Five Types of Lighting

Ambient Lighting

• Ambient lighting also known as general lighting, provides comfortable level of even, diffuse lighting to any room. It provides enough light to see clearly, without the glare. Ambient lighting is the primary, or central light source in the room. Ambient lighting can be achieved with ceiling mounted down-lights (recessed, chandeliers, ceiling fan lights) as well as table lamps and floor lamps.

Task Lighting

• Task lighting has a more specific purpose. It provides light for reading or doing homework or lights up a work area. Types of task lighting includes track lighting, pendant lights and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen workspaces. Task lighting is directional, and intended to be directed toward a specific area or to be used for particular job.

Accent Lighting

• Add some visual interest to any room with accent lighting. Accent lights are aimed at objects to draw attention to them. They may highlight a plant or a picture on the wall, light up china or curio cabinets, or to emphasize wall or fireplace textures and window treatments as well as landscaping when used outdoors. Accent lights include flood and spot lights, track lights and wall sconces.

Decorative Lighting

• Decorative lighting could be identified as special occasion lighting such as Christmas lights, fairy lights in the trees and plants for outdoor parties, or candles for a romantic dinner. However, decorative lighting is usually identified as lighting that draws attention to itself, that is actually part of the décor as much as it is part of the lighting. This type of lighting includes plain or sparkly chandeliers, ornamental wall sconces and pendant lights with decorative glass that comes in array of colors, patterns and shapes.

Natural Lighting

• Natural lighting enters the room through the windows or sky lights. Natural lighting changes with the seasons as the amount of daylight and the angle of the sun changes, which means a year-round natural lighting transformation takes place. Take advantage of the ever-changing natural lighting by adjusting window treatments according to the season and hanging mirrors opposite windows to reflect light back into the room. If it's in the budget, try replacing windows with larger ones or adding additional windows to a room to let in more light.