What Are the 3 Types of Lighting in Interior Design?

The key to a well-illuminated room is combining different sources of light, but, just what are the 3 types of lighting in interior design?

Just as you would layer different colours and fabrics to create visual interest, lighting designers use three layers of light to enhance the aesthetic of a room. These include ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting.

Read on as we share tips on how to create a well-balanced and visually appealing space by incorporating these layers of lighting into your interior design.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, is the first layer of light that illuminates a room. It provides a baseline level of light that allows you to see the overall layout and features of the space.

There are many ways to create ambient lighting, such as using overhead fixtures like pendants, chandeliers, or ceiling fans.

In commercial settings, recessed lights, troffers, and panels are often used.

While ambient lighting is essential, it can also be rather uniform and uninteresting on its own. That's why it's important to also incorporate accent lighting and task lighting to bring depth and visual interest to a space.

Some ambient lighting choices include:

• Ceiling lights: These fixtures are mounted flush to the ceiling and provide a low level of general illumination. They are often controlled by a wall switch and are a common choice for house lighting.
• Recessed lighting: When used with a dimmer switch, recessed lights can provide ambient ceiling lighting.
• Table lamps: Adding a shaded table lamp to an occasional table can create a cosy atmosphere in a room.
• Torchière lamps: These floor or table lamps reflect light towards the ceiling, brightening up any corner or area in a room.
• Chandeliers: A dramatic and elegant lighting option, chandeliers can provide both uplighting and downlighting. For styling inspiration, browse our wide range of modern luxury chandelier designs.

Pro Tip: When wiring your rooms, include multiple circuits. This will allow you to dim some lights while keeping others brighter, a perfect solution for multi-tasking families and those who want to create the perfect ambience in a snap.

Accent Lighting

The second layer of light in interior design is known as accent lighting or decorative lighting. This layer is used to highlight points of interest in a space, such as architectural features or artwork.

Accent lighting is most effective when the light on the focal point is three times brighter than the surrounding area.

In addition to drawing attention to specific features, accent lighting also serves as a secondary light source that helps to chase away shadows and fill in areas that may not be adequately lit by ambient lighting alone.

By incorporating accent lighting into your design, you can add depth and visual interest to your space and make certain features stand out.

Accent lighting options can include:

• Recessed lighting: This subtle form of illumination is great for adding softer light to a room or highlighting features like bookcases or under cabinet lighting.
• Wall lights: These fixtures can add mood lighting to a room and serve as additional lighting for areas like hallways, dining room buffets, or bathrooms. Elevate your interior by considering unique designs like the Liquid Collection by Serip.
• Track lighting: A popular choice for highlighting artwork, track lighting can also be used to provide uplighting or downlighting.
• Picture lighting: Directed downlighting provided by picture lighting fixtures is perfect for highlighting artwork.
• Cove lighting: Cove lighting strips are placed between the cove and the ceiling, making them ideal for illuminating tray ceilings, valances, and ledges.
• In the kitchen, pendant lighting and under-cabinet lighting are great for illuminating food prep areas.

Task Lighting

The final layer, task lighting, is focused lighting used for specific activities in a designated area. It is important to consider the tasks that will be performed in the space when choosing task lighting, as it should provide adequate illumination without creating distracting shadows or glare.

This lighting is beneficial for activities such as reading, working at a desk, cooking and other chores. For example, if you enjoy reading in your favourite chair near the bookshelf, you may want to consider a floor lamp or swing arm sconce to prevent eye strain.

Some notable task lighting choices include:

• Under cabinet lighting: Mounted beneath a cabinet, this type of lighting provides excellent task lighting for areas like kitchens, workshops, or craft rooms.
• Pendant lights: Suspended from the ceiling, pendant lights provide direct overhead lighting for work areas and are popular in kitchens and some bathroom designs.
• Desk lamps: These lamps, especially those with movable arms or goosenecks, are ideal for task lighting.
• Table lamps: Table lamps can provide needed lighting for desk workspaces, living rooms, or bedside tables. For example, a pair of buffet table lamps can be a useful addition to serving dinners.
• Wall sconces: In areas where table lamps might take up valuable storage, work, or serving surfaces, wall sconces that provide downlighting can be a good alternative for task lighting.

Good Lighting Advice

• Consider the purpose and function of each room when selecting lighting. Different activities and types of furniture may require specific lighting solutions.
• Consider installing a light intensity regulator or dimmer system, as it can help create a mood-responsive lighting environment.
• Ensure that the colour and intensity of the light are consistent throughout all rooms. Harsh changes can result in irritation, stress, and eye fatigue.
• Install lights on shorter walls to create a more symmetrical appearance and draw attention away from longer walls.
• Keep in mind that a 60- or 70-watt bulb may be too bright for mood lighting and a 40-watt bulb may be a more suitable option.
• Use diffusers to soften harsh lights and create a more soothing atmosphere.

In Conclusion

Lighting plays a vital role in the overall look and feel of a room. A functional and decorative lighting plan often includes a combination of three main types: ambient, task, and accent.

The specific mix of lighting that a room requires will depend on its function and design and may include a combination of general, ambient, mood, accent, and task lights.

Check out our luxury lighting collection which features stylish contemporary designs that include all the types of lighting your home will need. For ideas on how to incorporate your lighting into modern home designs, take a look at Valley Road, one of our residential home interior design projects with a key focus on lighting.