TIPS FOR LIGHTING THE ROOM

Ambient Lighting

Ambient, or general, lighting is the substance. It’s typically 75% of the room’s light. It provides an area with overall illumination – a comfortable level of brightness without glare. It assures you can walk into a space without bumping into furniture. For larger rooms, ambient lighting may require a few ceiling fixtures.

Ambient lighting can be accomplished with chandeliers, Down Lights, Ceiling Lights or wall-mount fixtures, track or recessed lights, and even table and floor lamps.

Having a central source of ambient light in all rooms is fundamental to a good lighting plan; it’s the base upon which you add all other layers of lighting.

Task Lighting

Task lighting helps you accomplish everyday chores or tasks – from reading a book to chopping vegetables to brushing your teeth. Write down all of the tasks that take place in a room, and make sure you plan lighting around them.

To enhance visual clarity and prevent eyestrain, effective task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows.
Great task lighting can be achieved by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting and specialty lighting, as well as vanity lights and floor, table, and desk lamps.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used as a decorative element, enhancing certain architectural details such as, paintings, sculptures, houseplants a decorative range hood or carved cabinet doors.

It should always be about three times the general illumination level. Accent lighting should never be the focal point. In fact, it’s meant to work without being seen.

Accent lighting can be provided by recessed and track lighting, chandeliers with dimmer switches, over- and specialty lighting, and wall sconces.