What Are the 3 Types of Lighting & How to Use Them
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Time to read 7 min
Lighting design plays a key role in creating the right mood and adjusting the ambiance of interior spaces. Proper lighting makes all work easier and changes the mood of a space. Without good lighting, your environment and carefully chosen interior design elements can look dull and uninviting. Inadequate lighting affects the ambience and even the perceived size of the room.
There are three basic types of lighting that can work together to illuminate a room based on function and style:
- Ambient lighting (General Lighting)
- Task lighting
- Accent lighting
An excellent lighting plan combines all three types to create a welcoming and functional space. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, while task and accent lighting are used for more specific purposes.
Table of Content
What Is Ambient Light? (General Lighting) What Light Fixtures Provide Ambient Lighting? Colour Temperature & CRI Considerations for Ambient Light Our Favourite Ambient Lights What Is Task Light? What Light Fixtures Provide Task Lighting? Colour Temperature & CRI Considerations for Task Light Our Favourite Task Lights What Is Accent Lighting? What Light Fixtures Provide Accent Lighting? Colour Temperature & CRI Considerations for Accent Lighting Our Favourite Accent Lights How to Choose the Right Types of Lighting for Each Room in Your Home Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom Home Office Conclusion
Lighting Type #1: What Is Ambient Light? (General Lighting)
Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, is one of the most common types of lighting. It provides a soft glow that blankets your space with enough light to navigate safely and comfortably without causing harsh glare. Ambient light is similar to the natural light within a room, except you create it artificially with the goal of illuminating the space as evenly as possible.
While ambient light helps you move around safely, it is not ideal for tasks that require focused task lighting or for highlighting specific objects.
What Light Fixtures Provide Ambient Lighting?
- Chandeliers
- Ceiling-mounted fixtures
- Recessed lights
- Track lights
- Wall sconces
- Floor lamps (torchieres) that reflect light off the ceiling
Colour Temperature & CRI Considerations for Ambient Light
Colour temperature and Colour Rendering Index (CRI) are important factors in ambient lighting. Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin and ranges from warm to cool:
- 2700K-3000K: Warm, relaxing, and intimate. Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
- 3500K-4000K: Neutral and inviting. Suitable for kitchens and workspaces.
- 5000K and up: Cool, energising, and clinical. Best for garages and home gyms.
For residential ambient lighting, aim for a CRI of at least 80. The higher the CRI (up to 100), the more accurately colours will appear, resulting in a space that looks more natural and vibrant.
Our Favourite Ambient Lights
Lighting Type #2: What Is Task Light?
Task lighting provides focused light for specific activities such as reading, cooking, grooming, or doing homework. It is meant to help you see clearly when engaging in activities that require more illumination than ambient lighting can provide. However, to be most effective, task lighting should be used alongside ambient lighting to create contrast.
What Light Fixtures Provide Task Lighting?
- Under-cabinet lights
- Pendant lights over islands or peninsulas
- Adjustable desk lamps or swing-arm lamps
- Vanity light bars
Task lighting allows you to strategically place appropriate light sources right where they are needed most. Some key areas to focus on include:
- Above kitchen counters
- Over bathroom vanities
- At desks and reading chairs
- Next to beds
Colour Temperature & CRI Considerations for Task Light
To reduce eye strain and increase visual clarity, task lighting should have a high CRI of 90 or above. For most residential task lighting applications, a colour temperature between 3000K-5000K is ideal, though this comes down largely to personal preference and the specific task at hand:
- Lower colour temperatures (2700K-3000K) create a warmer, cozier ambience that is well-suited for tasks meant to be relaxing, such as curling up with a good book.
- Mid-range colour temperatures (3500K-4000K) produce a cooler, energising light that is ideal for workspaces like the home office or garage.
- Higher colour temperatures (4000K-5000K) are often used in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms where very bright, crisp light is necessary for handling sharp objects and performing detailed grooming tasks.
Our Favourite Task Lights
Lighting Type #3: What Is Accent Lighting?
Accent lighting adds drama and flair to a room by drawing attention to specific objects or architectural features. It is used to create visual interest by highlighting artwork, sculptures, plants, bookcases, textured walls, or other decorative elements.
To be effective, accent lighting should direct at least three times as much light on the focal point compared to the ambient light in the surrounding area. However, the goal is to draw attention to the object itself, not the light source.
What Light Fixtures Provide Accent Lighting?
