The Ultimate Guide to Lighting Your Home

Ambient Lighting.

Ambient, or general, lighting is an essential part of any lighting plan because it sets the tone for your space and provides an overall glow. Ambient lighting creates a comfortable level of brightness, allowing you to safely get around your space. This type of lighting is usually achieved through chandeliers, ceiling lamps, mounted fixtures, or track lights. Think of ambient lighting as a basic form of lighting to replace sunlight. We recommend using lights with warmer tones.

Accent Lighting.

The main purpose of accent lighting is to create a focal point. Accent lighting builds on to the ambient lighting, adds dimension, and can be be used to draw attention to a specific feature or piece of art. To accurately draw attention, accent lighting should be at least three times brighter than the rest of the lights in the room. The goal is to draw attention to your chosen feature without directing the attention to how it is lit. Accent lighting is typically fulfilled with track lights or wall-mounted fixtures.

Task Lighting.

Task lighting is more direct, intense lighting created for detailed work like reading or writing. This type of lighting can be achieved by many different sources. You want your task lighting to reduce glare and prevent eye strain. You can adjust your task lighting depending on the task at hand. Task lighting can be created using overhead track lighting or desk lamps. Make sure your task lamps are adjustable. If not, at least make sure you can angle your task lamp to reduce glare, limit shadows, and avoid damage to the eyes.

For each of these three different types of lighting, there are numerous fixtures available.

Mounted Fixtures.

As the name implies, these light fixtures are mounted directly to the wall or ceiling. In most cases, they feature a glass or plastic shade to cover the lightbulb and diffuse the light evenly. Mounted fixtures, specifically on the ceiling, are used as ambient lighting.

Recessed Lighting.

Recessed lighting is installed above the ceiling. The wiring of the light is hidden behind the ceiling wall. Because recessed lights are level with the ceiling, they require around five to eight inches of space for installation. Recessed lights can be used to produce ambient, accent, and task lighting.

Track Lighting.

Track lighting fixtures attach to a track mounted to the ceiling or hung from the ceiling. This allows the ability to adjust and reposition the lighting, which is perfect for kitchen or gallery spaces where task or accent lighting is necessary. You can simply adjust the focus to the desired area.Desk and Table Lamps.

The most common way task lighting is achieved is with desk and table lamps. Table lamps are great because they’re flexible and can be positioned as needed. They portray light downward, lighting up the surface below rather than providing an overall glow. This is what sets task lighting apart from ambient lighting.

Once you’ve crafted the perfect lighting plan for your home, give us a call. We’ll put your plan into action and take care of the installation process. Contact us today for a quote or fill out the form below to request a service online.