The Three Basic Types Of Lighting Used In Design
Introduction
Lighting is often the design faction overlooked the most when individuals think of interior design. For most, lighting is the last thing they think of when planning a project, which we do not recommend. This is why at Innermost Designs, we are fortunate to be one of the few design firms with a lighting design specialist! Learn more about our lighting design services here.
Lighting should be treated equally among all other aspects of design, as it truly can make or break a room. As such, different types of lighting work best in each scenario. Whether it be a desk light for your office, an elegant chandelier for your family room, or small kitchen lights that draw attention to your fine china. Throughout this blog, we will discuss the following types of lighting:
Accent Lighting
Ambient Lighting (Indoor & Outdoor)
Task Lighting
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is often used to draw attention or focus on a specific item in a room or create a particular visual effect. This type of lighting may draw attention to a piece of artwork, a family picture, an architectural feature, a collection of items, the list goes on.
Accent lighting often gives the impression that the room is larger than it is. Having multiple accent lights in a room allows guests to keep their eyes moving around the room, which gives the impression of being larger. Unlike ambient and task lighting, which are generally used for more utilitarian purposes, accent lighting creates atmosphere.
As interior designers, we often use accent lighting as the finishing touch of a room. When used correctly, accent lighting can give any room the perfect effect.
Types of fixtures that provide accent lighting:
Track Light
Slim Line Bar and Under-cabinet
Tape and Extrusion
Directional Recessed Fixture or Downlight
Wall-mounted Fixtures
Picture Lights
Candlelight
Accent Lighting (Shelf Lighting Intended To Draw Attention To Said Items)
Ambient (Indoor) Lighting
Ambient lighting can commonly be referred to as your “general” lighting. Ambient lighting is the light fixtures intended to light up an entire room. For example, a chandelier or ceiling mounted lights. These lights are intended to be the main light source in a room and provide great visibility and movement for you and your guests.
As ambient lighting is intended to light up the entire room, you do not want to overdo it. If you have too much ambient lighting, your room may feel like an airport or a hospital. Ambient lighting is intended to provide a uniform light or glow across the entirety of a room, but is also intended to seek the compliments of task and accent lighting.
Check out some examples of fixtures that provide indoor ambient lighting below!
Types of fixtures that provide indoor ambient lighting:
Chandelier
Ceiling mounted fixture
Wall-mounted fixture
Traditional recessed fixtures and / or LED downlights
Track light
Floor lamp
Table lamp
Pot Lights
Indoor Ambient Lighting (Hanging Ceiling Mounted Lights, Hanging Chandelier)
Ambient (Outdoor) Lighting
Reiterating what we discussed in the Ambient (Indoor) section, this type of lighting is intended to provide excellent visibility of an area. Ambient lighting is often used for security purposes in an outdoor setting, ensuring visibility around your home or business. Outdoor ambient lighting can also shed light on stairs to help reduce the risk of injury among family and friends entering the house.
Check out some examples of fixtures that provide outdoor ambient lighting below!
Types of fixtures that provide outdoor ambient lighting:
Spotlight
Hanging fixture
Garage and canopy lighting
Post lantern
Wall lighting
Recessed fixture used in overhanging structures
Outdoor Ambient Lighting
Task Lighting
You might be able to guess this one. Task lighting is just as it seems, used to accomplish tasks! This type of lighting is generally very focused and is intended to illuminate a specific function. Task lighting should be bright enough to complete the assigned function, reducing glare and preventing eye strain.
Task lighting is used for tasks like reading, crafting, cooking, studying, working, etc. Locations in the home that require task lighting may include kitchen counters, living room seating areas, or at-home office space.
Check out some examples of fixtures that provide task lighting below!
Types of fixtures that provide task lighting:
Directional gimbal recessed fixture or downlight
Pendant lighting
Slim line bar and undercabinet
Tape and extrusion
Portable or desk lamp
Recessed or track lighting
Task Lighting (Hanging Ceiling Mounted Lights Providing Visibility To Counter Activity)
Conclusion
To recap, LIGHTING IS IMPORTANT! Don’t wait until the very end of your project to think about lighting. People often throw lighting to the back burner, leading to an insufficient amount of budget left when the time comes. For a comparison, lighting is to interior design as jewelry is to a dress.
At Innermost Designs, we are fortunate to be one of the few design firms that can specialize in lighting design. Feel free to check out a list of lighting suppliers we work with below.
Lighting Design Products at Innermost Designs
Lighting design is often overlooked, but it is crucial! If you have any questions about lighting design or are interested in working together - don't hesitate to contact us! We are here to help make sure lighting gets the attention it needs.