- Track lights
- Recessed lights
- Wall washers
- Picture lights
Colour Temperature & CRI Considerations for Accent Lighting
When it comes to accent lighting, the CRI should be as high as possible (95+) to allow the colour and detail of the highlighted object to shine through. In terms of colour temperature, a good rule of thumb is to match the colour temperature to the accent piece itself:
- Warm colour temperatures (2700-3000K) tend to complement wood, brick, and earth tones
- Natural white colour temperatures (3000-4000K) are ideal for most artwork as they make colours appear more vibrant
- Cool colour temperatures (4000K+) create drama and contrast, working well for contemporary sculpture, glass, and most plant life
Our Favourite Accent Lights
How to Choose the Right Types of Lighting for Each Room in Your Home
Living Room
The living room is a multi-functional space where you relax, entertain guests, and spend time with family. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, use a combination of ambient and accent lighting. Floor lamps and table lamps can provide a soft, diffused light for ambient lighting, while recessed lights can be used for general illumination. To add visual interest and highlight specific features, such as artwork or architectural details, use accent lighting like track lights or wall washers. Dimmer switches can help you adjust the light levels to suit different moods and activities.
Popular Lights to Layer Your Living Room
Dining Room
The dining room is a space for gathering, eating, and socializing. Pendant lights or a chandelier centered over the dining table can provide both ambient and task lighting, creating a focal point in the room. Dimmer switches are essential in the dining room, as they allow you to adjust the light levels to suit the occasion – brighter for casual family meals and softer for intimate dinners. If you have artwork or a sideboard in your dining room, consider adding accent lighting to draw attention to these features.
Popular Lights to Layer Your Dining Room
Kitchen
The kitchen is a hub of activity that requires a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Recessed lights can provide overall ambient lighting, ensuring the space is well-lit and easy to navigate. Task lighting is crucial in the kitchen, particularly in areas where you prepare food, cook, and clean. Under-cabinet lights illuminate countertops, while pendant lights over an island or peninsula provide focused light for cooking and dining. To add a decorative touch and highlight specific features, like a unique backsplash or decorative items, use accent lighting such as strip lights or puck lights.
Popular Lights to Layer Your Kitchen
Bedroom
The bedroom should be a restful and relaxing space, so aim for a warm, inviting atmosphere. A combination of ambient and task lighting works well in the bedroom. For ambient lighting, consider a soft, diffused ceiling light or a floor lamp with a warm color temperature. Table lamps or wall sconces on either side of the bed can provide task lighting for reading or other bedside activities. Dimmer switches can help you create the perfect ambiance for different times of the day.
Popular Lights to Layer Your Bedroom
Bathroom
Lighting is crucial in the bathroom, as it's where you start and end your day. Prioritize task lighting around the vanity area, where you need bright, even light for grooming and applying makeup. Sconces on either side of the mirror or a light bar above the mirror can provide shadowless illumination. For ambient lighting, consider a ceiling fixture or recessed lights with a dimmer switch to create a relaxing atmosphere for bathing. In larger bathrooms, you may also want to include accent lighting to highlight decorative features or create a spa-like feel.
Popular Lights to Layer Your Bathroom
Home Office
A home office requires a well-lit, productive environment. Task lighting is essential for reducing eye strain and ensuring you can focus on your work. Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness and position it to minimize glare on your computer screen. The lamp should be placed to the side of your work area to avoid casting shadows. For ambient lighting, a ceiling fixture or floor lamp can provide overall illumination, making the space feel more inviting. If you have bookshelves or artwork in your office, consider adding accent lighting to showcase these features and create visual interest.
Popular Lights to Layer Your Home Office
Conclusion
Creating the perfect lighting plan for your home involves understanding the three main types of lighting – ambient, task, and accent – and how to use them effectively in each room. By layering these different types of lighting and considering the specific needs and functions of each space, you can create a comfortable, inviting home that is both functional and beautiful.
Remember to consider factors such as color temperature and CRI when selecting light fixtures, and don't be afraid to experiment with different lighting products to find the perfect balance for your home. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform your living spaces and elevate your home's overall design.
The Author: David, Founder of ZY Lighting
David, founder of ZY Lighting based in Hurstville, Sydney, brings 15 years of expertise in the lighting industry. His passion for illuminating spaces combines innovation and aesthetics, creating memorable experiences for all his customers and clients.
