Layered Lighting

HOW TO USE AMBIENT, TASK AND ACCENT LIGHTING IN YOUR SPACE

Published on
August 23rd, 2023

Layered Lighting

How to Use Ambient, Task and Accent Lighting in Your Space

LAYERING LIGHT: BATHROOMS

An example of mixing multiple light sources: 1) Windows/Daylight 2) Recessed Lighting
3) Wall Lighting (Clove Sconces) 4) Overhead Lighting (Glacier Chandelier)

MIXING AMBIENT, TASK, AND ACCENT LIGHTING IS HOW YOU LAYER LIGHT.

AMBIENT LIGHTING

Ambient lighting, also called general lighting, provides lighting throughout the room, often creating a mood and lighting a space uniformly, apart from any special lighting. The fixture most associated with ambient lighting is a chandelier.

TASK LIGHTING

Task lighting provides increased light for specific tasks in a room that may already have some ambient light. This direct, intense illumination is ideal for detailed task work, such as reading and writing at a desk, grooming, and preparing food. Sconces, floor lamps and task lamps are best used for this type of lighting.

ACCENT LIGHTING

Accent lighting draws attention to a particular object, such as artwork, sculpture, plants or bookcases. Accent lighting is often used outdoors, to highlight a beautiful tree, plant or water feature, or to draw the eye to a particular area of the landscape. Sconces or picture lights are fantastic ways to use accent lighting in a space.


LAYERING LIGHT IN KITCHENS

An example of mixing multiple light sources: 1) Windows/Daylight 2) Recessed Lighting
3) Overhead Lighting
(Otis Pendants in Large, Sigmund Pendant in Large)
4) To the left is an oven/cooking space where we've installed two sconces, providing additional light over prep spaces



LAYERING LIGHT: HOME OFFICE


Multiple light sources to consider:


  1. Windows/Daylight
  2. Overhead Lighting
    (Peridot Pendant in Large/White)
  3. Task Lighting
    (Spyder Floor Lamp)

Task lighting is extremely important for home offices. To reduce eye strain, you'll want to have a light which is directed at your work surface (often a desk), whether for reading, writing or computer usage.



LAYERING LIGHT IN BEDROOMS

An example of mixing multiple light sources: 1) Windows/Daylight 2) Overhead Lighting (Seaside Pendant in Small)
3) Table Lamp Lighting on both sides of the bed
(Nova Wood Table Lamp)



LAYERING LIGHT: DINING

Multiple light sources to consider:


  1. Windows/Daylight
  2. Overhead Lighting
    (Poppy Chandelier in Small)
  3. Wall Accent Lighting
    (Coil Metal Sconce in Large/White)

Use lighting layers for ambiance (task lighting doesn't truly apply here). A beautiful statement chandelier and accent wall lighting work well, or a pair of buffet lamps could be perfect if there is room for a console in the dining area.



LAYERING LIGHT OUTDOORS

An example of mixing multiple light sources: 1) Daylight 2) Ceiling Lighting (Hampton Outdoor Lantern)
3) Wall Lighting (Hampton Outdoor Sconces)
4) Candle Light/Hurricanes used outdoors can ad beautiful light while eating al fresco as the daylight dims.
(Marcello Terrazo Hurricane Large/Small)