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How to Use Ambient, Accent, and Task Lighting

By Bobbie Jo Stuff in  All

What are the different types of lighting? What is task lighting? How to create accent
lighting? What else is available besides ambient lighting? With so many different types
of lighting available, it can get a little confusing when designing a lighting scheme for
your home or office. Our guide explains the different types of lighting - ambient (or
general), task and accent, how to use them effectively, and which light fixtures to use
create your desired lighting.

 Ambient or General Lighting

 Task Lighting
 Accent Lighting

WHAT IS AMBIENT LIGHTING?

This is one of the most common types of lighting. Ambient light is a soft glow that
blankets your space just enough for you to function without causing a harsh glare. In
photography and cinematography, ambient light is considered the "natural light" within
a room. In décor, ambient light is very similar, except you create the ambient light by
making the room's lighting as natural and flat as possible. While ambient light is meant
to get you safely from point A-to-B, it is not ideal for working closely with things or to
highlight things around your space.

How to Light a Room with General Lighting?

When used correctly, ambient light creates a fantastic environment to relax from an
overly stressful day or to have a warm conversation with an old friend. Ambient lighting
is often referred to as mood lighting, because this light captures the soft curves of your
face and allows your pupils to dilate slightly (a physical sign of affection). Some yoga
studios have even begun using the softer ambient lighting in their classes to help draw
stress from the body.
We recommend using the following lights to create ambient light.

 Chandeliers
 Pendants
 Recessed
 Track
 Ceiling
SHOP OUR AMBIENT LIGHTING DEALS!

WHAT IS TASK LIGHTING?

This is a smaller more concentrated light. You want task lighting around when you’re
working. In fact, some people call it office lighting. Task lighting is meant to help you
see when you’re doing projects in which you need a finer light, such as, reading,
cooking, writing, sewing and many other things. Task lighting only works well when it is
used as a contrasting light. For example, if you have a low lit room with a swing arm
lamp turned on over your desk, the light over the desk surface will be more effective
with less glare or shadow-effect than if the entire room was lit with a brighter light.
 How to Use Task Lighting?
Task lighting helps naturally stimulate your brain. The contrasting light allows you to be
more alert and concentrated. This will help you see more details as you work, creating
higher quality results. This is why many businesses choose to use task lighting in their
offices.

We recommend using the following fixtures to create task light.

 Pendants
 Swing Arm Lamps
 Under Cabinet
 Vanity
SHOP OUR TASK LIGHTING DEALS!

WHAT IS ACCENT LIGHTING?

This is a very concentrated light with the intention of drawing the eye to its focal point.
Accent lighting is a way of adding style and drama to your home. This will help you
illuminate the pieces you want on display, while shadowing dull areas. People use
accenting for wall washing, artwork, bookcase displays, pieces of furniture, collections
and the general architecture of their homes. Outdoor accent lighting is when you
highlight parts of the architecture of your home or yard. This is very popular during the
holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas.

How to Use Accent Lighting?

Accent lighting is one of the types of lighting that creates a very sophisticated
atmosphere. It evokes feelings of meaning and importance to the images it displays.
This lighting type is used a lot for museums, historical buildings and art shows.

We recommend using the following lights to create accent light.

 Wall Lights
 Recessed
 Landscape
 Track
SHOP OUR ACCENT LIGHTING DEALS!
 CHANDELIER LIGHTING
These light fixtures work fantastic with taller ceilings. You can choose which height is
best for your lighting needs. Chandeliers are very classic pieces that work well in
foyers, over the tub in the bathroom, or over large dining room tables.

SHOP ALL CHANDELIERS

CEILING LIGHTING
Flush and semi-flush ceiling lighting are so versatile and discrete they work almost
anywhere. Use these carefully. Ceiling lighting is standard in hallways, bedrooms,
kitchens, and outdoor spaces, such as, patios and porches. Try to incorporate the
ceiling mounted fixtures with wall switches into your homes architecture.

SHOP ALL CEILING LIGHTING

PENDANT LIGHTING
Pendants are great because they can be placed in a lot of areas and can hang directly
above work spaces. Depending on the style and placement of the pendant, you can use
these for ambient, task, or accent lighting. Use a series of pendants with clear or light
colored shades for ambient lighting, two or more pendants with dark colored shades for
task lighting, or one or two pendants over a side table or other focal point to create
accent lighting.
 SHOP ALL PENDANT LIGHTING

RECESSED LIGHTING
Not only are can lights used for general room lighting, recessed lighting can be used for
for accent lighting depending on where you place them. Place them in your ceiling or in
your floor close to the wall to create a wall washing affect to illuminate a beautiful brick
texture, a colorful paint design or display a huge bay window.
 SHOP ALL RECESSED LIGHTING

WALL LIGHTING & SCONCES

Wall lights are fantastic for designing accent lighting. They come in a range of sizes that
allow you the highlight big or small pieces of art. These work great on art walls and for
showcasing the architecture of your space.
 SHOP ALL WALL LIGHTING

TRACK LIGHTING
Track lights are great for the same reason, except they can typically cover a little more
space. Try using a series of these throughout your home in rooms such as your master
bedroom, den, kitchen, or living room.
 SHOP ALL TRACK LIGHTING

SWING ARM LAMPS

Use lamps on your desks, bedside tables, mounted next to your favorite chair or
anywhere you need a little extra light for working. Swing arm lamps allow you to adjust
the light anyway you’d like. Since lamps are lightweight, portable, and adjustable these
are the ideal task lights.
 SHOP ALL SWING ARM LAMPS

UNDER CABINET LIGHTING

These are the ultimate task lights. Under cabinet lights work great in your kitchen, like
below. They add a flare to your kitchen and give the extra light you need for chopping
and cleaning.
 SHOP ALL CABINET LIGHTING

VANITY LIGHTING
Vanity lighting is standard in bathrooms and on dressing room tables. Bathroom and
mirror lights provide a bright, focused light to ensure your makeup and hair is done just
right!

SHOP ALL VANITY LIGHTING

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
These lights are the best for showing off the outside of your home. Use landscape
lighting to light up a pathway, prized garden or statue.
 SHOP ALL LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

LIGHT DIMMERS
For multiple types of lighting options consider using a light dimmer. Dimmers help
achieve any mood or look you’re looking for at the turn of a knob or push of a button.
SHOP ALL LIGHT DIMMERS

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