at night without the need for overhead fixtures.
Task Lighting
Small but mighty, the last type of light to incorporate into your home is task lighting. Just as the name implies, these lights are best used when performing tasks, such as reading, desk work or kitchen prep. Task lights should be bright to help you focus on details, but should not cast a shadow or glare on the task at hand — this is especially important in the kitchen when using sharp knives! One way to avoid shadows is by combining ambient and task lighting together to create a well-lit area with an emphasis on the main task.
Plenty of tasks also take place in the bathroom that require bright task lights, like applying makeup. Vanity lights are the perfect type of lighting for this job, providing lots of light right at face level. Having fixtures on both sides of you will help minimize any funky shadows. Learn more about How to Choose Your Bathroom Vanity Lighting.
Task lighting can be achieved with the different types of light fixtures below:
Desk Lamps
Floor Lamps
Swing Arm Wall Lamps
Undercabinet Lights
Pendant Lights
Vanity Lights
Track Lights (Directional)
Recessed Lights (Directional)
Plenty of tasks also take place in the bathroom that require bright task lights, like applying makeup. Vanity lights are the perfect type of lighting for this job, providing lots of light right at face level. Having fixtures on both sides of you will help minimize any funky shadows. Learn more about How to Choose Your Bathroom Vanity Lighting.
Task lighting can be achieved with the different types of light fixtures below:
Desk Lamps
Floor Lamps
Swing Arm Wall Lamps
Undercabinet Lights
Pendant Lights
Vanity Lights
Track Lights (Directional)
Recessed Lights (Directional)
Combining the 3 Lighting Types
It's important to combine all three different types of lights well to create spaces that are not only usable but pleasing to the eye. The photo here does that well. You can see recessed and pendant lights working as the ambient component, undercabinet and pendant lights as the task lighting, and undercounter lights highlighting the island for a great accent feature. Remember to layer the three lighting types for the most impact and function in any space.
More:
Shop different types of lighting on Houzz
How to Plan Your Home’s Lighting
Top 10 Tips for Interior Lighting
More:
Shop different types of lighting on Houzz
How to Plan Your Home’s Lighting
Top 10 Tips for Interior Lighting