The 3 Layers of Lighting

Lighting is often a last thought when building a home or space but should be thought of as a crucial component to the big picture early on in the planning phase. Lighting can have a dramatic effect on architecture, mood and ambience and can ultimately not just light a room, but shape a space. 

When designing a space, it’s a common misconception to think a single source of light will meet all your needs. The truth is though, no matter what room you are designing, you should always be striving to install the three major types of lighting in a room. The three types, or layers, of light are:
 

Each of these have a very different and specific function and these layers play a crucial role in defining a space and providing multiple points of interest As lighting designers, we use the three types of light to enhance the aesthetic and feel of a space. Balancing these layers is as much a science as it is an art but when done correctly, you’ll see magic happen.
 

Ambient lighting

Ambient or general lighting involves the illumination of a broad area. It is used to brighten up spaces where you carry out daily activities, uniformly. It’s the perfect lighting for catching up with your family after a long hard day at work, for watching some good old TV in the living room or for business meetings held in your offices’ conference room. We generally achieve ambient light with ceiling lights, downlights, pendant lighting or even track lighting.

Task Lighting

Task lighting can be considered the most literal form of lighting. It is a form of directional lighting used to illuminate a specific area to help you carry out tasks in that space. Some examples of task lighting are when you need a floor lamp next to an arm chair for reading, a table lamp at your desk to work, strip lighting in the kitchen or a light above the mirror in the bathroom for better visibility.

This form of lighting is often overlooked as we often assume ambient lighting is sufficient for tasks. By thinking about how a space will be used, we can elevate its functionality with the correct task lighting.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is a form of directional lighting that is used when you want to accentuate particular objects or draw attention to a display item. This form of directional lighting is generally a more intense light which highlights architectural details such as artifacts, pictures, bookshelves and much more.

Accent lighting is the final layer of light and works in conjunction with task and ambient lighting to complete a space. When done properly, this will add a warm, luxurious and cosy feeling to a space.

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Our team of professional lighting design consultants are passionate about creating the right concept for your life and style. We produce design solutions for both interior and exterior environments, based on knowledge, experience and exceptional lighting. If you would like to develop a lighting plan for your space, contact us today.